Updates, news and stories

Air quality and smoky skies

A message from Shelley Kayfish, Director, Campus Operations and Risk Management, UBC Okanagan Forest fires burning in and around BC have contributed to reduced air quality in the region. Today, the Central Okanagan Air Quality Health Index is at level 5 (Moderate Risk 5, except 10+ High Risk in Smoke).

Remote Work Update

A message from the UBCO Remote Work Working Group: Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance and Operations; Dale Mullings, Associate Vice-President, Students; Adrienne Nolan, Executive Director, Development; Kristin Cacchioni, Senior Manager, Faculty and Employee Relations; and Rehan Sadiq, Executive Associate Dean, School of Engineering Dear colleagues,

Virtual contact in pandemic prompts over 60s’ loneliness

Older adults who had more virtual contact than their peers during the pandemic actually experienced increased loneliness, according to new research published today. The study, published in ‘Frontiers in Sociology’, found virtual interaction—including things like phone calls, texting, online audio and video chat— was not helpful on its own as an alternative to face-to-face time for people over 60.

Air quality information for Vancouver and the Okanagan

Areas of British Columbia  are experiencing wildfires and associated air quality impacts due to smoke. Wildfire smoke can be an issue during the summer and into the fall. 

Bringing vibrancy back to our campuses

A message from Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor In just a few weeks we will be welcoming the start of Winter Session. Whether you are transitioning back to campus, or you remained on campus, I would like to thank you for your support over the last year.

Announcing the appointment of new Dean, Peter A. Allard School of Law

I am pleased to announce that Professor Ngai Pindell has been appointed as the new Dean of the Peter A. Allard School of Law for a five-year term commencing no later than November 1, 2021.

Maximizing Impact: welcoming applications for fall 2021 cohort

A path to cultural safety

UBC researchers can now access BC Assessment’s housing data through UBC Library

UBC researcher embraces big data, helping uncover deeper insights into the genetics of autism

Lhoosk’uz Dené village taps into clean water after a 20-year wait

Today, a remote Lhoosk’uz Dené community is holding a celebration to mark a joyful milestone. After decades of relying on bottled water, the village of about 50 people, located 200 kilometres west of Quesnel on Kluskus Lake, now has a steady supply of clean drinking water straight out of the tap, thanks to a new water treatment plant crafted to their unique needs. “We had to do things differently. And now, what was just a dream many years ago is reality,” says Chief Liliane Squinas.