Updates from UBC
- January 27: President’s Update: Update on Winter Session, Term 2
- January 26: UBC Broadcast: COVID-19 — In-person classes for Winter Session, Term 2
Updates on UBC’s response to COVID-19 are at covid19.ubc.ca.
Operations updates
Facilities
Building Operations, Custodial Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Energy & Water Services, Infrastructure Development, and Municipal Services
- A year in review – A look at Custodial Services: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Custodial Services has been playing an important role in keeping spaces in the UBC Vancouver campus clean and safe. As we start the new year, we’d like to share an overview and some facts about Custodial Services and our campus. Read more
- 24 years at UBC – Farewell to Darren Wong, Project Manager, Infrastructure Development: Today is Darren’s last day before heading into retirement. Since joining UBC in 1998, Darren worked on hundreds of upgrades and renovations of varying sizes and complexity, and was a leading resource in Wayfinding, Accessibility and artwork installation projects on campus. Congratulations on your retirement, Darren!
Finance
Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury
- Approaching 2021/2022 Year End: There will be a significant increase in financial transactions as we head towards fiscal year end. We strongly advise the community to submit any invoice, Workday requests, supplier setup or change requests, and requisitions as soon as possible.
- New Payroll FAQ available for faculty and staff: A FAQ has been developed to answer the community’s most common questions, ranging from when you get paid and how to understand your pay statement, to why your net pay might be lower at the beginning of the year. Learn more
- Claiming unidentified wire transfers and direct deposits: Please check through the list of unidentified wire transfers and direct deposits (updated as of Jan 20) to see if any payments belong to your department.
- Are you using the most updated Global Disbursement Service (GDS) Form: For departments paying foreign suppliers, please ensure the most updated Global Disbursement Service (GDS) Form is used when requesting supplier set up in Workday. Learn more
Operations & Advising
Communications & Engagement, Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services
- UBC will be providing Rapid Antigen Test kits for symptomatic students, faculty and staff: Starting February 7, Rapid Antigen Test kits will be made available for UBC students, faculty, and staff who display symptoms of COVID-19 with the presentation of a UBC ID card. Learn more
- UBC strongly recommends the use of medical masks as a face covering when possible: Starting February 7, UBC will be providing a supply of medical grade masks to all students, faculty, and staff. Supplies will be provided to Faculties and Departments. Learn more
- Updated COVID-19 guidance on the Safety & Risk Services website: The COVID-19 Campus Rules and Safety Plans have been updated to align with the latest guidance from the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). Learn more
- How to update website content: VPFO Communications collaborate with content owners using GatherContent to create new content for VPFO websites. For regular or minor website updates, please contact Samantha Tsui, Communications Coordinator. Learn more
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.
- Farewell to Darren Wong, Project Manager in Infrastructure Development, who is retiring after 24 years at UBC. 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. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the posting end date. The following VPFO positions are currently open:
- Project Coordinator (JR5941) – closing Feb 2
- Operating Engineer (JR5938) – closing Feb 4
- Lead Privacy & Information Security Advisor (JR6038) – closes Feb 7
- Human Resources Advisor (JR6009) – closing Feb 11
- Subhead Trades 2 – Plumber (JR6101) – closes Feb 11
- Accounts Payable Processor (JR6118) – closes Feb 11
- Trades 2 – Plumber (JR6094) – closes Feb 11
- Project Manager II (JR5779) – closing Feb 15
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
T4/T4A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Available for Faculty and Staff
Every year, UBC issues tax slips online as PDFs that are identical to the printed form and are accepted by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) when filing your taxes.
T4 tax slips (and T4As, where applicable) will be made available for faculty and staff through the Workday system before the end of February, in line with Canadian tax legislation.
More information will be shared when the tax slips are available, but in the meantime, a FAQ has been created to answer any questions the community may have about T4/T4A tax slips. The FAQ also includes information on understanding and locating your tax slips.
Access the T4/T4A FAQ on the UBC Finance website.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Faculty and staff resources
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) is wrapping up Sexual Assault Awareness Month by providing valuable resources for faculty and staff to use year-round.
UBC faculty and staff also have access to all SVPRO services, including support if you have experienced or been impacted by sexual or gender-based violence, harassment, or harm. Together we can build a culture of consent at UBC.
Access resources for faculty and staff.
February is Black History Month
Black History Month (BHM) is an opportunity for a focused, intentional and elevated reflection and recognition of Black history and achievement.
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.
- Celebration is an important opportunity to cement the lessons learned on the path to achievement, and to strengthen the relationships between people that make future achievement more plausible. Read about the four moments that can be used to celebrate meaningfully at work.
- Speaking of celebration — this year, Lunar New Year falls on February 1. Learn more about what it is, how it’s celebrated, and why 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. Read more
- If you’re feeling festive, here are some festivities to ring in a new year of good luck and fortune in Vancouver — starting Tuesday, February 1. Happy Lunar New Year!
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.
- Jan 19 – Mar 9: Weekly mindful sessions with Aisha Tejani
- Feb 3 (Part 2): Self and Community Care: Building Skills to Manage Stress
- February 15: Travelling Health Fair – Preventive Health. For more information about the Travelling Health Fair, visit the UBC HR website.
- February 16: Travelling Health Fair – A Healthy Mind
- February 17: QPR Suicide Intervention Training
- February 18: Travelling Health Fair – Insomnia and Healthy Sleep Habits
- Self-guided: Wellbeing in the Workplace
- Self-guided: Preventing Burnout: Managing stress, emotions and our tendency to give
To view more workshops, webinars and events visit the HR event listing