Get Involved with NBCGSS: Your Graduate Student Society!

Who We Are

The Northern British Columbia Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS) represents all graduate students at UNBC. We advocate for your rights, provide essential services, and build a vibrant graduate student community. With an annual budget of over $300,000, we manage everything from your health and dental coverage to social events and professional development opportunities.

Why Get Involved?
  • Make a real difference in graduate student life
  • Gain valuable leadership experience
  • Build your professional network
  • Receive competitive compensation
  • Develop transferable skills
  • Shape the future of graduate education at UNBC
Starting Your NBCGSS Journey

The best way to get involved is to start as a volunteer! Here are some ideas!

  1. Attend our events and social activities
  2. Help with event planning and execution
  3. Get to know current board members
  4. Learn about our operations firsthand
New Board Structure for 2025

New Board Structure since 2025

We’re evolving! Starting in 2025, our board will include these key roles:

  • Chairperson
  • Director of Events and Communication
  • Director of EDI and Welfare
  • Director of External and Partnerships
  • Director of Indigenous Students’ Affairs
  • Director of Internal and Strategic Management

Staffing Structure at NBCGSS

  • The 6 board members will be receiving an honorarium at minimum wage covering up to 30 hours per month.
  • 3 office admin positions to support the Board of Director demands and NBCGSS operations, totaling 30 hours per week.
  • All members are in touch with the Executive Director (ED) as the main staff reponsible for all operations.
NBCGSS Board of Directors’ Role Definitions (Full definitions in our policy manual)

Chairperson

The Chairperson is the public face of NBCGSS, speaking on behalf of the Society and graduate students, as well as being responsible for overseeing all communications from UNBC departments. This involves providing overall leadership and direction to the board, ensuring the society is moving in the right direction, and representing the society at high-level university functions. The Chairperson is responsible for the execution of Board decisions and serves as the primary spokesperson for the Society.

Director of Events and Communication

The Director of Events and Communication is responsible for organizing and executing all society events and managing the Society’s communications. This involves overseeing social media accounts and website content, developing and implementing communication strategies, and ensuring effective external communications to students. They are responsible for promoting student engagement and maintaining the Society’s public presence across all platforms.

Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Welfare

The Director of EDI and Welfare is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in all Society operations. This involves liaising with UNBC EDI office, Women’s Center, and Pride Center, overseeing the Food Bank operations, and managing welfare initiatives. They are responsible for advocating for student well-being and applying an EDI lens to all society operations and programs.

Director of External Relations and Partnerships

The Director of External and Partnerships is responsible for the external affairs of the Society. This involves representing the Society at BCFS meetings and external events, developing and maintaining partnerships with external entities, and negotiating discounts and deals for society members. They are responsible for overseeing sponsorship and fundraising initiatives and maintaining relationships with external organizations.

Director of Indigenous Students’ Affairs

The Director of Indigenous Students’ Affairs shall: a. Collaborate with First Nations Center; b. Organize events representing Indigenous graduate students; c. Advocate for Indigenous graduate student needs; d. Develop partnerships with Indigenous organizations in Prince George; and e. Foster understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students while upholding the UNBC motto, En cha huna (Carrier: Respecting all forms of life).

Director of Internal and Strategic Management

The Director of Internal and Strategic Management is responsible for overseeing financial operations and budgeting of the Society. This involves developing long-term strategic plans, managing relationships with university administration, and exploring revenue generation opportunities. They are responsible for ensuring the Society’s financial sustainability and operational effectiveness.

Want to Learn More?

Our current board members are happy to chat about their experiences! Feel free to reach out directly to:

Still Have Questions?
Election Important Dates Details

Election Important Dates Details as per 2025 (Dates are subject to change.)

February 24 – March 7 (2 weeks)

  • Nomination period opens
  • Publish required notices
  • Distribute nomination packages

March 10-14 (5 days)

  • Campaign period
  • Tabling times: 9am-3pm daily
  • Book space for candidate tabling

March 19-20

  • Voting period (48 hours)
  • Closes midnight March 20

Week of March 24-28

  • Semi-formal event
  • Recognition of election results
  • Handover celebration between outgoing/incoming boards

March 31 or Early April

  • New board orientation
  • Training with Executive Director

Key Actions:

  1. Book tabling spaces immediately for March 10-14
  2. Update nomination package with current dates
  3. Set up Election Buddy for online voting
  4. Prepare candidate bio/photo compilation for voting platform
  5. Plan semi-formal event logistics