Updates from UBC
- April 12: President’s Blog: Statement on BDS
For the latest updates for faculty and staff, visit UBC Today.
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
- University Boulevard bus loop road closure April 19 to May 1, 2022: Due to three projects under construction simultaneously — School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) Building, Gateway Health Building, and a utility steam tunnel repair, the University Boulevard bus loop will be closed. No Trolley busses will be entering this bus loop throughout the duration of construction. Please plan your route accordingly. Learn more
- Watermain repair on 16th Avenue in the University Endowment Lands (UEL): Facilities will support this work from April 20 – 22 by switching over our campus water feed, once the repair commences. During this switchover, some users may experience temporary low water pressure or discolouration in the water in their buildings. Learn more
- New projects approved by UBC Board of Governors: In the March Board Committee meeting, the Gateway Health Building and The Gallery received Board 3 approval; School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) Building received conditional Board 3 approval; renewal of Jack Bell Building and expansion of the UBC Sauder School of Business received Board 1 approval.
- Wesbrook Mall Upgrades: Wesbrook Mall Upgrades received Board 1, 2, and 3 approvals in the March Board Committee meeting. Learn more about the three phases of upgrades and road closures.
Finance
Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury
- April Period-End Dates: April period end dates are now available on the UBC Finance website as a PDF and in a rolling list on the Month End / Year End Important Dates feed.
- March Interest Rates: March interest rates are now updated and available on the UBC Finance website.
- Claiming Unidentified Wire Transfers and Direct Deposit: Please check through the list of unidentified wire transfers and direct deposits (updated as of Apr 13) to see if any payments belong to your department.
Operations & Advising
Communications & Engagement, Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services
- COVID-19 Return to Campus online course: The COVID-19 Return to Campus training course has now been discontinued and is no longer required for new staff as part of their onboarding.
- Workday Tip – Going on leave: When you go on a leave of absence, you may be eligible to continue your benefits/pension during your leave. If you are eligible, you will receive a benefit task called Go on Leave in your Workday inbox. For step-by-step instructions, please refer to the Benefit Change: Go on Leave guide in the Workday Knowledge Base.
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.
- Amy Hah joined us as the Accounts Payable Processor on April 4.
- Sandra See Toh has joined as Executive Assistant to the AVP while Ann Ogawa goes on maternity leave.
- Anashuya Kakati started as Financial Analyst, Finance Administration on April 11.
- Jonathan Weinberg is starting in his new role as Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities today.
- Hannah Shin joins PrISM, Safety & Risk Services as Senior Advisor, Information Security Compliance today.
- Jessie Wu, Financial Analyst, Finance Administration, Jenny Bao, Vendor Clerk, Customer Support, and Mawuena Glymin, Sustainment Manager, ISC Application Sustainment, have moved on to new opportunities at UBC. Thank you for your contribution and we hope to see you around on campus!
- Farewell to Arsh Kaur, Quality Assurance & Tester, ISC Application Sustainment and Mahsa Haghjoo, Service Centre Representative, ISC Service Centre. Thank you both 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:
- Data Modeller (JR7165) – closing Apr 22
- Relief Shift Engineer (CEC) (JR7338) – closing April 22
- Occupational Health and Safety Associate – SHCS (JR7319) – closing April 25
- Manager, Construction Office (JR7169) – closing Apr 27
- Trades 2 – Steamfitter (JR6783) – closing April 27
- Trades 2 – Metal Worker Apprentice (JR7140) – closing April 27
- Quality Assurance & Tester (JR7303) – closing April 28
- Millwright (JR7181) – closing April 29
- Lead Privacy & Information Security Advisor (JR7211) – closing May 4
Don’t forget to apply as an internal candidate! Please review the Apply for an Internal Job Posting guide in the Workday Knowledge Base for instructions on how to apply.
Other notable updates
Healthy UBC Editorial: Financial health and literacy
Money and finances have a significant impact on how we get to live our lives.
The latest edition of Health UBC covers a few ways you can access support to improve your financial wellbeing, including upcoming events, financial wellbeing supports through our EFAP, and long-term approach to financial security with some help from the pension office.
See snapshots of spring blossoms by faculty and staff
A few weeks ago, the UBC Internal Communications team invited our faculty and staff community to share a photo (or two) that captures seasonal buds, blooms, and greenery. Without further ado, take a moment to enjoy the unique visual reflections submitted by your fellow colleagues.
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.
- In light of the recently published 6th IPCC report on global warming and Canada’s Climate Plan, we invite you to take a moment and reflect on ways you can reduce your carbon footprint on the environment.
- Learn about the top four sources of emissions for the average Canadian, plus some tips for cutting them, in this article by the David Suzuki Foundation.
- This helpful New York Times guide also walks you through the many ways you can lessen your daily personal impact on the environment.
Special thanks to Eve Neesham-Grenon from Safety & Risk Services for her submission! Do you also 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.
- April 22: QPR Suicide Intervention Training
- May 3 (Part 1) & May 11 (Part 2): Understanding Mental Health
- May 12 (Part 1) & May 19 (Part 2): The Working Mind Virtual: Mental Health Training for Employees
- June 22 (Part 1), June 29 (Part 2), June 30 (Part 3): The Working Mind Virtual: Mental Health Training for Managers
- 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.
New dedicated EFAP number for faculty and staff
Faculty and staff now have a dedicated phone line to access the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) confidential services, through LifeWorks, by calling 1-866-424-0770.