Student Support Services

UBC Support Offices

UBC has multiple support offices available to help students during their education. The UBC Academic Calendar, UBC Student Services and Equity and Inclusion Office websites are key hubs for student information and resources.

Descriptions:

UBC Academic Calendar

The UBC Academic Calendar (Vancouver) is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services (from health, accessibility, advocacy to appeals), and policies at the University of British Columbia. This is also where you will find UBC University academic policies, regulations and procedures. The online Calendar is the official Calendar.

UBC Student Services

The UBC Student Services website is your main resource for important information throughout your studies. Find guidance on course registration, tuition payment, financial planning, ordering transcripts and diplomas, and much more. Explore available financial support, budgeting tools, and opportunities for awards and scholarships. You’ll also discover resources for orientation, health and wellness, and other supports to help you thrive in the midwifery program.

Support Options by Topic
Equity and Inclusion Office

The Equity & Inclusion Office at UBC is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community where everyone feels respected and valued. They believe in the importance of diversity and work together to ensure that equity is a fundamental part of our campus life. Their mission focuses on advancing human rights by celebrating different backgrounds, eliminating discrimination, and encouraging open conversations within the community.

Health and Wellbeing

UBC Counselling Services offers drop-in counselling services with a Wellness Advisor available to all UBC Students. They offer virtual, phone, and in-person appointments for students seeking mental health support.

  • Speaking with a counsellor can help individuals better understand the mental health concerns they face. Counsellors can also assist in identifying strategies to manage or overcome these concerns, promoting a healthier and more fulfilling life that aligns with their personal goals. Counseling Services are available to address a range of mental health issues that may hinder one’s well-being and goal achievement, including stress, depression, relationship difficulties, and other well-being-related topics.
  • For individuals dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, or stress, counsellors may recommend participation in a group counselling program. Group counselling provides a safe and supportive environment to help you to connect with other students experiencing similar challenges and gain new perspectives and skills. It is as effective as individual therapy for concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. 

UBC transitioned to a new student mental health assistance provider late in 2023. Here2Talk will be the 24/7 mental health support of choice for students within our continuum of care.

With Here2Talk, students have immediate access to counselling and community referral services via phone, online chat, and mobile app. The government of BC provides this service for all BC post-secondary students. All Here2Talk services are free and available 24/7 in multiple languages. They are accessible to all UBC students, including domestic and international students. No matter where they are in the world, UBC students can access Here2Talk anytime and as frequently as they require.

Highlighted UBC resources and UBC-sanctioned tools.

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) offers information and tools for addressing stress, relationship problems, substance use, and more. It can be accessed at any time.

AMS

  • AMS Peer Support provides free, confidential, one-on-one peer support for students facing various challenges. The Peer Supporters are trained to provide emotional support about academic stress, burnout, loneliness, anxiety, substance use, mental health, relationship struggles, sexual violence, 2SLGBTQIA+ identity, grief and more.

UBC Wellbeing

  • Thrive is an online platform supporting the UBC community’s mental health. It promotes mental health literacy, reduces stigma, shares diverse perspectives, fosters a supportive campus culture, and provides resources to enhance knowledge, coping skills, and resilience.
  • UBC acknowledges the reality of substance use and is committed to reducing harm and supporting the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff. The Substance Use Health and Harm Reduction initiative is, in response, collaborating with community partners, UBC units, and departments developing harm reduction strategies and resources tailored to the needs of the campus community.

Student Services:

  • Substance Use and Harm Reduction offers resources to help UBC students make informed decisions about substance use. All substance use carries risks, especially unregulated drugs, which may contain harmful additives like fentanyl or benzodiazepines. Avoiding substances is the safest choice, but harm reduction strategies, such as drug checking, can help reduce risks. Learn more on the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health website.
  • The UBC Student Recovery Community (SRC) provides a safe, inclusive space for students exploring recovery or their relationship with substances or addictive behaviours, including disordered eating, gaming, and gambling. Using a peer-supported, evidence-based model, the SRC empowers students to support one another across all recovery pathways, from harm reduction to abstinence.
  • Alcohol, Cannabis and Nicotine webpage provides resources to help UBC students make informed choices about substance use, including alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and caffeine. All substance use carries risks, so it’s important to consider its effects on your wellbeing. Avoiding substances is the safest option, but planning ahead can help reduce potential harms.

