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

  • New water meter installation on 16th Avenue in the University Endowment Lands (UEL)

    The University Endowment Lands will be installing a new water meter on 16th Avenue as part of regular maintenance and upgrades. UBC Facilities will support this work from December 14-17, 2021 by switching over our campus water feed, once the…

    Read more: New water meter installation on 16th Avenue in the University Endowment Lands (UEL)
  • Supporting UBC Faculty of Dentistry’s simulation and digital dentistry laboratory project

    Last year, UBC Dentistry announced plans for a new simulation and digital dentistry laboratory that will allow DMD and DHDP students to learn advancing dental clinical procedures. This June, UBC Supply Management & Infrastructure Development awarded the equipment contract for…

    Read more: Supporting UBC Faculty of Dentistry’s simulation and digital dentistry laboratory project
  • Grab a sweater and prepare for a cooler campus

    With the cooler weather outside, UBC’s heating energy will go up to compensate. During COVID-19, the Facilities team has taken measures to increase and/or enhance building ventilation in UBC buildings to ensure a high standard of safety for students, faculty…

    Read more: Grab a sweater and prepare for a cooler campus
  • UBC’s Digital Payment Program to replace ePayment

    UBC’s ePayment system, which allows participating UBC departments/merchants to process financial transactions online, is due to be retired alongside the Student Information System (SIS). This transition will impact a broad base of campus merchants who currently use ePayment to collect…

    Read more: UBC’s Digital Payment Program to replace ePayment
  • Thunderbird Boulevard multi-phase road closures: November 29, 2021 to August 2022

    As part of the  UBC Renewable Energy Hub project, the Hydrogen Refueling Station will begin construction on Thunderbird Boulevard this week. During this project, there will be multi-phase road closures along Thunderbird Boulevard in effect between November 20, 2021 to…

    Read more: Thunderbird Boulevard multi-phase road closures: November 29, 2021 to August 2022

People of the VPFO

  • Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk

    Through supporting engagement and communication activities, Wendy will enhance the team’s ability to make data readily available to staff managers.

    Read more: Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk
  • Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  

    Custodial Services’ staff celebrated Vaisakhi on Friday morning at the start of the shift in the UBC Life Building Custodial deployment office. Special thanks to Balvir Bains and Charanjit Bains for organizing this celebration!

    Read more: Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  
  • UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head

    Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the…

    Read more: UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head
  • “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action

    Adam started at UBC as a Warehouse Clerk for UBC Bookstore in 2011 and moved into the role of Storeperson at Stores in UBC Facilities in 2016. Since then, through learning continuously, developing strong relationships and providing leadership, Adam has…

    Read more: “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action
  • Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

    Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.

    Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC