Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
The nine divisions of the VPFO are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety and risk management for our university community.
We oversee a $3.98 billion budget, a $3.38 billion endowment, and all facilities on both campuses, as well as managing the university’s relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust. In all the portfolio’s responsibilities, we are committed to the values of innovation, unity and accountability.
VPFO Strategic Plan 2024–2027
Having a strategic plan gives us a clear path, keeping everyone on the same page. Learn more about where we’re going next and how we plan to get there.
News from the VPFO
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Read more: A warm thank you for an impressive 2024
A warm thank you for an impressive 2024
As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my sincere thanks for your incredible efforts and reflect on what the VPFO team has achieved in 2024.
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Read more: Why your net pay may be lower in January
Why your net pay may be lower in January
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI) deductions have a yearly maximum earnings limit. Once these limits are reached during the calendar year, the deductions stop for the rest of the calendar year. Learn more on the Finance website.
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Read more: Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned maintenance
Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned maintenance
Metro Vancouver water crews are working within the City of Vancouver December 3–5, which may cause cloudy water. The water is still safe for consumption and use.
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Read more: 2024 tax information and what to expect for 2025
2024 tax information and what to expect for 2025
2024 T4 and T4A tax slips will be available on or before February 28, 2025. A Workday Announcement (shared on the home page of your Workday account) will advise you when they are available for you to download. More information…
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Read more: Fixing campus infrastructure breaks, spills, and leaks
Fixing campus infrastructure breaks, spills, and leaks
Addressing leaks is vital to maintaining campus infrastructure and supporting the VPFO’s campus excellence and sustainability goals. The UBC Facilities team has shown their dedication, expertise, and quick-thinking while responding to leaks over the past few weeks.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Pera Hardy joins the Facilities Planning team in Infrastructure Development as Senior Facilities Planner
Pera Hardy joins the Facilities Planning team in Infrastructure Development as Senior Facilities Planner
Pera is a registered architect (AIBC) and LEED Green Associate, Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Her programming, planning, design and construction experience in K-12 schools and post-secondary projects will be very beneficial to facilities planning work on campus.
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Read more: Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
It would be difficult for anyone to argue that Frank Laezza isn’t willing to go the distance for UBC. Fresh off a flight from Perth, Australia, he quite literally came from the opposite side of the planet to take up…
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Read more: Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
In his new role, Oliver will be responsible for providing strategic financial leadership within the 16 units of the VPRI portfolio. In addition to managing the portfolio budget of $58M, Oliver will support key initiatives that have significant impact on…
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Read more: Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
Passionate about contributing to the UBC community, Dimitri is a current shop steward, previous union delegate, and participant in two apprenticeship committees. He was awarded the Kim Nulty award in 2020 for his contributions and excellence in categories like employee…
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Read more: Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
A powerful duo in the VPFO, Aletha Utimati, a PMP-certified Project Manager and Sandy Sull, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) bring completely different expertise but share a vision for an innovative campus, a passion for collaboration, and the ability to…