Student Newsletter

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ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter January 12, 2026

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

ISGP Community

Meditation Sessions @ UBC Farm Yurt
Free | Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 pm starting Sep 24 | Peer-led mindfulness practice: 20 min silent sit, 10 min technique/Q&A, 15 min walking meditation, 15 min discussion. Beginners welcome; tea and chairs provided (bring a cushion if you like). Location: UBC Farm Yurt (enter farm gate, turn right ~200 m). Open to students, faculty, and community; aligned with the Vipassana tradition. Learn more here

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Courses

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

Funding Opportunities

G+PS Events & Workshops

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Jan 13 | 12 - 2 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills".Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge

Introduction to Quantum Technologies
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 14 | 11 am - 2 pm PDT | Learn more about this series, and register through Mitacs Edge.

Approaches to Supporting Indigenous Student Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Classroom
Online | Thursday, Jan 15 | 1 - 2:30 pm Register

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 15 | 11 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills" | Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge

Indigenous Initiatives Evaluation Series
In-person | Tuesdays Feb 3, 10, & 24 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | Apply by Jan 19
Note: completion of the II-Evaluation Series requires 13 hours total time commitment, including:

  • Attendance and active participation in 3 half-day synchronous workshops (9 hours – Days 1, 2 & 4 will meet in-person), with an optional 1.5 hour virtual drop-in session during week 3
  • Reading before week 1 (1-2 hours), with additional (optional) readings between the sessions

Indigenous Initiatives Evaluation Series
In-person | Feb 3, 10 & 24 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
A three-part interactive workshop series during which faculty, staff, and students will be guided through deep self-reflection, hands-on activities, and conversations that support the development of personal decolonial evaluation practices. 13 hours total time commitment
Learn more and apply by Jan 19

Telling Spatial Stories with your Data
Online | Monday, Jan 19 | 10 am - 12 pm Register

Data Bites - Choosing File Formats for Research Data
Online | Monday, Jan 19 | 11:30 am - 12 pm Register

SSHRC’s Storytellers Challenge
Share how your social sciences and humanities research is impacting our lives, our world and our future for the better, in up to three minutes or 300 words. Your story must be compelling, creative and clear.
Learn more about eligibility criteria, prizes, and how to apply. Deadline is Tuesday, Jan 20, 5 pm EST (2 pm PST)

Classroom Evaluation and Research: Do I Need Ethics Approval?
Online | Tuesday, Jan 20 | 1 - 2:30 pm Register.

Pedagogies of Care: Accessible Teaching, Systemic Barriers, & Care in Your Discipline
Online | Wednesday, Jan 21 | 8 - 10 am PST Register. Cap is 25.

Introduction to Git and GitHub: Part 1
Hybrid | Wednesday, Jan 21 | 10 am - 12 pm Register

Writing a Grant Proposal: Crafting a Compelling Research Story
Hybrid | Wednesday, Jan 21 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register

Beginner R Part 1
Online | Thursday, Jan 22 | 1 - 2 pm Register

Choosing a Citation Management Tool
Online | Wednesday, Jan 21 | 2:30 - 4 pm Register

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 22 | 1 - 4 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion".
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge

From Reverence to Erasure to Queer Indigenous Joy: Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Realities Over Time
In-person | Thursday, Jan 22 | 1 - 2:30 pm Register

The Joyful Journey: Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Professional Development Series (Spring 2026)
Online, Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) series | Thursdays, 1 - 2 pm | View the full schedule. Sessions include:

Research Project Management for Graduate Students and Postdocs
Online from the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies
Tuesday, Jan 27 | 10 - 11:30 am | $15 Learn more and register.

2026 ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship
An opportunity to conduct research in Switzerland at a laboratory of your choice for a period of 2–3 months.
Learn more and apply by Jan 31

Graduate Instructional Skills Workshop
In-person | Feb 8, 14, & 15 | 9 am - 5:30 pm Apply by Feb 5.
Check out other upcoming ISWs.

Career

Career Advising
Book an online appointment, Learn more.

Hustles for Humanists Book Talk
Join author Erica Machulak at St John's College for a conversation that will address what it means to be a scholar, help you identify your existing skills, and communicate your value to potential clients and employers.
In-person | Thursday, Jan 22 | 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Register by Jan 12 to be entered in the book draw.

Pitching Workshop
This Innovation OnBoard workshop to help finalist teams sharpen their narrative and structure an effective pitch for the Feb 11th Innovation Fair.
In-person | Wednesday, Jan 14 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm Register

Paid Summer Internships: Sustainability Scholars Program
$31.25/hr, 250 hours beginning May 1
Learn more about eligibility and apply by Feb 1. Upcoming info sessions:
Wednesday, Jan 14, 5 - 6:30 pm Register.
Thursday, Jan 22, 12 - 1:30 pm Register.
and Resumes, Cover Letters & Best Practices: Refining your Scholars Application, Monday, Jan 19,5 - 6:30 pm Register.

