Updates from UBC
- November 22: UBC Announcement (Vancouver): Remote working during the current gas restriction
- November 18: President’s Announcement: Observing Trans Day of Remembrance
- November 18: President’s Update: Emergency Funding Available for Those Affected by Flooding
- November 15: UBC Broadcast: Planning for succession of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Vancouver
- November 15: UBC Bulletin: Equity Enhancement Fund – call for proposals
Updates on UBC’s response to COVID-19 are at covid19.ubc.ca.
Operations updates
Facilities
Building Operations, Energy & Water Services and Infrastructure Development
- Major Capital Projects Development Process updated: The development process for major capital projects $2.5 – $5 million and over $5 million dollars have been updated and posted on the Infrastructure Development website.
- Major milestone in the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF) expansion project: The biomass gasification system was re-lit last week and the BRDF is now producing renewable thermal energy for the Academic District Energy System (ADES). Read more
Finance
Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury
- Treasury office relocating to the Old Administration Building basement: As of Nov 24, the Cash and Debt, Housing and Leases, and PCI Compliance sections will be temporarily relocating to rooms 11 and 13 in the OAB basement. During this time, please direct all correspondence to the temporary office.
- New report for Managers to find Employee Information on Workday: The new report Employees for My Team App – Distributed is now available in Workday for managers to find basic information about staff in their Supervisory Organization. Learn more
- Vacation payout requests now available in Workday: Managers are now able to initiate vacation payout for eligible employees in Workday. Learn more
Operations & Advising
Communications & Engagement, Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services
- Information about working alone while working remotely (at home) available: Find out what you need in place as a supervisor if a worker works alone remotely. Learn more
- Contacting your VPFO Communications & Engagement leader: The Communications & Engagement team is here to help you achieve your VPFO business goals. For advising areas and contact information, visit the Communications website.
- Remote working during the current gas restriction: In light of this restriction, UBC is encouraging managers and supervisors to be flexible in allowing remote work, where operational requirements permit. If you have any questions, please contact our VPFO HR staff.
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.
- Samira Sattari joined as Buyer, Procurement Services on November 8, 2021.
- Grace Miguel started as Front Counter Receptionist on November 18, 2021.
- Farewell to Sandy Liu, Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Operational Excellence. Thank you for your contribution!
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:
- Information Security Change Advisor (JR4381) – closing Nov 22
- Senior Advisor, Privacy & Information Security Risk (JR4783) – closing Nov 22
- Sr. Procurement Officer (JR5105) – closing Nov 23
- Supply Chain Analyst (JR5156) – closing Nov 24
- Head Service Worker (JR5201) – closing Nov 24
- Payroll Analyst (JR5174) – closing Nov 29
- Patrol Officer II (JR5216) – closing Dec 1
- Functional Support Analyst (JR5239) – closing Dec 2
- Finance Manager, Capital Financial Reporting (JR5198) – closing Dec 3
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
Join the MOA Food + Culture Fest on November 23, 2021
Join MOA staff and volunteers for a celebration of food and culture in support of the UBC Community United Way Campaign.
Take a moment in your day to kick back, relax, and enjoy some delicious treats and musical performances at MOA’s popular annual Food + Culture Fest, while supporting an important cause. Your ticket includes a samosa, cookie, chai, henna tattooing, and live sita and tabla performances.
When: Tuesday, November 23, 2021 | 11:30 AM – 2 PM
Where: MOA Courtyard Room
Cost: $15 (does not include museum admission)
Envisioning Equality: Recognizing exceptional women and gender-diverse faculty and staff at UBC
Women and gender-diverse faculty and staff have been making significant contributions to UBC for over a century. Through the Envisioning Equality project, UBC invites nominations for five faculty members and five staff members who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their individual academic/professional practice and significant impact through mentoring and community engagement, to be featured on banners designed by local artists across public spaces at UBC.
All women and gender-diverse faculty and staff who are currently employed at UBC Vancouver and have been at the university since 2011 (including emeriti faculty) are eligible for this recognition.
Nominations for the project are open until Dec. 20, 2021.
Season’s Greetings cards available on Xerox
The 2021 Season’s Greetings cards can now be ordered through Xerox.
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.
- With plastic in everything from computers to clothing, UBC researchers urge consumers to connect what we buy with what’s harming our oceans. Read more
- In this Harvard Business Review article, the authors discuss the psychological pitfalls that lead us to schedule and attend too many meetings, and share strategies to help employees, managers, and organizations overcome those challenges. Read more
Have an article for the VPFO team? Email communications@vpfo.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.
- Nov 18 & 25: Positive Coping Strategies
- Nov 25: Healing centred yoga with Kendra Coupland
- Nov 29: Leading, supporting and responding to change & transition
- Dec 2: QPR Suicide Intervention Training
- 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.