- Newsletter schedule update: The last edition of the VPFO Updated will be distributed next Monday, December 12, 2022. Our publication will resume on Monday, January 9, 2023.
Our Strategic Plan
Our plan & our people
Thomas Straley, Accounts Payable Manager: Taking Accountability Personally
Some people are lucky enough to find their dream job early and follow that path all the way through their career — and with 20 years of experience specifically working in Accounts Payable (AP), Thomas Straley is one of them.
In this Q&A, Thomas shares why the VPFO’s strategic directions and values matter to him, and how he delivers his best for UBC through professionalism, commitment and accountability.
Read more about how Thomas and his team connect to the VPFO strategic plan.
Thank you for entering your updates into Envisio and continuing to focus on our strategic priorities!
Envisio was launched a few months ago to provide our portfolio with the ability to self-serve and update strategic and business plan progress. Since then, we have been tracking our progress in Envisio every quarter.
VPFO's strategic plan spans three years, and our progress in Q3 is now at 40%, compared to 20% in Q2. Q4 results will be entered in February 2023 and then teams will be closing out the year and reviewing priorities for the next year.
Thank you for submitting your updates and contributing to our excellent progress! With your support, we will continue to advance in our journey of enhanced accountability, visibility and alignment of business and strategic objectives.
Operations updates
Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury
- Early payroll deadline to enter and approve time for December: The deadline for employees and timekeepers to enter and submit time (both absences and hours worked), and for managers to approve time submitted in Workday, is Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Learn more
- Upcoming absence updates in 2023, including legislative leave: As we head into the winter break, Lani McGill, HR Product Manager, shares a preview of some of the planned changes to absence and time off in Workday for 2023. Learn more
- Delay in ordering UBC Visa cards: Due to office closure over the holiday season, UBC's Credit Card team will hold off on ordering new UBC Visa cards starting from Friday, December 15, 2022, until Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Learn more
- UBC's new digital payment system is now live: This marks the successful start of the Digital Payment Program's efforts to migrate over 200 UBC merchants from ePayment to TouchNet by November 2023. Learn more
Communications & Engagement, Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services
- CUPE 116 General Wage Increase: The ISC will be implementing the $0.25/hour +3.24% General Wage Increase (GWI) for staff under the CUPE 116 employee group. The effective date for the increase is April 1, 2022, and will be reflected in a December 1, 2022, off-cycle pay cheque.
- Your email signature matters: Email signatures are one easy way we can all show that we are part of the VPFO and UBC while being professional and supporting the UBC common look and feel guidelines. The VPFO signature guide is available on the VPFO Communications & Engagement website.
People of the VPFO
At the VPFO we love celebrating success! Join us every week in recognizing the great work our VPFO team members are doing to support the university.
Safety & Risk Services
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Sharlene Eivemark, Advisor, Biological and Radiation Safety, and Eve Neesham-Grenon, Safety Associate – Thank you and congratulations to Sharlene and Eve on a successful compliance visit from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Great job!
Well done! Want to give someone a shout out in the next edition? Submit your kudos in your local recognition program or email communications@vpfo.ubc.ca
- Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services.
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UBC Facilities' Municipal Services is pleased to welcome Fiona Keating as Senior Manager, Rishi Purohit as Fleet and Asset Manager and Jordan Buchholz as Seasonal Labourer.
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Ryan Clemens joins Building Operations within Facilities as IUOE - Operating Engineer.
Read more about our people on the VPFO website.
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:
- Labourer 2 (JR10120) – ongoing
- Labourer 3 (JR8504) – ongoing
- Millwright (JR7181) – 12/09/2022
- Energy Conservation Specialist (JR10729) – 12/08/2022
- HR Coordinator, VPFO (JR10702) – 12/11/2022
- Senior Financial Analyst (JR10651) – 12/12/2022
- Finance Director, VP Research & Innovation (JR10624) – 12/16/2022
- Service Centre (ISC) Representative (JR9446) – 12/18/2022
- Data Systems Administrator, Capital Projects (JR9432) – 01/15/2023
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. Reminder to attach a copy of your resume when you apply for a career opportunity in Workday.
EDI: December 6 is The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
December 6, 1989 marks the day an armed man walked into an engineering class at I'école Polytechnique de Montréal and killed 14 women and injured ten more. This act of violent misogyny led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
In this week's VPFO EDI article, learn about:
- The origin of The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
- Ways to honour victims of this tragedy
- Gender-based violence in Canada: What it is, why it is an urgent issue and how to find support
Read more
UBC Benefits end-of-year reminders
The end of the year is upon us, meaning we have a few more weeks to get the most out of our benefits and submit claims before the year-end deadlines. Learn more
Don't forget to use your health spending account
Eligible faculty and staff have access to a health spending account (HSA), which will help you and your dependents reduce the cost of healthcare. Learn more about your HSA
AAPS: December 12 Lunch and Learn Event: 2022 End of Year Checklist
Attend the AAPS' Lunch and Learn Event on December 12 to review the 2022 End of Year Checklist, ask your questions and find helpful resources as we close out 2022.
- When: Monday, December 12, 2022
- Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
- Where: Zoom platform
Please RSVP by visiting the Zoom meeting registration page.
Imposter syndrome workshop
Imposter Syndrome is a sensation that plagues a lot of people. Despite hard work and effort, people with imposter syndrome can feel a sense of “phoniness.” If you can relate, this workshop might be for you.
For IBPOC individuals, there is an added layer that is important to explore as past traumas and the unique experiences faced by these communities can heighten the sense of imposter syndrome. Choose the most appropriate session below and enroll today:
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.
- At a time when celebrations, traditions and togetherness abound, the holidays can be challenging for those who are grieving. Here are 8 strategies to help your cope with grief this holiday season.
- There are plenty of ways to educate yourself and upskill without going back for a traditional undergraduate or graduate degree. The author presents five ways to upskill without going back to school. Read more
HR has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. To view workshops, webinars and events visit the HR event listing.
Our VPFO HR staff is always available for a confidential conversation. Refer to this service map to connect with the HR Advisor supporting your area.
If you are feeling anxious or stressed about this upcoming holiday season, you aren’t alone. Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offers an extensive suite of services to support you – from providing wellness coaching or advising on family issues to offering legal support.
Access the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) confidential services, through LifeWorks, by calling 1-866-424-0770.
