Updated seismic planning timeline

The Seismic Planning Timeline has been updated and is available on the Facilities website. Learn about the work our team has been doing throughout the years to keep our community safe from natural disasters.

You can also read the 2022 Board Report for Seismic Resilience Plan to review our significant progress in improving UBC’s seismic resiliency within its logistical and financial constraints across the short, medium and long-term planning horizons. 

Upcoming zone changes 

As of February 1, 2023, the following zone changes will take effect to rebalance square footage with Facilities Managers’ workload. This will only affect the Facilities Managers and not the zone trades. The zone map will remain as is with the current colors. 

Building # 

Building 

Old zone 

New zone 

461 

Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)  

Teal 

Green 

518 

Mathematics Building  

Blue 

Teal 

519 

Mathematics Annex  

Blue 

Teal 

585 

UBC Research Ponds 

Brown  

Blue 

081 

Bookstore 

Red 

Orange 

081-2 

Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) 

Red 

Orange 

083 

Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL) 

Red 

Orange 

225 

Earth Sciences Building (ESB) 

Blue 

Red 

402 

Earth  and Ocean Sciences -Main 

Blue 

Red 

403 

Earth  and Ocean Sciences -Main 

Blue 

Red 


New Job Strategy Session (NJSS): January 17, 2022

Construction office

  • Friedman Building: South entrance canopy/signage
  • Chemical & Biological Engineering Building: Quote and a timeline to remove the middle console/benches in lab CERC 273

Project Services

  • Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS): Feasibility Study to switch over the CIRS rainwater collection system
  • Henry Angus Building: All gender washroom conversion on the 2nd floor (248/250)
  • Life Sciences Centre: Feasibility study and cost estimate for Rack washer removal and renovations for new rack washers

Respectful and professional behaviour in the workplace 

There was a recent incident, and we would like to remind staff about appropriate behavior in the workplace to ensure that UBC remains a positive and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff.  Please ensure you do not participate in behaviour that is considered bullying or harassment and keep all interactions with colleagues, customers, students and faculty professional and respectful.   

Bullying and harassment are defined by WorkSafeBC as including “any inappropriate conduct or comment by a person towards a worker that the person knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause the worker to be humiliated or intimidated but, excludes any reasonable action taken by an employer or supervisor relating to the management and direction of workers or the place of employment.” 

Please also ensure that you are familiar with UBC Policy SC17 – Sexual Misconduct, specifically section 2 of this policy that defines “sexual misconduct.” 

January is Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Faculty and staff resources. Visit Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office's website for valuable resources for faculty and staff to better understand this issue and gain support throughout the year.


Join the 2023 Facilities Sun Run team 

Start off 2023 in a healthy and fun way by joining the UBC Facilities Sun Run Team in the 38th Annual Vancouver Sun Run. Whether you walk, jog, or run, you are sure to have fun and feel amazing when you cross the finish line and celebrate your achievement either virtually or in person on April 16, 2023.  

As a member of the UBC Facilities Sun Run Team, you will receive a team t-shirt and have a tone of fun along the way.  

Worry-Free Registration 

Registration for the 2023 Vancouver Sun Run guarantees a race experience for you. 

Early Bird Pricing until January 30:  

  • In-Person: $25.00 
  • Virtual Experience: $15.00 

For more information or to register, please contact Lori Takenaka at 604.822.6732 or lori.takenaka@ubc.ca.  


The Draft 30-Year Vision for the Vancouver campus is here!   

Over the past year, with input from thousands of community members like you, the university and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, we explored what’s important for the future of the campus and how smart land use planning can help us get there.  The result is a draft Vision that outlines how the campus will change and grow over the next 30 years.   

We want to hear from you! Did we get it right? How could the draft be improved to better meet the future needs of the university, its communities and people like you?

Learn more about the Draft 30-Year Vision and share your thoughts through a short survey by February 7: campusvision2050.ubc.ca/get-involved 


Janet Hankins, Manager, Research Compliance and Occupational Hygiene: Balancing safety and innovation 

Janet has been with UBC for over 20 years, and with Safety & Risk Services (SRS) for almost a decade. From developing safe work procedures for the university to minimizing the risk of a global pandemic on campus, she has faced many challenges throughout her career. 

In this Q&A, Janet shares how she resonates with the VPFO’s strategic directions and values, and how her team came together to support the university community through the onset of COVID-19.  

Read more


Important updates to legislative sick leave and paid sick leave

In 2022, UBC added legislative sick leave in response to the update to the BC government’s amendment to the Employment Standards Act. This legislation entitles employees to 5 days of paid sick time off each year. Today, we have a better understanding of how this legislation applies to our various employment groups, many of whom already have sick leave entitlements through their collective agreement, handbook, and other agreements and policies.

Although total sick leave entitlements are not changing, staff may see changes in how paid sick leave and legislative sick leave are managed in 2023 in Workday. 

Learn more about how this legislation applies to your employment group on the UBC HR website


Shout out 

Benjamin Scott and Nicholas Koutnik, Electricians in Building Operations

Kudos to Ben and Nick from the Control Crews in Building Operations for coming to the rescue just before the holidays! 

A bucket truck was having a hard time getting out of a snow and ice-filled parking spot near the First Nations Longhouse. Nick and Ben passed by and immediately lept into action. With their timely interventions, the truck was safely extricated from the grips of the snow and ice and made it back to the shop just in time for lunch. Thank you, Control Crew Snow Rescuers!  

Jeremy Bell, Electrician in Building Operations 

Shout out to Jeremy for his exceptional work in maintaining the safety of our campus. With his skills and tenacity, Jeremy was able to restore power to an exterior light over the bicycle parking area at the Forest Sciences Centre, which was no small feat as it required investigation and re-routing.

Nicely done, Jeremy! 


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:

  • Labourer 2 (JR10120) – ongoing
  • Labourer 3 (JR8504) – ongoing
  • Trades 3 - Electrician (2 Positions) (JR10841) – 01/20/2023
  • Auxiliary Service Worker (JR10999) – 01/22/2023   
  • Energy Conservation Engineer (JR10881) – 01/31/203
  • Trades 3 - Mechanic (JR10965) – 01/31/203   

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.


Join us in celebrating the Lunar Year of the Rabbit 

Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays for many East Asian communities in Canada and around the world. The holiday represents new beginnings and the renewal of good health, happiness, and prosperity.

Learn more about Lunar New Year and how it’s celebrated across Asian communities

Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and engage with these events and programs happening across the university and in the community.

Find events


Weekly Emergency Tip: Medication and your emergency preparedness kit

Often overlooked, prescription medication is an important part of your emergency preparedness kit. Plan to have at least one week’s worth, and make sure to rotate the medication at least once per year. 

Having an emergency kit is invaluable after a disaster, and building your emergency kit doesn’t need to be expensive or take a lot of time. Learn how to make your own on ready.ubc.ca/get-prepared/make-a-kit  


Managing your mental health

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

Representatives are always available for a confidential conversation:

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

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offers an extensive suite of services to support you – from providing wellness coaching or advising on family issues to offering legal support. Access the EAP confidential services through LifeWorks, by calling 1-866-424-0770. 


In case you've missed it 

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.

 

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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