Green Lanterns
The Green Lanterns are a group of volunteer resident members established as a resource to provide expert referrals and assistance for residents at the peer-level. Green Lantern candidates are nominated to the Green Lantern Selection Committee, a committee comprised of resident members and current Green Lanterns. Successful nominees are then endorsed by Green College, however they operate independently from Green College. Discussions with Green Lanterns are confidential outside of rare and exceptional circumstances such as when self-harm or harm to others is likely to occur. Whether or not it is related to the college, Green Lanterns are here for you.
- by being a neutral but supportive space to sound-out concerns you may have experienced or observed in the community
- by providing advice or help accessing UBC support resources
- by advising them of resources and strategies on how to work through a problem or concern constructively and productively
- by connecting people to resources and counseling services
- by listening to and direct you to support if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, depressed, or lonely
- by helping facilitate conversations with another resident (note that Green Lanterns are not a conflict resolution service; a resident conflict likely needs referral to the Green College office).
- by being a good listener if you just need someone sympathetic to talk to, about anything at all.
Click here to submit an anonymous comment, set up an appointment, or submit a comment for anonymous advice.
Your 2025-2026 Green Lanterns
Rebecca Balcerzak
rebecca.balcerzak@gmail.com
My name is Rebecca Balcerzak (she/her) and I am in my second year of the Master of Architecture Program at UBC. I did my undergraduate degree in English Literature at Carleton University, and I lived in Ottawa for the last 12 years. I enjoy visiting new bakeries in Vancouver and I'm always happy to share my recent favourites. (Please tell me if you've discovered somewhere good!) Moving to a new place, working on your degree, building a new network of friends, living in a community-focused residence, and navigating everything else in life can be challenging. Having restarted in a new province, new school, and new career path, I know how difficult change can be. I'm happy to chat about anything at all, and I'll do my best to support. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to chat sometime!
Lilly Floerke
lilly.floerke@gmail.com
My name is Lilly Floerke (she/her), and I am in my second year of the MA in Public Policy and Global Affairs program at UBC, where I focus on environmental policy. I’m originally from Germany and moved to Canada with my family in 2013. I enjoy exploring new coffee shops, knitting, crafting or getting together for walks around the area. Having lived in a few different places, I understand how challenging it can be to start fresh in a new environment. These experiences have made me passionate about helping others feel at home, especially when circumstances feel unfamiliar or uncertain. Creating welcoming, comforting, and accessible spaces that offer ongoing support are essential for building a strong and caring community where we can grow and enjoy spending their time. Starting a graduate program, meeting new people, or settling into a place like Green College can be overwhelming. As a Green Lantern, I’m here to be a supportive resource for you. Whether you’re navigating life on campus, adjusting to Green College, or just need someone to talk to. No experience or feeling is too small, and I will do my best to support you. Please reach out to me via email or feel free in person for a chat.
Pedro Villalba González
pedro_vi_go@outlook.es
My name is Pedro Villalba González (he/him), and I am in the third year of the PhD in Physics, working in the Observational Cosmology lab at UBC. I am Spanish, from a small town in the South called Granada. I lived in Winnipeg during year 11 of high school (2015-16), went on exchange to UBC just before COVID happened. Once I finished my undergraduate studies I joined UBC in September 2021, first as a MSc student and now as PhD student. Having moved by myself, far from home and friends, a few times now I understand how hard such a significant change can be. I am here to chat about whatever you need, no matter how small/big it might look like! Just send me an email, a message or feel free to come by in person!
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Green Lanterns?
Green Lanterns are a group of resident members who are committed to providing problem solving assistance at the peer-level. Whether or not it is related to the college, they are here for you. Green Lanterns have awareness of and provide referrals to relevant UBC resources as appropriate.
How are the Green Lanterns selected and trained?
Resident members were asked to nominate themselves or their peers as Green Lantern candidates. The Green Lantern Selection Committee, composed of resident volunteers, then interview nominees and ask behavioural-based questions about handling difficult situations. Selected Green Lanterns are then provided training in resource navigation.
How do I get in contact with a Green Lantern?
Contact information is on this page, but is also generally posted on the notice boards around Green College. If you would like to speak to one of them, you are welcome to email them and set up an appointment, or catch them when they're meandering around the college.
