Announcing the search for a new President and Vice-Chancellor

Last month, UBC announced that President Santa Ono is leaving the university in mid-October to become the President of the University of Michigan. In light of this announcement, UBC is now embarking on a search for a new President and Vice-Chancellor.

The President and Vice-Chancellor provides oversight and direction for the operation of the university, in accordance with the strategic framework and directions of our governing bodies, the Board of Governors and the Senates. In this role, the President shares the university’s vision, promotes its values, embraces its mission and ensures that it meets its goals. 

Read more

Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver: Aug 17 & 18 

A heat warning has been issued this week for Metro Vancouver — make plans for you and your loved ones to stay cool during the day.

The following air-conditioned UBC buildings are open to the public:

Visit the Weather and Thermal Stress Safety page for the most updated information about UBC’s on-campus cooling centres.

UBC has also installed two temporary water features in the following locations to help you stay hydrated under the heat:

Download the UBC Safe App to access campus safety resources and receive notifications on your phone. Make sure to enable notification to receive alerts or active and urgent situations that may require your immediate attention. 

Learn more about the UBC Safe App

Read the full announcement on the Safety & Risk Services website


UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan 

UBC maintains a comprehensive plan for the development and renewal of institutional infrastructure to meet evolving academic needs as well as the needs of our growing campus communities.

Information on UBC’s Five-Year Capital Plan 2023-24 to 2027-28 has been updated and is now available on the Facilities website

A complete list of current and planned major capital projects for UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan is on the Infrastructure Development website. The proposed project list continues to be refined as our Capital Plan evolves, projects are completed and new projects advanced.

Learn more


Final Handover notice – MacLeod Renewal

Following the partial handover notice issued on July 29, 2022, the final handover notice for the MacLeod Renewal project to Facilities was officially in effect last Friday, August 12. The project was granted full occupancy on Jul 28, 2022, with the one-year warranty period start date on the same day.

Please note the following: 

  1. All demonstrations are now complete. There will be a follow-up compressor demonstration, details of which have been circulated in a separate email to the relevant group.
  2. Any items trades teams consider a deficiency should be identified to the Facilities Manager, Mark Donald-Jones, who will in turn engage Project Manager, Noel McNally at Project Services.
  3. Project Services is actively tracking outstanding deficiencies for completion.  

If you receive a service request for this building and are unsure whether it is considered a project deficiency or should be covered under the warranty period for the handed-over systems, please contact Mark Donald-Jones (mark.donald-jones@ubc.ca).


People in motion

  • VPFO Communications & Engagement is pleased to welcome Geoffrey Daniel as the Manager, Digital & Creative on Aug 17. He will oversee the strategic direction of our digital and web initiatives and work with stakeholders across the VPFO to develop efficient digital solutions.
     
  • Pauline Li is taking up a new role in UBC Okanagan's Infrastructure Development as Building Records Manager, effective Sept 6. Friday, August 19 is her last day in UBC Vancouver. Congrats and best of luck at UBCO, Pauline! 

Job openings 

All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the posting end date. The following VPFO positions are currently open:

  • Full-Time Service Worker (Term - 4 Months) (Hiring for 10 Term Positions) (JR9123) – 08/17/2022
  • IUOE Operating Engineer (JR9139) – 08/19/2022
  • Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Technician (JR9073) – 8/19/2022
  • Mechanical Maintenance Assistant (JR9136) – 08/22/2022
  • Senior Manager (JR9078) – 8/26/2022
  • Senior Project Manager (JR9076) – 8/26/2022

Don't forget to apply as an internal candidate! Please review the Apply for an Internal Job Posting guide in the Workday Knowledge Base for instructions on how to apply. Reminder to attach a copy of your resume when you apply for a career opportunity in Workday.


In case you've missed it  

Here is a quick recap of key events and information that you may have missed. For more details, please click on the links below or refer to our weekly portfolio newsletter, VPFO Update.


EDI – Systemic racism: What it looks like in Canada and how to fight it?

At UBC, our commitment to building an open environment and a diverse workforce makes us stronger. However, we recognize that even in a diverse institution like ours and in Canada, systemic racism still exists as a challenge for racialized communities and Indigenous peoples.

Read this blog by VPFO EDI Committee to learn about what systemic racism is, what it looks like in Canada, and how you can initiate change.


Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: The 4 A's model for dealing with stress

When we experience severe or chronic stress, it's not unusual for us to be less than objective and rational about our situation. Fortunately, we have options for dealing with stress and adversity.  

The four A's model (accept, avoid, alter, adapt) was developed by the University of Chicago to help support individuals when thinking about life, health or work stressors,

For each of the 4 A's, consider both the pros and the cons of choosing to: 

  • Accept: Put the situation into perspective – it is what it is – so that it becomes less personal or stressful.  
  • Avoid: Refocus away from the stressful situation or person toward something more positive or important to for you.  
  • Alter: Shift your external environment in some way to reduce or eliminate the stress.  
  • Adapt: Change the way you think about or interact with the source of the stress.  

When you are able to step back at a time of stress and objectively consider potential approaches, you may gain perspective about what you can do. We can use the 4 A's to help us do just that with any stressor.  

Read more about the 4 A's model


Emergency tip: What should I do if I have to drive through a wildfire?

If you ever have to drive through a wildfire, make sure to keep your vehicle as visible as possible: 

  • Drive slowly with headlights on. 
  • Avoid driving through heavy smoke. 
  • Watch out for other vehicles and pedestrians. 

If you have to stop, don't forget to:

  • Avoid parking near heavy trees and brush. 
  • Roll up windows and close air vents. 
  • Turn the headlights on and the ignition off. 
  • Get on the floor and cover up with a blanket or coat. 
  • Stay in the vehicle until the main fire passes. 

Learn more about what to do during a wildfire. 


Managing your mental health 

Human Resources has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. To view workshops, webinars and events, visit the HR event listing.

Our HR representatives are always available for a confidential conversation:

  • Monica Haab (monica.haab@ubc.ca): Building Operations, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, and Municipal Services
  • Gregor MacDonald (gregor.macdonald@ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Infrastructure Development

Thanks for reading!

Find this newsletter and past issues on the Facilities website
facilities.ubc.ca/facilities-weekly

For questions and content submission
 Email: facilities@vpfo.ubc.ca.

 
 

UBC Facilities is part of the VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) Portfolio, and includes six departments—Building Operations, Custodial Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Energy & Water Services, Infrastructure Development, and Municipal Services.
 

UBC Facilities
The University of British Columbia
Campus & Community Planning (C&CP) Building
2210 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
facilities.ubc.ca

VP Finance & Operations (VPFO)
The University of British Columbia
Koerner Library, 6th Floor 
1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
vpfo.ubc.ca

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