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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Replacing an 800+Lbs Supply Fan Motor in Pulp and Paper Centre
Last weekend, the millwrights replaced a failed 60 horsepower 800+lbs supply fan motor so the electrical crew could reattach the electrical connections. The area(s) within the Pulp and Paper Centre were impacted and forced to stop their work until this…
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Update on Contacting Payroll
Payroll Operations is requesting that all payroll inquiries be submitted via the UBC self-service portal, effective September 1, 2021. Payroll will address the submitted tickets in order of priority, which will assist us in identifying issues impacting our processes as…
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Our next steps for return to campus
We have all been following the news from the Provincial Government and have seen the recent messages from Santo Ono about the latest changes to COVID-19 public health guidance. We know our return to campus will need to be different…
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From the classroom to the virtual space, and back again – How UBC’s Learning Spaces team is getting ready for a return to campus
The Learning Spaces team is part of UBC Facilities. When it comes to teaching, learning, and research, an optimal physical environment is crucial for creating an experience that is engaging and collaborative. What does the shift away from learning in…
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District Energy System (DES) Valve Optimization program
Since April 2021, Energy & Water Services has been undergoing a District Energy System (DES) valve optimization project across campus. This project was executed over two phases in 10 worksites and included 18 valves — starting with one of the…
People of the VPFO
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Stanley Lau joins UBC as Manager, Payroll Operations and Control
Starting January 11, Stanley will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the payroll and benefits team, and lead the area in providing exceptional payroll services to the campus community.
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Robin Shortt & Ingrid Lindner joins the EMMS Sustainment team in Building Operations
We are happy to announce that we have now filled two additional positions on the EMMS Sustainment team — Business Analyst and Systems Analyst. Robin Shortt will take on the Business Analyst role for the EMMS Sustainment team, and Ingrid…
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Tarkan Serim joins Building Operations as team lead for the EMMS Sustainment Team
Tarkan will be leading the Enterprise Maintenance Management System (EMMS) Sustainment Team and will be responsible for EMMS issues resolution, back log management, product management, vendor release management, and will be a key member of the EMMS Steering Committee. This…
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Adam Rosenthal promoted as the Head in Stores with Building Operations
Adam has been an acting Head on many occasions in Stores, and has demonstrated he has the qualities required to be successful in this new role. As a Sub-head, Adam has developed strong relationships, and provided leadership and technical oversight…
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Caroline Macleod, Executive Secretary for Energy & Water Services
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this position, and has been instrumental in supporting the department in transitioning to the new Workday and Planon enterprise systems.