The AMS Annual General Meeting is your chance to hold your AMS executives accountable to you and your fellow students. Receive updates from the AMS executives, learn more about their plans for the year, and voice any concerns you may have.
By Tanushi Bhatnagar
Photo credit: UBC
It was 1969 when Arthur Ross first came to UBC to pursue an undergraduate degree. That same year, Neil Armstrong became the first human to step on the moon and the University had just completed 60 years of being. Five decades later, at 71, Mr. Ross became the slowest grad to be awarded his bachelor’s degree at UBC and possibly, the world on Thursday, May 25.
“UBC’s slowest student finally graduates. I just love that idea. It has been a fun ride,” Mr. Ross jokingly said.
Mr. Ross has had quite an academic and professional journey. Starting at UBC in 1969, Mr. Ross’ discontinued his degree just after 2 years of taking general arts courses to pursue theatre when he was 19. Learning that despite his love for theatre, the life of an actor does not appeal him, he decided to go to law school in Toronto and onto a fulfilling law career.
Retiring after 35 years as a practicing lawyer, Mr. Ross decided to come back to his first alma mater to finish what he started. “It would have been a waste of me if I had not tried to carry on with learning. I am so grateful for the university for giving me the opportunity to continue to grow intellectually,” he said.
His interest in English and acting during his two years at UBC led him to partake in several productions at the Frederick Wood Theatre where he met his wife.
Some might even say that it was theatre that brought him back to UBC. Watching the 1909 German opera Elektra by Richard Strauss during a trip to Chicago, he got interested in European history and the mass mentality involved in the execution of the World Wars. Around the time of his retiring, UBC offered a course in European history in the first half of the 20th century and thus, Mr. Ross re-joined the university in January 2017. “At that point, I just got this question in my mind, and I would like to pursue it… The university was quite welcoming to someone of my vintage.”
Mr. Ross recollects that today the University is much bigger and has more people than in the 1970s. “It seems bigger [now], but it seemed big then… I was used to big,” he said. Mr. Ross recalls that the university was not exponentially different from what it is today. One building that Mr. Ross particularly remembers is the Buchanan Building where he took many of his courses both in the 1970s and now – which he says is much better equipped with learning media and assistance after the pandemic.
He also acknowledges that among the student body today there is an increased awareness about the cost of going to university. With that awareness, comes a stress that wasn’t much like the stress in the 70’s. “The stress seems to be a different force than students in the 1970s had to deal with,” he said.
He appreciates that there is a shared motivation among the student body to earn money as a student in order to pay tuition fees and living expenses but also credits the stress in today’s generation to these worries. “I may just have been blind to the stress of the students in the 1970s. I was in the fortunate position where I was not stressed.”
On the learning side of his academic career, Mr. Ross took it one course at a time. Starting in January 2017, he took one course in the fall and winter (except during the pandemic) till December 2022. “There’s not a course that I took that did not change me,” he said.
If there is one place on the campus that Mr. Ross can call his favourite, it is the Martha Piper fountain – and it’s not only because of the fountain itself. “If you look to the north, from that fountain, you see the Canadian flag [and] the rose garden with the mountains in the background, and part of English Bay. It is a spectacular view. But if you turn around from the same point and look South on the wall, you look at what I think is the most important piece of sculpture in the province of British Columbia, the Reconciliation Totem Pole,” he said.
The Reconciliation Totem Pole was carved by the Haida master carver, 7idansuu (Edenshaw) James Hart over two years and was installed at UBC in 2017 representing the history of Indigenous people in Canada before, during, and after the Indian residential school era.
Recalling the only one regret during his academic career, Mr. Ross admits that it has to do with his graduation ceremony on Thursday and UBC Chancellor Steven Point. “I thought – This is a wonderful British Columbian sitting in the Chancellor’s chair. In the five seconds I have before I went up on the stage, I’d like to nod in his direction and acknowledge that he is a significant person – When it came to my turn, I completely forgot,” he laughed.
Mr. Ross, who was present at the convocation of the class of 1985 when both his wife and Mr. Point were classmates and received their law degrees.
For now, Mr. Ross does not have any plans to return to the university or work but has an inspiring message for the students of UBC: “There will be times when you will think ‘Is this worth it? Do I really want to do this?’ I think it’s worth it. It is just worth it, to pursue it.”
Compiled by Karen Chen
It is that time of the year again. Stress levels are rising sky-high in UBC libraries, and there seems to be an atmosphere of doom and gloom all around. No need to despair! Our AMS executives have put together a finals advice package, with everything related to organization, study tips, and self-care guides. We wish you the best of luck this finals season!
Make a concrete study plan, with days indicating what chapters or modules you are planning to cover every day. Have the self-discipline to stick to it, whether that is by finding a study buddy or switching up your study place. Do not plan anything too review-heavy for the last day before the exam, let your brain have adequate rest! Once you have a solid system in place, success will follow : )
Karen Chen, 2022-23 AMS Work Learn Social Media Coordinator
I love to have a vision board (usually Notion) to write down line by line what I have to revise & complete for each subject. I have a separate section called my ‘To-Do List’ where I move these lines to indicate my workload for the day. Obviously, you cannot always plan absolutely everything, but make sure to complete the top 3 things on that list and you’re good to go.
Stephanie Liu, 2022-23 AMS Associate Vice-President, Funds
Communicating with my professors or TAs bout any course-related stress often helped me to succeed during the final project season. Either asking questions or advice on how to best complete specific assignments. Usually, our instructors are very understanding and accommodating, and ready to help us. Also, my friends and classmates really inspire me to study more as everyone is so hardworking. Creating study groups can turn from a nerve-wracking to super chill quality time.