Will my discussion with a Green Lantern remain confidential?
Discussions with Green Lanterns are confidential outside of rare and exceptional circumstances. When self-harm or harm to others is likely to occur, Green Lanterns are duty-bound to refer the matter to an outside party. In all other circumstances, they do not discuss in specifics what is said to them. As a team, Green Lanterns may speak with each other in generalities for support for both themselves and to provide the best possible support for you.
| Issues we can address | How we can address it | How we do not address it |
|---|---|---|
| A resident needs personal/emotional support during a difficult time. | Green Lanterns can provide a listening ear, and provide referrals to UBC counselling and connect residents with the appropriate resources. | Green Lanterns cannot provide ongoing psychological/counselling support. |
| A resident is having a conflict with another resident. | Green Lanterns can set up a meeting between the parties and be available to facilitate the conversation. If the matter involves a Residence Standards violation, a referral to the Green College office is most appropriate. | Green Lanterns are unbiased in such conflicts and will not take sides or resolve the conflict themselves. |
Support and services at Green College
In addition to the Green Lanterns, a special group of independent residents, trained and supported to support resident members at a peer level, the Green College staff are also a good first line to help. Staff can help clarify any questions you may have about how things are done and help identify where solutions might be found. The Green College Wellness Committee is another valuable College resource dedicated to coordinating various events throughout the year for health and wellness, ranging from art nights, dialogues on sexuality, workshops and more.
In alignment with UBC Policies, including Policy SC7 (Discrimination) and Policy SC13 (At-Risk Behaviour), Green College is committed to a harassment-free and sexual-assault-free environment; one that has no tolerance for harassment or sexual assault, that encourages harassment and sexual assault concerns to be brought forward, that commits to sensitive and timely responses to such concerns, and guarantees a transparent, timely and effective administrative process in dealing with such concerns. More on this and the college's policies and procedures can be consulted in the Resident's Handbook.
Support and services at UBC
UBC has a lot to offer for graduate students residing in Green College. Here are just some of the few that are out there:
International House
International Student Advisors at International House can help with information and guidance regarding the most common questions from international students who are new to UBC. Their services include help regarding immigration and employment, medical insurance, and personal and cultural transition to the UBC learning environment.
Arriving to Vancouver and settling in
- UBC International Student Handbook: Contains information about immigration, visas, study permits, finding a place to live, where to bank, how to get involved with UBC, and much more.
- Graduate orientation
- Getting involved in campus life
- Getting around UBC and Vancouver
Professional development and academic support
- GPS: Graduate Pathways to Success: offers non-credit workshops, seminars, and other activities that cover a wide range of personal and professional development topics to support you throughout your time in graduate school.
- Career Services
- Tutoring advice and advising
Wellness and Counselling Services
- Equity Office: resource for handling complaints regarding discrimination and harassment
- Counselling Services: provides a wide range of counselling, consultation and referral services; free to registered UBC students.
- Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC): they provide emotional support and intervention, as well as educational and prevention information
- Student Health Service
- Speakeasy Student Support: a safe space (in-person) for students to talk about anything and everything. It is a free, confidential student service offering peer crisis support, information, and referrals to the UBC community.
- UBC Chaplains
- Wellness Centre: staffed by trained student volunteers (Wellness Peer Educators) who are on hand to answer your health and wellness questions, or refer you to the health service you need.
- Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre: The centre offers counselling, support, advocacy, information and accompaniments to hospital, police, and court appointments for survivors.
Conflict resolution
- Office of the Ombudsperson for Students: works with UBC community members to ensure students are treated fairly and can learn, work and live in a fair, equitable and respectful environment.
- Graduate Student Society (GSS) Advocacy Office
- Alma Mater Society (AMS) Advocacy Office: provides free representation, guidance and assistance to students engaged in conflict with UBC. The Advocacy Office works very closely with the AMS Ombuds Office to resolve student rights issues.
- AMS Ombuds Office
- Law Students Legal Advice Program (LSLAP): LSLAP aims to empower clients to be more aware and more comfortable in exercising their legal rights.
Fitness and recreation
Other resources
- Campus Security
- SafeWalk: offers free walk-home services; a co-ed person team will walk with you to any location on the UBC campus.