• I am contemplating on entering a Master's program, but I would like to know the career prospects of the different types of programs. Where can I find that information?

For career directions, advice and guidance, please visit the UBC Career Services: http://students.ubc.ca/careers/

• I would like to opt-out of the U-Pass program. How should I do that?

All students that are assessed student fees, regardless of credit load, will be assessed the U-Pass fee and are entitled to obtain a U-Pass. Students who can opt-out of the U-Pass program are ones do not reside in the GVRD and who do not take classes offered by the University, Vancouver School of Theology or Regent College in the GVRD. Any student who officially withdraws from the University by the withdrawal date established by UBC and who has not picked up a U-Pass (no application required) can also apply for exemption. All exemption requests must be made online on the Student Service Centre website.

• Where can I find information on extending my student Visa?

International students who are seeking information on visa extension can obtain information from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site.

• I would like to get medical and dental insurance. Where should I go?

Anyone residing in BC for longer than six months is required by law to enroll in the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) and pay premiums directly to the plan. However, there is a waiting period of three months before any newcomer to BC is eligible for BC MSP. More information can be found at the Ministry of Health Services MSP web site.

UBC also provides a new service called IMED, which is a plan to address unexpected injury and illness. IMED will cover the 3-month waiting period. IMED is automatic and mandatory for international exchange students and all new students who pay international tuition and student fees.

In addition to the basic health plan, all UBC students that are assessed student fees are also assessed the AMS/GSS Extended Health and Dental Plan fee. This is an extended health and dental plan which provides coverage, in addition to basic medical covered by MSP, for example most prescriptions drugs, travel health insurance, vision care and dental care. This fee is assessed only in the Winter Sessions and provides coverage from September 1 to August 31. More information on this fee is available at the UBC Calendar's AMS Fees web page.

• I have some issues concerning equity. Where can I find someone to talk to in a confidential manner?

Students with issues on equity can visit UBC's Equity Office web site. The Alma Mater Society (AMS) also has an Ombuds Office which is committed to assisting students and AMS staff by providing conflict resolution services.

• Are there free counseling services available to students?

AMS Speakeasy provides information, peer counseling, and crisis support to the UBC community. Speakeasy volunteers are carefully chosen and trained to assist students in dealing with a wide range of issues, including relationship breakups, substance abuse, sexuality, and exam stress.  With access to a private counseling room, all drop-ins and call-ins are strictly confidential. For more information please go to http://www.ams.ubc.ca/content.cfm

• What activities are available to graduate students?

UBC REC offers a wide range of events and activities that are fun for students. To see what activities are currently being offered, please visit the AMS Speakeasy web page.

• I need to access my emails and surf on the web. Are there labs within the Faculty or university where I can have free access?

Computing and Media Services (CMS) maintains the central media and computing facilities for the Faculty of Education. It also maintains the central faculty computing labs. These are provided by the Faculty for teaching purposes. When the labs are not being used by classes they are available for general use by Faculty of Education students, faculty and staff. For locations of these labs, please visit Additional computers throughout UBC Library branches provide access to the Web only. Most UBC Library computers require users to log in using their UBC/Library card barcode and PIN. For more information on obtaining a UBC Library card and PIN, please visit the UBC Library web site.

• I am working on a research project, and I need to conduct some research at the Library. Is there support on how to search for articles?

The UBC Library offers workshops, online tutorials, and in-person training sessions for students on how to access the library's resources. Please visit the UBC Library web site to find out more about how to sign up for these services.