by VPS team
This was originally an email sent to the VPS/AVPS portfolio on May 15, 2023.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the VPS/AVPS staff across both campuses for your ongoing dedication and hard work across the portfolios. We sincerely appreciate your commitment and look forward to working together in the upcoming term.
VPS/AVPS-wide updates
Student Listening Sessions
The VPS/AVPS held listening sessions in March to connect with students around progress on the Student Strategic Plan. Ainsley hosted the Vancouver events, with Dale co-hosting with Ainsley on the Okanagan campus. The sessions were well attended, with engaging dialogue and questions from students.
Students who were not able to attend were able to share their feedback via survey, and the outcomes of both will be shared in a report in the near future.
CACUSS Membership
VPS & AVPS have obtained a team membership to the Canadian Association of College & University Student Services. This will support staff across the portfolio in accessing learning workshops, conferences, resources, communities of practice.
Workplace learning resources
- Explore free professional development and other learning opportunities through HR’s Workplace Learning resources
- Learn about more PD funds available to you
Vancouver news and updates
Staff news
- Aededoyin Luwaji joined the VPSO Unit as Strategic Initiatives Project Manager
- Jen Dowdeswell started a new role as Associate Director, Organizational Development and Learning
- Katherine Wu joined the HR team as Recruitment Specialist to support strategic hiring, talent sourcing, and championing diversity, equity and inclusion in the recruitment process
- Yusuf Alam is taking on the role of Interim Director, Student Development and Leadership for a 4-month term
30-second bios
Two members of VPS on the Vancouver campus were featured in the UBC Today 30-second bio:
- Connie Lay, Retail Food Services Manager in Student Housing and Community Services
- Ariel Lee, Content Strategist in Student Communications Services
Climate Action in SHCS
SHCS units have been working hard to advance UBC’s Climate Action goals. Efforts include climate friendly food labels in our dining halls, improvements to community gardens, EV chargers for SHCS vehicles, replacing gas-fired ventilation units with heat pumps, the reduction of single use plastics in our Conferences and Accommodation operations, and responsible purchasing. Brian Jones from UBC Parking was also recognized for his sustainability efforts at the April 21 Sustainability Celebration.
Thunderbirds victory
The UBC Thunderbirds, ranked seventh, triumphed over the reigning champions Trinity Western Spartans in an exhilarating five-set match, clinching the gold medal at the 2023 U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball Championship. The game was held at Vancouver’s War Memorial Gym, in front of a crowd of 2,100 fans.
Okanagan news and updates
Celebrating the first cohort of the Indigenous language fluency program
The first cohort of the Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency Degree, the first bachelor’s degree in Indigenous language fluency in Canada, is set to graduate this spring.
Renewed student spaces
The AVPS has been working with Facilities Management to revitalize informal learning spaces on UBCO campus, with updates in Fipke, the Arts Foyer, and the UNC 2nd floor. Up next will be the Arts Atrium and Commons 2.5.
Program Plans
A new initiative as of fall 2022, Program Plans were developed to help students navigate all avenues of their university experience. The plans have received a positive reception from students, with Program Plans downloaded 2,334 times between November and March.
Expanded sexual health services
Student Wellness is working with partners such as SVPRO and the SUO to promote sexual health and sex positivity on campus. Clinics offer low-barrier service delivery and events to promote sex positivity. All clinics and events have been well-attended, with many students who previously did not seek out Student Wellness services.
UBC Okanagan Recreation
- Expanded off-campus recreation now has 28 community partners, with students and community members participating in a total of 560 hours of programming
- Recreation partnered with SUO to provide students with financial concerns a complimentary one-month membership to the Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre
- Move U Crew implemented guided movement breaks on campus, and saw 2099 engagements across 12 different faculties and departments during Move UBC month
More VPS/AVPS highlights
- UBCO Varsity recognized the best of the year at their Annual Banquet
- UBCO Heat hosted their second annual pride night, raising over $1000 for Etcetera
- Check out @ubcrec for a Storm the Wall recap
- Check out @ubcwellbeing for a Move UBC month recap
- UBC Life student-written blog post on movement myths in support of Move UBC
UBC-wide news and updates
- During Asian Heritage Month in May, find events and stories that celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent
- UBC recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers
- Read the leadership 1-1 with Arig Al Shaibah, AVP Equity and Inclusion
- UBC spending priorities shared in 2023/24 budget
- See March and April Board of Governors meeting agendas and materials
- Visit the UBC Today website for more UBC-wide news, updates, and stories