Who We Are
The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) is the official representative body for graduate students at UBC Okanagan. Following a successful student referendum in October 2025, the GSA was officially established on January 1, 2026. Led by graduate students, for graduate students, the GSA is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and supportive graduate community by advocating for student interests, providing valuable resources, and creating opportunities for connection through social, professional, and academic initiatives.
Our Governing Documents
The GSA is governed by its Constitution, Bylaws, and Regulations.
Our 2026-27 Board of Directors
The GSA Board is composed of Executive Directors, Department Representatives, and Student Representatives who are all elected to represent graduate students at UBC Okanagan. Our Board meets monthly at minimum to discuss ongoing issues, advocacy efforts, More details on meeting dates and information can be found here. If you are interested in volunteering with the GSA, please feel free to reach out to: gsa.ubco@gmail.com
Scarlett MacPherson
Executive Director, ChairpersonHi! My name is Scarlett MacPherson and I am PhD student in the Psychological Sciences program. I am deeply honoured and grateful to get to serve graduate students at UBCO for another year as the Chairperson of the GSA. I’m always on campus, so if you see me around, stop me and say hi!
Joud Jelassi
Executive Director, EventsHello everyone! My name is Joud Jelassi, and I am a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering. Since moving to Kelowna from Turkey in 2018, I’ve been actively involved in initiatives to enhance student life. I’ve been involved with the GSA for more than a year now and I’m excited to step into my new role of Executive Director of Events. I’m excited to continue improving the graduate student experience, so if you see me on campus, feel free to say hi!
Fabiola Melchior
Executive Director, Advocacy & OutreachHi there, my name is Lola (they/she), I am currently a PhD student in the IGS Sustainability theme, and will serve as the GSA’s Executive Director of Outreach & Advocacy this year. Over the past years, I have been involved in various initiatives on campus, and am excited to now join the GSA! I love bringing people together, sharing ideas, dreaming big and making shit happen; which is why I am looking forward to collectively building the GSA’s power and making sure graduate students have ownership of every aspect of their new union.
Archana Pandit
Executive Director, Internal Affairs & AdministrationHello everyone! I’m Archana Pandit, a first-year PhD student in Civil Engineering at UBC Okanagan and the Executive Director of Internal Affairs & Administration for the GSA. I’m passionate about student leadership, community building, and creating a positive graduate student experience. I’m excited to serve our graduate student community and connect with students across campus throughout the year. Through my role, I hope to help foster a supportive and inclusive environment where graduate students can thrive both academically and personally. I look forward to learning from and working alongside this amazing community.
Robert Bruce
Director, Chemistry RepresentativeMy name is Robert Bruce and I am a second year PhD student in Chemistry at UBCO. As your Director of Chemistry Representative, I will work to make the GSA be a voice for chemistry students as well as all other graduate students on campus.
Daisy Pullman
Director, IGS RepresentativeHi everyone! My name’s Daisy and I’m a PhD Candidate in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (Sustainability theme). I am excited to join the new GSA board as this year’s course representative for the IGS program. I look forward to representing this cohort and advocating for our specific needs, for example, dedicated on-campus space for IGS students. My job is to represent us all so please reach out with any concerns or ideas, and come say hi if you see me around on campus!
Tanisha Chawla
Director, International Student RepresentativeHi, my name’s Tanisha and I am a first-year MA Psychological Sciences student. As the international student representative of the GSA, I hope to advocate for equitable opportunities and policies for international students at UBCO. Please feel free to reach out to me over email or chat with me on campus!
Sandra Yeboah
Director, Person of Colour Student RepresentativeHi, I’m Sandra O. Yeboah, an MA English student the Director Representing People of Color. I look forward to advocating for initiatives that celebrate the diversity that enriches our campus. I’m excited to serve and work alongside our graduate students this year!