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 21 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach" (LinkedIn, networking)
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge

Life Sciences BC’s 7th Annual Career Connect Day
In-person | Friday, Jan 23 | 9 am - 4 pm Learn more and register. $25

Knowing What your Employer Wants
This session is the first of several in our Career Series for 2026
Online | Wednesday, Jan 28 | 11 am – 12 pm | Register

Support & Resources

Register with the Centre for Accessibility
If you are a graduate student with an ongoing medical condition or disability that is impacting your academic experience, you may be eligible for graduate specific accommodations and supports. Contact the CFA to discuss.

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work and life? Join to connect with other graduate students in a non-judgmental and welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays 1 - 2:30 pm Learn more
Additional group programs include ADHD skills, Relationship skills, 2STGD and Gender Questioning, and more.

Writing Resources
Check out the guides to writing and speaking including videos and a podcast on topics from academic integrity to the methods, challenges, and rewards of writing Learn more

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter January 5, 2026

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

ISGP Community

Meditation Sessions @ UBC Farm Yurt
Free | Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 pm starting Sep 24 | Peer-led mindfulness practice: 20 min silent sit, 10 min technique/Q&A, 15 min walking meditation, 15 min discussion. Beginners welcome; tea and chairs provided (bring a cushion if you like). Location: UBC Farm Yurt (enter farm gate, turn right ~200 m). Open to students, faculty, and community; aligned with the Vipassana tradition. Learn more here

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Courses

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

Funding Opportunities

G+PS Events & Workshops

Approaches to Supporting Indigenous Student Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Classroom
Online | Thursday, Jan 15 | 1 - 2:30 pm Register

Data Bites - File Naming Best Practices for Research Data
Online | Monday, Jan 12 | 11:30 am - 12 pm Register

Introduction to Quantum Technologies
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 14 | 11 am - 2 pm PDT | Learn more about this series, and register through Mitacs Edge.

Indigenous Initiatives Evaluation Series
In-person | Tuesdays Feb 3, 10, & 24 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | Apply by Jan 19
Note: completion of the II-Evaluation Series requires 13 hours total time commitment, including:

  • Attendance and active participation in 3 half-day synchronous workshops (9 hours – Days 1, 2 & 4 will meet in-person), with an optional 1.5 hour virtual drop-in session during week 3
  • Reading before week 1 (1-2 hours), with additional (optional) readings between the sessions

Indigenous Initiatives Evaluation Series
In-person | Feb 3, 10 & 24 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
A three-part interactive workshop series during which faculty, staff, and students will be guided through deep self-reflection, hands-on activities, and conversations that support the development of personal decolonial evaluation practices. 13 hours total time commitment
Learn more and apply by Jan 19

SSHRC’s Storytellers Challenge
Share how your social sciences and humanities research is impacting our lives, our world and our future for the better, in up to three minutes or 300 words. Your story must be compelling, creative and clear.
Learn more about eligibility criteria, prizes, and how to apply. Deadline is Tuesday, Jan 20, 5 pm EST (2 pm PST)

Pedagogies of Care: Accessible Teaching, Systemic Barriers, & Care in Your Discipline
Online | Wednesday, Jan 21 | 8 - 10 am PST Register. Cap is 25.

2026 ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship
An opportunity to conduct research in Switzerland at a laboratory of your choice for a period of 2–3 months.
Learn more and apply by Jan 31

Graduate Instructional Skills Workshop
In-person | Feb 8, 14, & 15 | 9 am - 5:30 pm Apply by Feb 5.
Check out other upcoming ISWs.

Career

Career Advising
Book an online appointment, Learn more.

Pitching Workshop
This Innovation OnBoard workshop to help finalist teams sharpen their narrative and structure an effective pitch for the Feb 11th Innovation Fair.
In-person | Wednesday, Jan 14 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm Register

Paid Summer Internships: Sustainability Scholars Program
$31.25/hr, 250 hours beginning May 1
Learn more about eligibility and apply by Feb 1. Upcoming info sessions:
Wednesday, Jan 14, 5 - 6:30 pm Register.
Thursday, Jan 22, 12 - 1:30 pm Register.
and Resumes, Cover Letters & Best Practices: Refining your Scholars Application, Monday, Jan 19,5 - 6:30 pm Register.

Life Sciences BC’s 7th Annual Career Connect Day
In-person | Friday, Jan 23 | 9 am - 4 pm Learn more and register. $25

Innovation OnBoard Innovation Fair
The Innovation Fair, Feb 11, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, is your opportunity to pitch an idea, get feedback from experts, and compete for a share of $10,000 in cash prizes. Register your team by Dec 19.

Support & Resources

Register with the Centre for Accessibility
If you are a graduate student with an ongoing medical condition or disability that is impacting your academic experience, you may be eligible for graduate specific accommodations and supports. Contact the CFA to discuss.

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work and life? Join to connect with other graduate students in a non-judgmental and welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays 1 - 2:30 pm Learn more
Additional group programs include ADHD skills, Relationship skills, 2STGD and Gender Questioning, and more.

Writing Resources
Check out the guides to writing and speaking including videos and a podcast on topics from academic integrity to the methods, challenges, and rewards of writing Learn more

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm