Getting ready for Planon and Workday
We are now only one month away from the November 2 go-live date for Planon and Workday. The opportunities are exciting, as Planon will provide the Facilities team with significantly enhanced power to effectively manage and maintain the university’s physical assets, and Workday will provide us with better access to the financial and human resources information we need for our day-to-day work.
Looking ahead to Fall 2020
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. In addition to increased research activity, you can also expect an increased number of faculty working on campus over the coming months and 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.
In memory of Lorraine Beckett
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our friend and dear colleague Lorraine Beckett. This is a very difficult loss for us all. If there is any comfort, it is knowing that Lorraine passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
Next steps at UBC and what it means for us in Facilities
It’s great to see that the COVID-19 curve is flattening in BC and we’ll soon be able to begin a careful easing of restrictions. I know that we’re all eagerly anticipating our next steps at UBC, so I want to highlight some recent updates from the university, and what it means for us in the Facilities group.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and perseverance
I am grateful to all Facilities staff for your on-going commitment and perseverance in adapting to our current realities with COVID-19. Whether you are working from home to deliver important services or working on campus to ensure that our infrastructure is properly monitored, maintained and cleaned or on-going construction projects are managed, please know that your contributions are crucial to the campus community.
We will get through this together
Over the past short period, we have faced changes and challenges that none of us would have believed possible. The extraordinary steps and measures that we are taking across UBC to limit the transmission of COVID-19 are essential for the protection of our communities both on campus and throughout the region and province.
Welcome to Facilities Today
Last year, I took a big step and took on the new role of Associate Vice-President, Facilities here at UBC. Now that the Facilities group has been in place for over a year I have decided that one way I could help everyone on our team see what these transitions mean is to start a simple blog series. I plan to write regularly to share my perspective on our team’s great work and occasionally invite guest writers to tell stories from across the Facilities group.