UBC welcomes 2017 federal budget investments in innovation, opportunities for students
The federal budget introduced this week includes welcome measures that support the continued development of Canada’s most important assets: our people. The 2017 federal budget tabled by Finance Minister Bill Morneau Wednesday includes funding for work-integrated learning, Indigenous student supports, and a new organization to support skills development across Canada. “We are pleased to see […]
Full STEAM Ahead: The role of Arts in the 21st century university
Faculty of Arts, University of British Columbia The “liberal arts” today are generally understood to mean the arts and social sciences, as distinct from the physical sciences and technology. But “liberal arts” used to be applied to all the skills that would enable a person to act as a responsible citizen In that sense, when […]
Nikkei Place Foundation Sakura Gala Keynote Address
Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver Thank you, George for that warm introduction. Honoured to be here. Consul General Okai, Mr. Wakabayashi, distinguished guests. Would like to thank the Nikkei Place Foundation for inviting me to the annual Sakura Gala which raises funds for the Feels Like Home campaign Proceeds from tonight will help the Foundation create […]
UBC’s Next Century: Have your say
Friends, I am delighted to report that we are launching the next phase of the UBC’s Next Century strategic planning process with a series of public open houses starting next week (see below for details). As you know, the plan is designed to provide an effective framework to guide and implement UBC’s key priorities, goals and […]
The Learning Exchange: Engaging UBC with the Downtown Eastside
According to its website (http://learningexchange.ubc.ca), UBC’s Learning Exchange is “a place where everyone has something to teach and something to learn – a place where learning is exchanged”. I’m not sure I taught the staff, students and patrons of the Learning Exchange anything, but I certainly learned a lot on my visit earlier this week. […]
Using data for social good: Announcing the Cascade Urban Analytics Cooperative
Thanks to a $1-million donation from Microsoft Corporation, UBC and the University of Washington have an unprecedented opportunity to transform the Cascadia region into a technological hub comparable to Silicon Valley and Boston. The donation allows UBC and UW to establish a Cascadia Urban Analytics Cooperative (CUAC), an applied, interdisciplinary, regional centre that brings together […]
UBC condemns violence against Muslims
The attack at a mosque in Quebec City on Sunday was a tragic and shocking event. The University of British Columbia deplores the violence and offers sincere condolences to the victims and their loved ones. UBC celebrates diversity in all its forms, and is committed to providing an inclusive campus environment for everyone, regardless of […]
Statement in response to U.S. executive order
The University of British Columbia is deeply concerned about a new executive order signed by President Trump on Friday preventing individuals from seven countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days. We are especially concerned about the effect of the executive order on some UBC students, faculty and staff, as well as other scholars in Canada, […]
An innovative start to the Year of the Rooster
Yesterday, I was honoured to be named British Columbia’s first Chief Advisor: Innovation Network, and to be appointed to the Premier’s Technology Council. The announcement was made at DarkVision Technologies in North Vancouver, a terrific example of a BC-born, innovation-driven company. As Chief Advisor, I will work with leaders in industry and post-secondary education and research to transform […]
Statement on Appointment as Chief Advisor for the BC Innovation Network
Thank you, Premier Clark. Good morning everyone. I’m delighted to be here today at DarkVision Technologies, a terrific example of a BC-born, innovation-driven company. The products being developed here may well change the operations of oil and gas companies around the world. I’m also proud to be standing here with Stephen who just happens to […]
Statement on Sexual Assault Policy Process and Reconciliation
Last week I met with the UBC Steering Committee on Sexual Assault. In reflecting on our conversation, I thought it important to write to the UBC community to reaffirm my fundamental commitment to the prevention of sexual assault, and to the Sexual Assault Policy process. Decision-making through a trauma-informed lens, dedicated supports and resources, clear […]
Welcome Weihong Song and Julie Wagemakers
I’m pleased to announce two new appointments, Dr. Weihong Song as Senior Advisor to the President on China, and Julie Wagemakers as Executive Director, Office of the President. Dr. Weihong Song is the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Alzheimer’s Disease and Jack Brown and Family Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. He serves as […]
UBC’s Next Century
I trust that everyone had a restful and happy holiday season.
I’m looking forward to 2017, my first full year as president and vice-chancellor of the University of British Columbia. It promises to be an exciting year for UBC, as we start work in earnest on developing our new strategic plan, UBC’s Next Century: From Excellence to Eminence.
UBC reinstates John Furlong as keynote speaker
UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa Ono announced today the reinstatement of John Furlong as the keynote speaker at the university’s 18th Annual ZLC Millennium Scholarship Breakfast on February 28, 2017. The university had previously cancelled Mr. Furlong’s keynote address. President Ono offered the following statement: UBC and I have apologized for our handling of this […]
Statement on decision regarding John Furlong speaking engagement
UBC President and Vice-Chancellor, Santa Ono, today made the following statement in response to public criticism of UBC’s decision to cancel John Furlong’s contract to speak at the upcoming Millennium Scholarship Breakfast: UBC made this decision in good faith, but without proper consideration of its potential impact on Mr. Furlong or his family. While this decision was made […]
UBC’s Strategic Plan – seeking your input
The holiday season is a time both for reflection and for looking ahead to the future. As I reflect on UBC’s first 100 years, I am also looking ahead to UBC’s future as an eminent public research university. To help secure this future, UBC is embarking upon a comprehensive strategic planning process. Our new strategic […]
Statement regarding passing of Dr. David Strangway
The University of British Columbia is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. David Strangway, who was the 10th president of UBC. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to his family on behalf of the entire UBC community. From 1985 to 1997, Dr. Strangway provided the exemplary leadership that enabled UBC to advance […]
Statement on Turkey and Egypt bombings
The University of British Columbia community shares the shock and sadness felt around the world in response to the deadly attacks in Istanbul and Cairo on December 11. Our thoughts are with those whose loved ones were killed or injured, and with all the people of Turkey and Egypt. In particular, our thoughts are with […]
Statement On Assault at Totem Park
I am shocked and very concerned about yesterday’s assault on a student at Totem Park residence. Right now we are focused on supporting the victim and the victim’s family. We are also deeply concerned for the students who witnessed the assault or who have been affected in any other way and we are providing the help they may need. I appreciate this incident may make some of you feel anxious.