In 2023, the VPS Strategic Initiatives Fund (SIF) was launched and SIF funding was awarded to 16 diverse and innovative projects aimed at advancing the three commitment areas of the Student Strategic Plan (SSP). The selected projects and their positive impacts reflect the creativity and care of VPS staff in their efforts to strengthen the student experience.
As a follow-up to an earlier post on the first round of completed projects, we are excited to highlight the remaining eight initiatives from the first funding cycle. These projects, now complete or nearing completion, continue to demonstrate meaningful impacts—empowering students, creating welcoming spaces, and building stronger, more connected communities across both campuses.
UBC Vancouver
ABC’s of Pleasure: Anatomy, Boundaries and Choices | Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO)
Total project funding: $17,250
Project timeline: December 2024 – January 2025
This sexual health workshop series was collaboratively designed by students, staff, and stakeholders, and covers key topics such as anatomy and pleasure, porn literacy, STI awareness, and inclusive consent. Six workshops were delivered to two cohorts with a total of 28 student and staff participants. The workshops are now available on Canvas.
The workshops saw high engagement and feedback showed significant enhancement in participants’ ability to manage their sexual health effectively. Over 80% of students reported strong confidence in identifying and accessing safer sex resources, and 90% felt more empowered to understand and experience both sexual and non-sexual pleasure. Participants and student staff alike described the learning environment as empowering, inclusive, and transformative—contributing to community wellbeing and educational equity.
Disability-Specific Career Development Program | UBC Career Centre and Centre for Accessibility
Total project funding: $16,000
Project timeline: May 2024 – December 2024
This project aims to support students with disabilities that impact social engagement in accessing mentorship opportunities, while offering paid work opportunities to alumni with disabilities. More than 300 applications were received, and 34 students and alumni participated in monthly mentorship pods with alumni and workshops focused on supporting students in career development and navigation. Workshops covered topics like invisible disabilities in the workplace, self-promotion, and labour relations, and workshop resources were made available through a Canvas course that has been accessed by 100 students.
Participants have praised the program’s impact on their career clarity and confidence. The program’s innovative model was selected for presentation at the 2025 NCDA Global Conference.
Mental Health Toolkit | Athletics & Recreation and Counselling Services
Total project funding: $15,000
Project timeline: December 2023 – November 2024
This initiative resulted in the development of a mental health toolkit and educational sessions to support coaches and front-line staff in better responding to student-athletes’ mental health needs. The toolkit is now available in both print and digital formats and includes practical tools for active listening, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.
Two sessions in summer and fall 2024 reached a majority of the coaching staff at UBC and feedback was positive. The project is helping to destigmatize mental health, enhance staff confidence, and build a stronger culture of care within UBC Athletics.
Supporting Beyond Tomorrow Scholars’ Career Development | UBC Career Centre and Vice President Students Office (VPSO)
Total project funding: $20,000
Project timeline: May 2024 – December 2024
This project focused on providing career development support in the form of peer mentorship for the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars program (BTSP) at both campuses. Fourteen first-year UBCV students and 4 UBCO students were paired with upper-year peers for support with relationship-building, goal-setting, and career planning, while upper-year students benefited from gaining leadership experience.Workshops, reflective activities and a panel discussion helped students explore career paths and strengthen their campus engagement.
Feedback highlighted the effectiveness of flexible mentorship structures and community connection, and scholars expressed a desire to continue their relationships beyond the program and deepen involvement in the BTSP community, affirming the initiative’s positive impact on learning, identity development, and belonging.
Thunder Forward: Student Athlete Career Transition Initiative | UBC Career Centre and Athletics & Recreation
Total project funding: $25,000
Project timeline: January 2024 – April 2025
The purpose of this project was to support Thunderbird athletes nearing graduation with tailored career programming. Following a consultation phase involving athletes, coaches, and alumni, the project launched dedicated career coaching in September 2024. Ten athletes from a range of teams accessed services in Fall 2024, with more scheduled for Winter 2025.
Other actions taken as a result of the consultation phase include extending alumni career support from one to three years post-graduation and creating tailored workshops for specific teams. Impacts of this project include increased awareness of and engagement with career services in the Thunderbird athlete community.
UBC Okanagan
On-Campus Space for Equity-Deserving Groups | Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO) and Office of the Associate Vice-President, Students (AVPS)
Total project funding: $25,000
Project timeline: December 2023 – present
This project transformed a study room into a welcoming space for UBCO’s Black students. Launched in October 2024 in partnership with the Students’ Union Okanagan (SUO), the Black Student Space is now a vibrant, student-led hub that supports studying, socializing, peer connection, and targeted programming. By addressing a critical infrastructure gap at UBCO, the space reduces social and systemic barriers to engagement and helps foster a sense of psychological safety.
Staffed by trained student staff and visited on average by 30 students a day, the space has supported academic advising, peer mentorship, and culturally relevant events like Ubuntu Gatherings and the Trailblazers Social. Students describe it as calm, inclusive, and identity-affirming—a critical step toward UBC’s goals of wellbeing and connection across campus.
Student Athlete and Alumni Lounge |Athletics & Recreation
Total project funding: $25,000
Project timeline: October 2023 – present
This project aims to transform the mezzanine in the UBCO gymnasium into a multi-purpose space that promotes health, wellbeing, and community. While the project is currently delayed, the space will include study zones, seating for relaxation, and areas for healthy eating, with the intention of supporting the holistic development of student-athletes. It will also serve as a welcoming environment for alumni and guests during athletic events.
The lounge enhances the UBCO student experience by encouraging social connection and fostering a sense of belonging. Cross-campus collaboration and engagement with alumni have amplified the project’s reach, creating lasting infrastructure that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Student Engagement: Student Content & Community Builders | Office of the Associate Vice-President, Students (AVPS)
Total project funding: $20, 620
Project timeline: September 2024 – April 2025
Led by the AVPS Communications team and supported by five student content creators, the goal of this initiative was to encourage community connection and awareness of resources through the @ubcostudents Instagram channel. Between September 2024 and April 2025, the student team produced 122 content pieces with over 1.8 million views, 55,000+ likes, and thousands of shares and saves.
As well, the team hosted in-person events like Vibing and Thriving and launched initiatives like Attend With Me which offered an open invitation over social media to attend events with student staff. They also supported more than 20 cross-campus initiatives, effectively amplifying engagement and reducing barriers to participation. Student feedback confirmed the content’s value in building community, promoting wellbeing, and enhancing the overall student experience.
Each of these projects exemplifies the purpose of the Strategic Initiatives Fund: to empower staff-led innovation that directly benefits students through collaboration, reflection, and action. We extend our sincere gratitude and congratulations to all project teams. Their efforts are helping to build a more inclusive, informed, and resilient campus community—and their impacts will resonate far beyond the project timelines.