Health Insurance

UBC requires that all students have basic and extended health insurance for the duration of their studies.

Extended Health Insurance

All UBC students registered in classes are automatically enrolled in the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan. Extended health insurance covers some fees and services which are not covered by basic health insurance, such as up to 80% of the cost of eligible prescription medicine, dental care, vision care, psychologist visits, and travel insurance.

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology recommends adults aged 18–64 engage in at least 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity and muscle strengthening twice weekly. Even small amounts of physical activity can reduce burnout and improve the quality of life for medical students.

UBC Wellbeing

  • The Wellbeing Break Commitment Pilot encourages UBC students, faculty, and staff to engage in a 2-5 minute wellbeing break every 60 minutes during stationary or sedentary meetings, workshops, and classes. Email physical.activity@ubc.ca to learn more, receive sample resources, and get involved. 

UBC Recreation

  • UBC Recreation provides students with free, low-barrier, accessible, and enjoyable physical recreation opportunities. Programs include:
    • Intramural Leagues and Events
    • Get Moving Programs
    • Tennis Learn to Play Programs
    • Aquatic Programs
  • UBC Lunch ad Lift Workshop Series offers a free, online 30-minute movement class followed by a 30-minute interactive wellbeing session led by a UBC wellbeing professional. These Zoom sessions provide exercise and practical tips to support a healthy mind and body during lunch breaks.

Student Health Service provides access to physical and mental health care, including medical exams, diagnosis and treatment, contraception, prescriptions, vaccines, gender-affirming care, and screening tests. There are two clinics on the UBC Vancouver Campus: 

Koerner Pavilion Clinic and Orchard Commons Clinic. Appointments are available by phone, video, or in person. 

The Health and Wellbeing section of the student services site highlights self-help tools, support, and resources. Please visit this section for more information.

The Wellness Centre is a peer-hosted space located in the UBC Life Building that offers various resources such as Naloxone training, fentanyl test strips, and the Sexual Health Shop. The Wellness Centre Assistants can answer your questions about health, mental health and well-being resources, services, and support options. You can connect by visiting the Wellness Centre Info Desk in the UBC Life building or submitting a question online. 

  • The Wellness Centre also offers training and education with a wide range of self-directed learning courses for all UBC students. UBC staff, faculty, and student groups can book workshops, activities, booths, and events organized by the Health Equity, Promotion, and Education Team. 

  • The Sexual Health Shop at the Wellness Centre offers a sex-positive, inclusive, and safe space for the UBC community. The Shop provides sexual health information and access to sexual health and pleasure products (online orders are available). 

Advocacy and Support Services

UBC Student Services

Chapman Learning Commons

  • The Chapman Learning Commons supports students with academics, wellness, and personal growth. A team of 15 students from various disciplines staffs the Help Desk and develops online resources. Whether students need help with campus printing, laptop charging, or advice from peers, they can find support on the third floor of IKBLC.

The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is UBC Vancouver’s student union, dedicated to making student life safer, healthier, more accessible, affordable, social, and fulfilling. Run by elected student leaders, staff, and volunteers, the AMS provides services, advocates for student interests, and creates events and policies to enhance your university experience. From your first day at UBC to graduation, the AMS is here to support and empower you.

To build your community, AMS has over 400+ diverse clubs you can join; see their directory.  

AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre

  • Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., the SASC provides services to Survivors of sexualized violence and their friends and family. This includes people of all genders, students, staff, faculty, and all others connected to the UBC-Vancouver campus community. 
  • Support can be accessed by drop-in or by scheduling an appointment. Call 604-827-5180 or email sasc@ams.ubc.ca. For more information about available services, visit their website.

UBC is committed to fostering a safe, healthy, and respectful environment for everyone in the campus community. Programs and services are available at both UBC’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses to minimize risks and help you stay safe. If you feel unsafe at any time, please get in touch with Campus Security either using a Campus Blue Phone or by calling 604-822-2222 at UBC’s Vancouver campus or 250-807-8111 at UBC’s Okanagan campus.  

If you are uncomfortable walking alone on campus, please make use of the following services:  

UBC Vancouver campus  

If you would like an escort across campus or feel unsafe at any time, please contact Campus Security. Call 604-822-2222 or use a Campus Blue Phone. These phones can be found across the Vancouver campus. Simply push the button, and you will be connected to the Campus Security Dispatcher.  

If transit is your preferred method of transportation, consider taking the #68 TransLink around UBC.  

UBC Okanagan campus  

If you would like an escort across campus, trained students or Campus Security will happily aid you. You can access this service by calling Safewalk at 250-807-8076, available 24 hours a day. This round-the-clock service is here to ensure your security and peace of mind.  

 If you feel unsafe at any time, please remember that you have multiple ways to get in touch with Campus Security. You can call 250-807-8111 or use a blue emergency security phone located around campus. This variety of options is designed to give you a sense of control and empowerment to ensure your safety. 

If you feel that you have experienced or witnessed mistreatment or have concerns about your learning environment, we encourage you to report it.

Faculty of Medicine Statement on Mistreatment

The Office of the Ombudsperson for Students ensures that UBC students are treated fairly and can thrive in an equitable, respectful environment. Reporting to the President, the office is an independent, impartial, and confidential resource jointly funded by the AMS, GSS, SUO, and UBC. You can find details on what the office can do for you and the rules around confidentiality on their “How can we help?” page.

The SVPRO is a confidential place for those who have experienced or been impacted by any form of sexual or gender-based violence, harassment, or harm, regardless of where or when it took place. SVRPO aims to be a safe space for all by respecting each person’s unique and multiple identities and experiences. All genders and sexualities are welcome.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

For students who have an ongoing medical condition or disabilities that can impact their educational success, the Centre for Accessibility facilitates accommodations between students and programs to ensure support is identified: https://students.ubc.ca/about-student-services/centre-for-accessibility

Before requesting an accommodation(s), you must first register before applying: https://students.ubc.ca/about-student-services/centre-for-accessibility/registering-centre-accessibility

Resources for students with disabilities: https://students.ubc.ca/campus-life/equity-diversity-inclusion-resources/resources-disabilities

For even more resources for students with disabilities, please visit the Students Services website.

The EDI Action Network organizes events and information exchanges for students, faculty, and staff to assist those advancing EDI initiatives at UBC. 

UBC is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive living and learning environment with resources and services for all students.

The UBC Student Services site has EDI resources and recommendations, found under Campus Life -> Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for those experiencing or witnessing discrimination.

https://students.ubc.ca/campus-life/equity-diversity-inclusion-resources/responding-discrimination

Please also see UBC’s Discrimination Policy (SC7) and read or download the Discrimination and Complaint Process.

The FNHL serves as a vital hub for Indigenous students at UBC. It offers a range of services, including Indigenous graduation ceremonies, wellness events, tutoring, counselling, academic advising, and financial guidance. It’s open to all self-identifying Indigenous students on campus. 

Join weekly Longhouse lunches to connect with fellow Indigenous students. Check your email for schedule updates each term. 

Please visit Indigenous Student Resources for additional items.

Black Student Space: The Black Student Space is an identity-affirming space available only for Black undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at the UBC Vancouver campus. It’s a space to study, connect with each other, recharge, host events and sessions, and build community. 

Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program:  The UBC Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program assists Black Canadian students who are transitioning to UBC from secondary school or another post-secondary institution. The purpose of the program is to financially support academically qualified students who show an interest in joining and contributing to the UBC community at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses but who would not be able to attend without significant financial assistance. Through the program, new students can access renewable awards of up to $80,000. Some programming, e.g. events, workshops, etc., are open to current UBC Black students as well as Scholars. 

The UBC Black Caucus promotes a community of Black students, staff, and faculty across UBC’s campuses by organizing events and providing resources and ongoing support. 

UBC aims to create a safe and inclusive campus environment where all genders and sexual identities are welcome. There are campus resources, involvement opportunities, and career guidance for Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) students. Resources can be found on the Campus Life section of Student Services under 2SLGBTQIA Resources.

The Positive Space Campaign is an initiative intended to help make UBC more receptive to and welcoming of its lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* (transgender, transsexual, trans-identified), two-spirit, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBT*TQIA+) communities, individuals, and issues of sexual and gender diversity on campus. It aims to foster a welcoming atmosphere and inclusive, respectful dialogue on campus for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities by identifying spaces where sexual and gender diversity is supported and valued.