Updates from UBC
- December 6: UBC Announcement: Preparing for extreme weather at UBC
- December 2: President’s Update: Envisioning Equality
- November 30: UBC Bulletin: UBC Vancouver – gas restriction extended to December 14
- November 29: UBC Bulletin: COVID-19 – Important update for faculty and staff based in health care settings
Updates on UBC’s response to COVID-19 are at covid19.ubc.ca.
Operations updates
Facilities
Building Operations, Energy & Water Services and Infrastructure Development
- New water meter installation on 16th Avenue in the University Endowment Lands (UEL): UBC Facilities will support this work from December 14-17, 2021 by switching over our campus water feed, once the new meter is installed. Read more
- Supporting UBC Faculty of Dentistry’s simulation and digital dentistry lab project: UBC Supply Management & Infrastructure Development awarded the equipment contract for the simulation and digital dentistry laboratory to Planmeca through an open competitive process. Read more
Finance
Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury
- UBC’s Digital Payment Program to replace ePayment: UBC’s ePayment system is due to be retired alongside the Student Information System (SIS). To learn more about how you will be affected and what’s next, visit the UBC Finance website.
- Final Settlement runs for 2021: Please note that the final settlement runs for all items being paid via paper check is on Dec 21, and items being paid by electronic methods (EFT/ACH/GDS) on Dec 22. Learn more
- Early payroll deadline reminder: For your December 31 pay, the deadline to enter and submit your time in Workday is December 21. Managers must approve by December 22.
Operations & Advising
Communications & Engagement, Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services
- UBC Emergency contacts form: The emergency and non-emergency number contact form was recently updated. Make sure you have the most updated version in your workspace. Download the fillable PDF form on the Safety & Risk Services website.
- Facilities communications survey: The Communications & Engagement team launched an internal communications survey to get to know more about your current experiences related to communications in the Facilities group. The survey is open to everyone in Facilities until Dec. 24. Take the survey
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.
- Paul Yo joined as Procurement Partner, Procurement Partnerships on November 29.
- Chris Bastien joined Financial Operations as Manager, Finance Services on December 6.
- Tassadite Delepine is starting as Senior Procurement Officer, Procurement Sourcing on December 20.
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:
- HR Functional Analyst (JR5342) – closing Dec 9
- Sr Manager, Thermal Utilities (JR5384) – closing Dec 10
- Finance Manager, Capital Financial Reporting (JR5198) – closing Dec 13
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
Grab a sweater and prepare for a cooler campus
The temperatures have dropped and winter conditions are coming to our campus. A reminder to bundle up and dress appropriately to stay warm and safe from the winter elements.
With the cooler weather outside, UBC’s heating energy will go up to compensate. A combination of higher ventilation rates and colder weather means UBC buildings may reach their maximum heating capacity this season. Some buildings may experience minor changes to their ambient temperatures this winter.
Practice these less energy-intensive methods to stay warm and cozy this season.
- Layering up! Grab a sweater or blanket. Layering can help adjust your body temperature by putting on and removing items to maintain an even level of comfort while you work or study.
- Check that windows are closed before leaving your building. Ensuring doors are not propped open and windows are closed and latched will help keep heated air in the room as intended.
- Check that vents in your area are free from obstructions. Make sure air can flow freely in your areas to ensure heat is evenly distributed in your space.
Taking these actions will help you preserve heat, stay comfortable and save energy!
The 2020-21 Wellbeing Annual Report is now available
UBC’s Wellbeing Strategic Framework is a shared vision for becoming a health and wellbeing-promoting university, and the 2020-21 Wellbeing annual report highlights our collaborative approach to advancing sustainability, decolonization, and equity while advancing wellbeing. After a year of challenges, this report showcases our community’s collective resilience and innovation.
alumni UBC Benefits for UBC Faculty and Staff
Did you know that many of alumni UBC‘s benefits partners also offer discounts and services to UBC faculty and staff? From new car purchases and real estate services to meal prep and running shoes, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Update Your Zoom Client by December 14, 2021
Zoom recently posted a security bulletin regarding a vulnerability in their Zoom Client for all platforms. As such, we are asking users to update their clients to the latest version (5.8.6 as of Nov 28, 2021).
Additionally, to align with Information Security Standard M5 “Vulnerability Management,” a mandatory minimum client version of 5.8.4 will be implemented on all UBC licensed Zoom accounts on December 14, 2021 at 11:59pm.
To avoid disruptions, we strongly recommend updating your mobile and desktop clients to the mandatory minimum version prior to December 14.
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.
- This 15-minute documentary, available on UBC Library and Archives, shows us how the UBC Asian Centre came to live and features UBC in the 70s and 80s. Watch now
- The classic conundrum: are zebras black with white stripes or white with black stripes? Find out now
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.
- Tuesday, Jan. 11: Thinking Traps with LifeWorks
- Thursday, Jan. 13 & 20: Understanding Mental Health
- 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
To view more workshops, webinars and events visit the HR event listing.