Updates from UBC
- October 20: President’s Update: Vaccination Declaration Non-Compliance
- October 19: UBC Broadcast: Help build a more inclusive UBC – complete the Employment Equity Survey by Oct. 29
Updates on UBC’s response to COVID-19 are at covid19.ubc.ca.
Managing your mental health
HR has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. Our VPFO HR staff is always available for a confidential conversation.
- Oct 27: Return to Work Resilience with Thara Vayali
- Nov 2: Stress Relaxation Techniques Facilitated Webinar – November 2021
- Nov 3: Mindfulness with Melissa Nkomo From Kunye
- Nov 4: Introduction to Ayurveda with Navi Gill
- Nov 9: Mindful Tea Meditation with Dr. Vo
- Nov 18 & 25: Positive Coping Strategies
- Self-guided: Wellbeing in the Workplace
- Self-guided: Preventing Burnout: Managing stress, emotions and our tendency to give
- Self-guided: Feeling safe and engaged returning to the workplace
- Self-guided (until Oct 15): Dealing with sleep issues
To view more workshops, webinars and events visit the HR event listing.
Return to campus: Supporting your mental health
As we start a new academic year, many who are returning to campus will experience excitement, while others may have concerns and feel some anxiety. UBC offers a range of mental health resources to support you and your team.
Operations updates
Facilities
Building Operations, Energy & Water Services and Infrastructure Development
- Arts Student Centre ready for occupancy: The Arts Student Centre has received final occupancy and is ready for the community to use. Learn more about this project
- Jen Sheel recognized for her work in the EDI space: Jen Sheel, Director of Municipal Services and co-chair of the VPFO EDI Committee, will be speaking as a panelist at the Women in Green symposium, discussing her approach to heighten EDI awareness and effectiveness in the workplace in the green building sector. Learn more
Finance
Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury
- October Period-End Dates: The October period-end dates are now available for the community as a PDF and on the UBC Finance website.
- Share your feedback on the proposed business expense rules by Nov 1: The UBC Board of Governors recently approved the updated Business Expenses Policy and Procedures, which are expected to become effective in early 2022. You’re invited to review the new business expense rules and share your feedback by Nov. 1. Learn more
Operations & Advising
Communications & Engagement, Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services
- Launching the Influenza Immunization Program: Free flu immunization clinics will be available for students, faculty and staff on weekdays from Oct 25 to No 10, 2021 in the Ponderosa North Building Ballroom. Learn more
- Safety Awareness Week was a success: Last week, Safety & Risk Services’ Campus Security and Emergency Management teams, and community partners set up booths in University Commons to engage with the campus community about safety awareness, emergency preparedness, and the resources available on campus. Visit the VPFO Flickr to see the photos from the event on October 20.
People in motion
Please join us in welcoming those who are joining us, celebrating promotions, and saying goodbye to team members who are moving on to their next steps.
- Sean Yun joined Procurement Services as Procurement Services Manager on Oct 18, 2021
- Mary-Jane Tessarolo is starting today as Finance Functional Analyst, ISC R1 Completion Program
- Sandeep Khabra is starting today as Procurement Services Team Lead.
- Stuart Gilbert is joining today as Energy & Water Services, Facilities as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities.
- Sandy Sull is joining today as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting.
VPFO job openings
All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. The following VPFO positions are currently open:
- Security Administrator (JR4611) – closing Oct 31
- Information Security Change Advisor (JR4381) – closing Nov 5
- Senior Advisor, Privacy & Information Security Risk (JR4783) – closing Nov 5
Please remember to apply as an internal candidate. This ISC Knowledge Base article shows how: How do I apply for an internal job posting?.
Other notable updates
Protect yourself from the flu
UBC is once again offering free flu immunization clinics to students, faculty and staff.
Influenza (flu) season generally occurs in the fall and winter but can occur as early as October and as late as May. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Getting the flu shot is your best protection.
UBC Vancouver flu clinic
- Clinic dates: Weekdays, Oct. 25-Nov. 10, 2021
- Clinic times:10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Ponderosa North Building Ballroom, entrance next to the Harvest Café
- By appointment only
To book your appointment, visit srs.ubc.ca/flu
For UBC Okanagan, please visit: hse.ok.ubc.ca/flu
Thrive is November 1-30, 2021
Thrive is a time when we come together as a UBC community to learn about, talk about and explore ways to support our mental health.
Whether working and learning from home or on campus, the past 20 months have presented many new challenges and changes. It’s important that we all foster and maintain mental health—for ourselves and others—and make sure we have the skills and resources to cope with life’s ups and downs.
There are many ways to participate online and in person this year.
Upcoming events:
- Tuesday, Nov. 2: Stress Relaxation Techniques with LifeWorks
- Thursday, Nov. 4: Introduction to Ayurveda with Navi Gill
- Tuesday, Nov. 9: Mindful tea drinking with Dr. Vo
Visit the 2021 Thrive calendar for a complete listing of events.
Information session about your benefits
Am I covered for psychological or counselling services? How much dental coverage do my dependents and I have? Get the answers to these questions and more in our semi-annual benefits information session on Wednesday, November 3.
Attend the session to understand your benefit plan coverage and how to make claims, learn about the Employee and Family Assistance Plan, and speak directly to one of our benefits specialists.
Helpful news
Some interesting news articles our team members have found informative, helpful, or fun! These are provided for information and entertainment only. Unless noted, UBC doesn’t specifically endorse or supply this content.
- Positive relationships in the workplace are an integral part of career success. This Wall Street Journal article shares practical techniques you can use to make the most of your working relationships. Read more
- Halloween is just around the corner, and there are plenty of spooktastic events to choose from in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland this October. Read more
Have an article for the VPFO team? Email communications@vpfo.ubc.ca.