Updates, news and stories

Santa Ono speaks with UBC's Chancellor, the Honorable Steven Point

Santa Ono talks to UBC's 19th and current Chancellor Steven Point about his distinguished career and his philosophy of life. Find out more

UBC research shows virtual visits with dogs improves wellbeing

While spending time with dogs has been well documented as an activity that improves wellbeing, new research — thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic — proves that a remote canine session can be just as therapeutic as an in-person visit. The research, led by Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, Associate Professor in UBC Okanagan’s School of Education, and Dr. Christine Tardif-Williams, an Associate Professor with Brock University, has found that spending time virtually with a therapy dog can enhance student wellbeing.

Women working for apps like Uber and Doordash often ‘brush off’ harassment

Call for volunteers to support UBC Okanagan’s Spring graduation ceremony

On June 9 and 10, UBC Okanagan will be celebrating the graduation of nearly 1,900 students. Volunteers play a key role to help make the graduation ceremonies a memorable experience for graduates and their families. You can get involved by volunteering to support the event.  A number of volunteering opportunities are available for faculty and staff. Detailed instructions for each of the key roles needed for the graduation ceremonies are available on the registration page. 

UBC faculty experts at the Peter A. Allard School of Law discuss Roe v. Wade

Principal's Spring Town Hall and Pitstop

A message from Lesley Cormack, Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UBC Okanagan Dear colleagues, I am pleased to invite you to join me, in person, along with members of the campus leadership team, for our annual Spring Town Hall on Monday, May 16 at 9:30 am in the Commons. Like many of you, I have missed the opportunity to connect regularly with fellow members of the UBC Okanagan community in person. With this in mind, we will kick off the Town Hall with a Pit Stop.

30-second bio: Angelina Tagliafierro

Angelina is a Communications and Marketing Strategist in the Faculty of Arts. Find out which character trait she believes allows a person to be a better communicator, colleague, and citizen.

Learn more about UBC’s commitment to fight anti-Black racism and promote Black inclusion through the Scarborough Charter

Last November, UBC joined over 50 other universities and colleges across Canada and signed the Scarborough Charter – a historic pledge to fight anti-Black racism and to promote Black inclusion in higher education. 

Share your feedback in the Remote Work survey by May 10

A message from Marcia Buchholz, Vice-President, Human Resources

Search committee formed for Provost and Vice-President, Academic

A message from Lesley Cormack, Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UBC Okanagan Dear colleagues, I am pleased to provide an update on the search for the next Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Okanagan. Selecting an executive to join our campus is always an important undertaking. The search for our next Provost is especially important given the role’s responsibility for academic leadership on the Okanagan campus and its UBC system executive function.

Updates to legislative sick leave for employees in BC

Earlier this year, the BC government implemented five days of mandatory paid sick leave for all workers in BC.

Engineers at UBC get under the skin of ionic skin

In the quest to build smart skin that mimics the sensing capabilities of natural skin, ionic skins have shown significant advantages. They’re made of flexible, biocompatible hydrogels that use ions to carry an electrical charge. In contrast to smart skins made of plastics and metals, the hydrogels have the softness of natural skin. This offers a more natural feel to the prosthetic arm or robot hand they are mounted on, and makes them comfortable to wear.