Navigating support for graduate students

 

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Graduate school should be an exciting time but can also bring new and unexpected challenges. Such challenges are often best addressed sooner rather than later, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support or access the resources available to help you succeed.

Below is a quick guide to help you navigate the resources and people available to help with different types of issues. This is a starting point, and many issues cross categories, so reach out to any of the resources here as you feel suit your issue. For example, a conflict with someone in the lab could be both a scientific and personal issue, and benefit from resources in each category. 

Your Supervisor 

Your supervisor is often your first point of contact for issues that arise, whether academic, scientific, or interpersonal. They should be able to either help resolve your issue or direct you to someone who can. More specialized assistance or additional help can be found under the issue topics below.

One exception is if you are experiencing conflict with your supervisor. In these cases, you may choose to first approach your programs’ graduate advisor, your department head, the Faculty of Science Associate Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, or the complex cases team at G+PS (see below). 

Resources by Issue 

Need additional help in a specific area? 

Academic issues

Examples: program progress and milestones, financial questions, or graduation requirements. 

Your graduate program administrator 

Graduate Program Coordinators and Managers often have the most detailed knowledge of administrative processes to solve problems and the experience to know who else may be able to help.

The Centre for Accessibility

If you have a disability or ongoing medical condition that may benefit from an accommodation, contact the UBC Centre for Accessibility. 

Scientific issues 

Examples: concerns about authorship, collaborations, or research directions.

Your supervisory committee members 

Your supervisory committee is there to help you progress through your program and can give guidance in a variety of academic areas.

Personal issues 

Examples: interpersonal conflict, anxiety about progress, or loss of motivation.

Science Embedded Counsellor

Access free, tailored mental health and wellbeing support through the Science Embedded Counsellor. Services include brief individual counselling and referrals to additional mental health services and resources on campus, online, and in the community.  

To meet with the Science Embedded Counsellor, or access same-day appointments at UBC Health and Wellbeing, call 604-822-3811. 

Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination

Examples: repeated degrading comments, unwelcome sexual attention, or discrimination based on identity.

Campus-Wide Resources

UBC Equity and Inclusion Officeprovides human rights advising.

UBC Investigations Officeinvestigates formal complaints.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) supports those who have experienced sexual or gender-based violence, harassment or harm. Ph: 604-822-1588

AMS Sexual Assault Support Centresupports for people of all genders who are survivors of sexualized violence. Ph: 604-827-5180

UBC Office of the Ombudspersonis an impartial resource for achieving fair treatment.

UBC Student Health and Wellbeing provides on-campus medical care and mental health services. Ph: 604-822-7011

Need further help?

Dealing with complex cases, or need to talk to someone other than your supervisor?

Your program’s Graduate Advisor

Each program has at least one faculty member in the role of Graduate Advisor. They can often guide you through academic or interpersonal issues that arise during your program and help you find the most appropriate resources. 

Your Department/Institute Head 

Heads are a good resource for issues that cannot be solved by any of the people above, or sensitive topics that you don’t want to bring up with other program contacts. 

Faculty of Science Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

You may want guidance or advice from someone who understands graduate studies in science but is outside your program and department/institute. You are always free to contact Mike Gordon (michael.gordon@science.ubc.ca) in the Dean’s Office in these cases. 

Complex Cases Team at the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS) 

G+PS has a team to manage complex issues around supervision and policy. Your program’s Graduate Advisor or graduate program administrator can refer you to the complex cases team, or you can reach them directly through their contact form. 

 

Current Graduate Students

Current Student Resources

Navigating Support

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