After a thorough review, 10 projects have been selected to receive funding through the 2024/25 VPS Strategic Initiatives Fund (SIF). Selected projects across both campuses demonstrated creativity, a focus on enhancing the student experience, and alignment with the commitment areas of the Student Strategic Plan. The total funding allocated to these projects was $167,053.61.
- Vancouver: 7 projects were approved for a total of $120,753.61
- Okanagan: 3 projects were approved for a total of $46,300.00
The Strategic Initiatives Fund was initiated in 2023/24 to support staff from across the VPS/AVPS portfolio to take on innovative projects and initiatives to continue to advance the three commitment areas of the Student Strategic Plan (SSP).
We thank all who applied for the Strategic Initiative Fund this year and our advisory committee for their support in the selection process. We look forward to seeing the outcomes and impacts of the following projects in advancing the SSP and enhancing the experiences of students across both campuses.
UBC Okanagan
Student Experience Office and UBCO Equity and Inclusion Office – Black Student Space & Student Leadership
This initiative seeks to create a supportive and empowering environment within the dedicated Black Student Space at the Okanagan campus by piloting tailored programming. By thoughtfully addressing Black students’ unique needs and experiences, this space will foster a sense of belonging, identity affirmation, and community connection, while providing targeted support, programming, and student employment opportunities to combat marginalization and enhance Black students’ overall campus experience.
Student Housing and Community Services – Okanagan Community Cultivators
This project aims to raise awareness among the more than 2,000 students who live on campus of the many SHCS services available to them. Two student Community Cultivators will engage with their peers to promote events, resources and create social media content to promote SHCS services and programs.
Student Engagement and Learning and UBCO Equity and Inclusion Office – Pride Programming Pronoun Pins
Almost 4000 popular pronoun pins will be produced and distributed to students on the Okanagan campus as a part of this initiative. The four pronoun pin designs (saying ‘she/her,’ ‘he/him,’ ‘they/ them,’ and ‘ask me my pronouns’) will allow the use of pronouns to be seen and normalized, advancing inclusion, and belonging on campus.
UBC Vancouver
Centre for Community Engaged Learning and Centre for Accessibility – Accessible Practices in Community Engaged Learning
This project will support the use of evidence-based practices intended to remove barriers for UBC students with disabilities, enabling their full participation and purposeful contribution in community-engaged learning initiatives.
Student Communications Services – Common Area Wall Murals in Brock Hall South
This project will support the design, development, and installation of custom-designed murals for the Brock Commons South shared area walls. Murals will animate the empty space and make the student facing services within the building more visible. The overall effect is a vibrant and dynamic space, creating a sense of belonging and connection for students.
Office of the Vice President Student Office and the Associate Vice President Students Office – Early Alert Promotion and Education Renewal
This initiative will produce updated and dynamic Early Alert videos and training material for faculty and staff at both UBC and UBCO.
Health Equity Promotion and Education – Food Safety and Preparation Classes for Students in Recovery from Disordered Eating and Addiction
This initiative aims to provide members of the UBC Student Recovery Community (SRC) – the only resource on campus for students in recovery from addictive behaviours and disordered eating – with cooking and food preparation lessons to further education around food safety, health, and balanced living. It aims to improve the quality of life of a marginalized group of students at UBC.
Centre for Community Engaged Learning and Equity & Inclusion Office – Inclusive Community Connections: Enhancing Community Engaged Learning for International Students
This collaborative project will help international students integrate into community engaged learning by providing tailored support and inclusive local engagement opportunities. It supports students in understanding their positionality within Canada’s colonial history and navigate spaces respectfully, especially with historically marginalized communities.
Investigations Office – Training in Investigating Race-based Cases
This training will provide IO staff with skills and tools to investigate race-based discrimination allegations with cultural sensitivity and a deeper understanding of complex racial dynamics .
Athletics & Recreation – Story of the Thunderbird
Through video, web, and social media, this project will amplify the story of the Thunderbird. The story will touch upon the original gifting from the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, the significance of the Thunderbird to the Musqueam, and the development of the new Musqueam Thunderbird artwork. A & R is working in partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band, the Neel Family of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation, the First Nations House of Learning, and the Alma Mater Society.