In response to an identified need to support graduate student wellbeing, UBC’s Health Promotion and Education and Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies units are pleased to announce the launch of the Graduate Student Wellbeing Ambassador Training and Support Program. The purpose of the all-day training program is to build the capacity of graduate students to become a Graduate Student Wellbeing Ambassador (GSWA) for their peers, and to provide health information and resource support to graduate students in order to improve their overall wellbeing. GSWAs will:
- gain the confidence and the skills to provide support to other graduate students who are experiencing challenges with their mental health and overall wellbeing,
- respond to student questions and engaging students in relevant, proactive conversations about student wellness, and
- share information about appropriate on-campus and off-campus resources to students.
We are seeking up to 40 graduate students (Masters’ and PhD-level) from a cross-section of departments and organizations across Faculties to attend the Graduate Student Wellness Ambassador (GSWA) Training and Support Program on Friday, October 4 and participate in a supported network throughout the year. The ideal candidate will be interested and passionate about wellbeing and will currently be in a role that lends itself to a peer support (e.g., on the grad council for a department, a Grad Wellbeing Network member, Green Lantern, or similar). The GSWAs will receive all-day training and will be provided ongoing support throughout the duration of the pilot program, from October 4, 2019 to March 31, 2020. There is no cost associated with training and candidates who complete training will receive nominal funding in the amount of amount $100 to plan and host a wellbeing event for their graduate student peers within their department.
Application Process
In order to participate in the program, candidates must be:
- registered as either a part-time or full-time graduate student
- in good academic standing in their program
- have completed 12 months of their graduate studies
- in a peer role of some type that warrants additional training and support
Interested candidates must complete the application form and provide a reference that may be contacted to confirm the candidate’s passion and commitment to wellbeing by Monday, September 23. All successful candidates must be available to attend the all-day training session on Friday, October 4 from 9:00am to 5:00pm as well as commit to participating in a supported network of graduate students from October 4, 2019 to March 31, 2020.
Questions regarding the Graduate Student Wellbeing Ambassador Training and Support Program should be directed to Levonne Abshire at levonne.abshire@ubc.ca.