Here are notes from the regular AMS Council meeting of Wednesday, January 14, 2026:
Presentations: Council heard presentations from UBC’s Kavie Toor about Athletics & Recreation and from representatives of Alumo (formerly Studentcare) about the health and dental plan; Alumo noted that claims in general have gone up, especially claims related to mental health.
Budget submission: VP AUA Zarifa Nawar reported on the spending priorities the AMS has submitted to the University as part of the University’s budgeting process. AMS asks include more funding for:
Room Bookings: VP Admin Dylan Evans reported on what has been done to improve the bookings process in order to avoid backlogs like the one in Term One.
Code changes: Council approved Code changes to clarify the rules on committee absences, to allow the Affiliates Committee to meet less often, and to update the procedures for collective bargaining and other negotiations.
Executive Benefits: Council approved an increase in wellness benefits for the Executive and also introduced a clothing allowance.
Clubs Days: VP Admin Dylan Evans announced that Clubs Days will take place January 26-30.
SkyTrain: VP External Solomon Yi-Kieran told Council about a press conference held to mark the 18th anniversary of the government promising that there would be a SkyTrain to UBC by 2020.
Engineers: VP Student Life Kevin Heieis noted that this is Engineering Week. AMS Archivist Sheldon Goldfarb later explained why the Engineers’ drinking contests are called Boat Races (because Boat in this context stands for “Beers on a Table”).
Blue Chip and Friendlier: Managing Director Justin Lieu told Council that in response to Council’s feedback Blue Chip Cafe has started offering single-use disposable cups in addition to the reusable Friendlier cups.
Next meeting:
The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026 in the Michael Kingsmill Forum in the Nest at 6 pm.
Sheldon Goldfarb Archivist & Clerk of Council
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