Shannon Hagerman
Dean and Vice-Provost pro tem
I am delighted to welcome you to the graduate community at UBC’s Vancouver campus, located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.
UBC is a premier, globally recognized leader in research and innovation, and graduate students are at the very heart of this endeavour. Whatever your chosen disciplinary or interdisciplinary path, you are now part of a vibrant and diverse community of over 11,000 graduate students and more than 1,300 postdoctoral scholars. Congratulations on reaching this exciting moment in your academic and personal journey and on joining UBC’s academic community!
We know how much hard work, passion, and persistence it takes to get to where you are today. As you begin your studies, know that the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is here to support you every step of the way. Through mentorship, academic guidance, professional and career development, wellness resources, and meaningful opportunities to connect with peers and mentors, we are committed to helping you thrive in every dimension of your graduate experience.
Critical thinking, integrity, respectful discourse, and curiosity are hallmarks of graduate education. These attributes have never felt more important than in this moment of profound social, political, and technological transformation. During your time here at UBC, I encourage you to engage fully in university life—both academically and beyond. Ask bold questions, build meaningful collaborations, and above all, remain deeply curious. As the next generation of leaders and change-makers, your ideas and scholarship will help inspire society and drive urgently needed solutions for a more sustainable, just, and equitable world.
We are so excited that you’re here, and proud to support you on your unique journeys. Welcome once again, and I wish you every success during your time at UBC!
Dr. Shannon Hagerman, Dean and Vice-Provost pro tem