The GSS offers services and information specifically tailored to graduate students at Simon Fraser University. Check out a list of services below!
Health & Dental Benefit Plan
Graduate students who start their graduate programs in September or January of a given year are automatically enrolled into the Benefit Plan (May-start students must self-enroll for their first semester at SFU). Fees for the plan are automatically included with your tuition, front-loaded for the full policy year on your September student fees (or, for January-start students, from January - August on your January student fees). Complete information about the plan, including details on submitting claims, opting out, and adding family coverage, is available on the SFU Graduate Benefit Plan website.
*IMPROVED* Advocacy & Representation
The Graduate Student Society Advocate is an on-staff resource for any graduate student who is experiencing difficulties with their supervisors, departments, or with the university administration. Students can contact our Advocate (Christina Batstone) via email (advocacy@sfugradsociety.ca) or by phone (778-782-9412 - confidential voicemail) to receive support and ensure that you get the education you deserve.
Child Care Funding
The GSS is reviewing and improving this service - please stay tuned for new information and application deadlines!
*NEW* Professional Development Grant
The GSS is proud to announce that we have a new funding source available to graduate students attending conferences or engaging in field research. Up to $500 is available for select graduate students who are taking part in these professional development activities.
Professional Development Grant Application Form
Please note - this is a form-fillable PDF, but it needs to be printed and signed - you cannot save the information that you have inputed into this form!
Professional Development Grant Application Guide
Professional Development Grant FAQ
(Original applications must be provided - scans & faxes will not be allowed)
APPLICATIONS DUE by 4:00 PM for the following dates of travel:
June 1 2012 for travel occurring between July 1 2012 to October 31 2012.
August 1 2012 for travel occurring between September 1 2012 to December 31 2012.
If you are conducting community-based research, or working on social justice projects, please also visit SFPIRG’s website for more granting opportunities!
Grad Lounge & Boardroom
Located in Room 2212 of the Maggie Benston Centre at the end of the GSS hallway, the Lounge is a comfy, quiet area specially reserved for graduate students. Furnished with couches and wireless access, the Lounge is a great place for students to eat lunch, chat, study or just relax. Graduate Caucuses may reserve our Lounge or the Boardroom to host special events and/or meetings.
Please check this calendar for room availability.
Room Booking Form* Room Booking Rules
*form-fillable version now available!
Audio/Visual Equipment
Having an event in our Lounge or Boardroom that needs high-tech equipment? Use the GSS equipment for free! Our surround-sound system, high-powered projector, and other goodies are available to Caucuses for meetings and socials.
AV Equipment Booking Form AV Equipment Booking Rules AV Equipment Inventory
Caucus Funding and Grants
The GSS provides funding to support the activities of department graduate Caucuses, as well as additional grant funding for special projects. Complete information is available here.
Grad Student Survival Guide
Our online resource for everything a new graduate student might need to know, whether you’re from Burnaby or Budapest!
Free Legal Advice
The Legal Clinic is held on Thursdays all year round, and can provide students with legal advice and/or notary services free of cost. To make an appointment, please visit the SFSS General Office at MBC Room 2250, call 778-782-3181, or email go@sfss.ca.
Support to on-campus resources
As members of the GSS, graduate students contribute funds to various on-campus resources through student fees each semester. These campus resources include:
Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG)
World University Service Canada
First Nations Student Association @ SFU
Please visit their respective websites for complete information on any of these organizations.
Ombudsperson
The Ombudsperson can assist students who are experiencing difficulties or are involved in disputes with the university, their department, or members of their supervisory committee. The role of the Ombudsperson is to ensure that all members of the university community receive fair and equitable treatment on campus.
Students can reach the Ombudsperson, Jay Solman, by phone at 778-782-4563 or via email. Please also see the Ombudsperson website for complete information on his services.
U-Pass
The U-Pass provides students with unlimited access to Translink’s Bus (including Community Shuttles and West Vancouver Blue Buses), Skytrain, and SeaBus services in all transit zones. The U-Pass program is a joint initiative by the GSS, the SFSS, Simon Fraser University, and Translink. Complete information about the U-Pass program including eligibility, exemption, and subsidy rules are available here.
And more in the Rotunda...
The Rotunda is the area between the West Mall Complex and the Convocation Mall, above the stairs leading up from the bus loop. A number of student groups have offices in the Rotunda, including the following which are open to all students on campus:
* Open study space
Please visit their respective websites (if applicable) for complete information on any of these organizations.