Dear members of the UBC community:
On November 2, the way we work together will change, with the launch of Workday for Finance and Human Resources.
The road towards implementation of Workday has been a long one, with reviews of the university’s systems starting over a decade ago. When the Integrated Renewal Program kicked off in May 2018, we knew we’d started on an ambitious and important journey to transform how we work at UBC. The program team has been hard at work ensuring what is delivered meets UBC’s needs well into the future.
Community support in this undertaking together is vital to ensuring a successful launch and continuity of Workday.
Le soutien de la communauté dans cette entreprise commune est vital pour assurer le succès du lancement et la continuité de Workday. Un changement significatif demande du temps et de la patience pour être réussi, ainsi que de la pratique et une nouvelle façon de penser pour aller de l’avant.
Significant change takes time and patience to be successful. As the system continues to improve with regular updates, so will the way we collaborate and make decisions in the workplace.
The switch to Workday will bring modern, intuitive systems and simpler processes that will support UBC, meeting the needs of our learning, research and working environment.
I’m excited for the possibilities and opportunities that Workday will bring. But we all know it takes time to figure out how to use and get the most out of a new system.
There is a wealth of resources available to help you adapt to Workday. Call-ins focused on the HR and Finance processes and toolkit materials are available online, via Canvas and the IRP website, to support your understanding of Workday.
It’s taken a team effort to bring Workday to fruition and I’d like to thank everyone involved. Many individuals have gone above and beyond and worked tirelessly to ensure a successful transition.
For example, Harjot Guram, Senior Director, Integrated Service Centre. As he stepped into the role, Harjot has also been doing double duty as UBC’s Director of Payroll. Being the Director of Payroll as we transition from PeopleSoft to Workday is incredibly intense as every employee expects and needs the payroll transition to occur flawlessly.
Tilting up the Integrated Service Centre is equally challenging and Harjot is doing an exceptional job. Thank you Harjot, and thank you everybody who has worked so hard to make Workday a success.
And now, I’d like to end with a #songsofcomfort selection. This week, I’m proud to present UBC School of Music doctoral student Risa Tonita on piano performing Fear, Anxiety and Hope in the Time of COVID-19, adapted by fellow student Matthew-John Knights.
If you would like to contribute a #songsofcomfort piece, please send it to me care of pres.admin@ubc.ca.
Best wishes
Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor