About GPS
GPS is the acronym for the Graduate Pathways to Success program which was launched in 2008. GPS was made possible through the vision of former dean, Barbara Evans, and was founded on the Professional Development Initiative (PDI) first introduced in 2002 in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Under the leadership of Associate Dean, Dr. Susan Porter (now Dean, pro tem) and the first GPS Manager, Dr. Elizabeth Wallace (now GPS Manager, Special Projects), GPS quickly gained acceptance and recognition. In 2011, it received UBC's Helen McCrae Award for excellence in providing student support. Jacqui Brinkman joined the team as the GPS Manager in 2011. Lina Yu has been the GPS Program Assistant since 2010.
GPS is designed to complement academic programs and enable graduate students to develop some of the personal, professional and academic competencies critical to success in their program and future careers. The aim is to help students develop the capacity to make a difference for good in the world. Like other GPS systems, our program aims to help graduate students to map a successful route through their journey at UBC and beyond.
For general information about GPS, or to ask specific questions about the program, contact:
or send an email to:
The GPS program is housed at:
Faculty of Graduate Studies
6371 Crescent Road
Point Grey Campus, University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2
