Political Advocacy Services

The GSS represents the interests of 2400-plus graduate students at UVic and serves as an advocacy and lobby group for its members within the University of Victoria, as well as speaking on behalf of its membership to issues of concern at the university and the larger community. Learn about GSS advocacy and campaigns here.

The GSS has representation on the University Senate, and members of the GSS Executive, as well as graduate students-at-large, sit on various university committees, boards and councils. It is our job to ensure graduate student representation on as many university committees as possible.

We are also your personal advocate on campus. The Director of Student Affairs is the person to contact if you have problems you cannot resolve with UVic's bureaucracy, your department, or your advisor. Difficulties related to your employment as a teaching or research assistant are handled by the CUPE Local 4163.

Grants and Bursaries

A portion of your membership fees are used to fund grants and bursaries. The majority of funds are transferred to the University where they are administered on behalf of the Society. Applications can be obtained through UVic's Financial Aid Office (University Centre, 2nd floor) or the Society's General Office.

The GSS Departmental Grant: is available for groups of students to apply for up to $500 per year (April - March) to offset the cost of a graduate student-organized activity, publication or event that would benefit students in your department. Applications must be signed by your department's GSS graduate representative and are evaluated regularly by the GSS Executive Director. Application form PDF .

The FGS/GSS Travel Grants: is available for you to apply for a $300 - $600 grant per year to offset the cost of attending or presenting at a conference or traveling for research purposes. Forms should be returned to the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), where the grants are administered. The funding pool is finite and the demand is high, so apply as early as you can. PDF Available

The GSS Childcare Bursary: As mandated by referendum, the Society has contributed to the development of the Childcare Endowment Fund, which supports many members with childcare costs while they are attending UVic. Please submit your application directly to UVic's Financial Aid office.

The SPOKES Bike Bursary Program: The number of bursaries available each semester is dependent on the number of volunteers and the quality of bicycle donations. SPOKES aims to give out as many bicycles as possible. The bursaries consist of a refurbished bicycle, lock and offer for free cycling and maintenance workshops.

MEMBER services

Universal Bus Pass

Free daytimers are available at the GSS office. The daytimers include a calendar and a small section of information. 2009-2010 daytimers will be available in August.

The Grad House restaurant has the best food on campus and sources food from southern Vancouver Island. We have plenty of vegetarian options, can veganize many of our menu items, always have all local micro-brew on tap, and are family friendly!

Rooms for graduate student study groups, meetings, thesis defense--free!

Referrals: our friendly staff can help you find the services you need on campus and in Victoria. Visit our office at the Halpern Grad Centre, room 102.

Events! Sign up for the bulletin to get weekly notice about grad student social events.

CLUBS

All graduate students are eligible to join and form new clubs at UVic. Clubs are organized through the undergraduate students’ union. For more information please go to:http://www.uvss.uvic.ca/clubscu

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD (ISIC)

ISIC is an internationally recognized form of student ID. The card qualifies students for discounts at hotels, museums, historical sights and entertainment attractions in over 70 countries worldwide. Discounts are available on domestic air travel and 40% discounts on VIA Rail. ISIC cards are sold at the SUB Info Booth and in both Travel Cuts locations (in the SUB and downtown).

SWAP (STUDENT WORK ABROAD PROGRAM)

You can find more information about the SWAP Programme at the TravelCUTS office located in the SUB next to ZAP! in the main hallway.