Anna Shubina, 2022-23 AMS Work Learn Social Media Coordinator
The hardest part is getting started! I like to make a study plan so it is easier to stick to, then instead of finishing a chapter/module, I begin a bit of the next one so that when I pick up again it is more incentivizing to keep going! Also cutting down on other obligations (social gatherings, going out, etc.) during the period of studying can help motivate you to stay focused!
Erin Co, 2022-23 AMS Vice President, External Affairs
Do not be afraid to take time for yourself, it is important to take breaks between your studying, even when you feel the need to keep going! Taking the time to recharge can reset your brain, which will help with your productivity levels. Find what works best for you to decompress, whether it is going for a walk, sharing a meal with a friend, or catching up on some Netflix.
Viola Chao, 2022-23 AMS Equity & Inclusion Lead
When creating your study plans, be realistic in setting your goals. Try to not measure productivity by the amount of work you completed, but rather if you have done what you can with the energy you have available. You know yourself best to determine when to push or take a break! Also, remember that the stress is temporary. Lastly, whether in finals season or not, bite the bullet and start with your most difficult task of the day.
Anisha Sandhu, 2023 Interim AMS Vice-President, Academic & University Affairs
Start small and segment what you need to study into smaller chunks so it feels less intimidating. Make sure to give yourself time to take breaks and do what you enjoy as well so you do not burn out! Also, do not be afraid to ask your professor and TA for help when you are unsure of something, they are here to support your learning! Finally, always remember to take care of yourself.
Naton Ting, 2022-23 AMS Clubs Administrator
I cannot stress the importance of SNACKS (I have been eating a lot of oranges + eggs) and doing small things to improve your mood! It is easy to get bogged down by hours of studying so take care of yourself, and make sure you are fueling yourself! Also on the topic of snacks, I would recommend leaving your house at least once a day for at least 15 minutes even if it is just to refill your snacks at Walmart. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Stay positive and good luck!
Priscilla Ng, 2022-23 AMS Associate Vice-President, External Affairs
We tend to procrastinate because we are searching for that feeling of instant gratification that a long-term study plan does not offer until after the work is done. A remedy for this is making your study process more enjoyable. For myself, I spend a lot of time creating a study environment that I love being in. I like to have a lot of trinkets on my desk and usually listen to music and study with friends. Multi-tasking tends to be a less conventional study tip, but adding extra stimuli to my study process has helped me become more creative and productive. Instead of being hard on yourself for procrastinating or not sticking to your plan, use that time to think about adjustments you could make to the actual process of studying itself.
Tomila Sahbaei, 2022-23 AMS Associate Vice-President, Academic Affairs
AT LAST the 5th Annual Brewfest is finally here🍺 And to make your day even better Brewfest is happening on St.Patty so you better be there or be square 🤪
We are bringing you beer from some of BC’s best craft breweries😩🤌🏻This years Brewfest will be bigger and better than ever, so join us for the St. Patty festivities!🍀
Stay tuned for our list of breweries coming out soon!👀
📍Lower Atrium
📆Friday, March 17
⏰6-10PM
🎟️Tickets: $7.33-12.61
🍺Each tickets gets you entry and 2drinks tickets
🍺Each additional Drink Ticket is $3
🍺Additional drink tickets will be available at the event
‼️19+ only (2 pieces of Government Issued ID required)‼️
Looking for the best way to begin your summer and celebrate the last day of classes😋
ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ
Want to know what will make your university experience unforgettable (if you haven’t guessed it yet it’s obviously attending Block Party🤪) AMS Events presents you with the 15th annual AMS Block Party catered to all students. Bring your friends and get ready to spend hours dancing with your friends, getting hype with the crowd and creating the best memories while celebrating the last day of classes 😛😇
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HEADLINERS:
ϟ ARMANI WHITE
ϟ Jauz
ϟ NGHTMRE
ϟ 24KGoldn
LOCAL ARTISTS:
ϟ Daijo
ϟ UN!DENTIFED
ϟ CROOKSY
ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ
More About Block Party
ϟ 6 hours of music 😍
ϟ Food Trucks
ϟ Hype crowd (over 6000 people y’all🥵)
ϟ 19+ EVENT
ϟ B33R and Seltzers
ϟ Crazy fun games
ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ ϟ
Do’s and Don’ts
ϟ Bring 2 pieces of Government issued ID, at least one piece of ID with a picture. (You must be 19 or older to enter Block Party )
ϟ Bring UBC ID if you bought UBC tiers tickets
ϟ Come early to prevent the long line-up -No backpacks (Small bags like fancy packs only)
ϟ No drinks allowed in line (drinks will be confiscated and you will be removed from the line)
ϟ No water bottle
ϟ Cashless event (Credit and Debit only) -No ins and outs - Plan a safe way to get home in advance
ϟ No Refunds AMS Events reserves the right to refuse service or entry if: You appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol ; if there are concerns about the safety of our personnel or event
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There are limited Early Bird tickets available, so be sure to keep an eye out for the ticket drop as they WILL sell out fast! 
As an event by UBC students, for UBC students and the campus community, it is intended as a safe and festive event that will bring students and friends together in a celebration of a year completed, and summer soon to start 
‼️What: The 15th Annual AMS Block Party 2023
📆 When: Thursday, April 13th LDOC (Last Day of Classes!)
📍Where: The Plaza Outside the Nest (6133 University Blvd)
https://www.showpass.com/blockparty23/
Join us for the first of many hangover brunch party series, if you’re looking for something to do this family day long weekend then come spend it with us😩
And if you’re a foodie plus have a love for dancing then you better be there🤪
📆 Sunday Feb 19th
📍Cinema Public House 901 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L3
⏰ 2:00 PM – LATE
🎟 https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-hangover-brunch-series-tickets-532289511257?discount=ams
