Looking ahead to Fall 2020

I hope you have all been enjoying the recent weeks of beautiful summer weather. It has been encouraging to see the gradual resumption of research, programs and activities on campus in accordance with UBC’s COVID-19 Safety Planning Framework. I’m sure parents are happy to see that some UBC summer camps have re-opened! We will all need to continue to be vigilant about public health protocols to ensure this easing of restrictions can continue.

Thank you to everyone on the Facilities team who has helped prepare our buildings and infrastructure for increased on-campus activity as well as to those of you who have worked with the Faculties, Departments and Safety & Risk Services to develop safety plans for research resumption and re-activation of campus. These plans lay out the protocols, processes and schedules to help keep us all safe and healthy. The safety plans for each of the departments in Facilities, as well as other information and links on COVID-19, can be found in the COVID-19 section of this website.

It is important that we all understand and follow these safety plans and remain diligent in adhering to the well-established public health practices of self-monitoring for symptoms, physical distancing and good handwashing hygiene. There are more people on campus now which emphasizes the need to be careful and respectful when working in re-occupied buildings, including following building specific safety requirements and signage. If you haven’t done so already, please complete the mandatory on-line training course on the Workplace Learning Ecosystem (WPL) website by Friday, August 7, 2020.

In addition to increased research activity, you can expect an increased number of faculty working on campus over the coming months as they prepare and deliver online courses. Large classes this fall will be held online. Some smaller classes and lab courses, that cannot practically be held online, will be delivered in-person. Student Housing is currently expecting overall residence occupancy of approximately 40-45% this fall. The Totem Park, Place Vanier and Walter Gage Residences are planned to be closed for the fall term given the reduced occupancy.

An update on the University’s current financial situation is provided in this UBC Bulletin. The Facilities group is helping to mitigate the University’s projected deficit by deferring non-urgent expenditures and curtailing discretionary expenditures. This will mean that hiring or backfill for some previously budgeted positions is deferred and some planned projects and purchases are delayed.

The Workday and Planon implementations are critical for the University’s long-term operational effectiveness and continue to move forward for go-live on November 2, 2020. It is important that we hit this target date and stay within existing budgets for these projects. Solutions for on-going system sustainment needs are being developed to help contain costs while ensuring that the necessary supports are in place for system users. It has been great to see the active participation in the recent Getting Ready for Planon sessions. The full Planon training program will start in mid-September.

I am proud of the resilience and continued contribution of the Facilities team, whether working from home or back on campus. Your efforts are essential to the campus community. Enjoy a safe and relaxing August long weekend.

John Metras,
Associate Vice-President, Facilities