Thank you for all of your extra efforts over the past few weeks to help UBC navigate the situation regarding the coronavirus COVID-19. This is new for the university, and we need to ensure we all keep up the good work: whether it’s cleaning the campus, ensuring our systems are running, or being a leader who keeps ourselves and our teams calm and focused.
I know this is a challenging time, but we are a strong and supportive community that comes together for each other. I ask you to continue to be patient and support both your colleagues and the community. We are living in a moment that requires more of us all: a small gesture can go a long way.
I want to reassure you that UBC is working with your best interests and the community’s best interests at heart. We are making decisions that will help to protect us all, both now and for the foreseeable future.
I also know there is a lot of uncertainty, which is to be entirely expected at a time like this. You’re getting a lot of information from the university and other sources. Please remember, we are part of a coordinated university effort integrated with our provincial government’s COVID-19 response.
There will be a lot more detail coming over the next few days. Here are a few resources that are key for us and will be regularly updated:
- The best place to go for UBC-specific COVID-19 information is ubc.ca. The main UBC website is being updated regularly, so please visit it frequently. A stand-alone website to house information related to COVID-19 status updates, as well as FAQs for faculty, staff and students is due to launch today.
- UBC HR has developed a useful resource for your HR questions at www.hr.ubc.ca/covid-19/.
Your personal, financial, and emotional wellbeing are important. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. Your leader, human resources business partner, and EFAP are here to help connect you to accurate information and offer direct support.
Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate through this unprecedented situation. Please be safe.
Best,
Peter Smailes
Vice-President, Finance & Operations