Community Update, October 15, 2021: Vaccination Clinics at UBC
Dear members of the UBC community. I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Last week, I thanked everyone for doing their part in keeping UBC COVID-safe. I’d like to repeat my thanks, as more and more members of […]
Community Update, October 8, 2021: Looking Forward to Celebrating Graduation In Person
Dear members of the UBC community. This coming weekend, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday that marks the changing of the seasons, and a time to gather with family and friends and reflect on everything that we’re thankful for. This Thanksgiving, I’d like to thank you, the members of the UBC community, for coming together so […]
The Global Future of Research-Intensive Universities
Russell Group Deputy Vice-Chancellors’/Provost Network Meeting University of Exeter, United Kingdom (delivered via Zoom) My warmest greetings to all of you at the Exeter Autumn Russell Group Deputy Vice-Chancellors’ and Provosts’ Strategy meeting. I’m speaking to you from the University of British Columbia here in beautiful Vancouver. I understand that Exeter is also a beautiful […]
UBC Sending Delegation of Eight to COP26
I am pleased to announce that, following an open competition for all students, faculty, and staff, UBC is sending a delegation of eight to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow this November. By attending the COP as official observers, UBC delegates deepen their understanding of how global climate […]
Community Update, September 29, 2021: Orange Shirt Day | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Dear members of the UBC community: I would like to start by thanking all those who have completed your online COVID-19 vaccination status declarations. By doing your part and completing the declaration, you are helping to protect the health and wellbeing of the UBC community. As of yesterday, more than 73,000 members of the UBC […]
Statement on the Tragic Deaths of Two Students
Today our UBC community is mourning the tragic deaths of two students, struck and killed by a car early this morning on Northwest Marine Drive. It is difficult to comprehend and express the enormity of the loss of these two bright and promising young adults. On behalf of the university, I wish to extend our […]
Community Update, September 24, 2021: Ending Sexual Violence
Dear members of the UBC community. The first month of the Fall term is almost over, and I am pleased to say that the return to campus has gone very smoothly. It’s great to see our campuses bustling with activity again. Earlier this week, UBC’s Board of Governors met to consider the University’s policies regarding […]
September 2021
Welcome Welcome to the September 2021 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Orange Shirt Day – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Presidential Priorities, 2021-22 UBC in Top 40 Globally in Times Higher Education Rankings Congratulations to UBC’s Millennium Fellows UBC Faculty Named to Royal […]
Community Update, September 16, 2021: Homecoming
Dear members of the UBC community. I would like to acknowledge that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. I hope everyone is having a great September so far. I’ve really enjoyed seeing our campuses come to life as new students arrive for the first time, […]
Do Your Part: Declare Your Vaccination Status
Dear members of the UBC community: As you know, all students, faculty and staff must complete an online, confidential declaration of vaccination status at rapidtesting.covid19.ubc.ca/. It’s quick and easy to complete the declaration. I’d like to thank the many members of the UBC community who have already completed the declaration. If you haven’t completed it […]
Episode 27: Ethics in Business
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-27-ethics-in-business In this episode of the Blue & Goldcast, Santa talks to the directors of the Peter P. Dhillon Centre for Business Ethics about why ethics matter in business more than ever. Download the transcript here.
Community Update, September 1, 2021: Vaccination is the key to a successful return to campus
Dear members of the UBC community. As the fall term begins, students, staff and faculty are preparing hard for the start of term, and we greatly appreciate all of your efforts. I would like to assure all students and their families that robust safety measures are in place to ensure a smooth and safe move […]
Voting in the 2021 Federal Election
A Canadian federal election is underway and every eligible member of the UBC community is encouraged to take part in this foundational part of Canada’s democratic system. The election takes place Monday, September 20 and there are many ways to cast your ballot, whether through advance polls, by mail or on election day itself. Below […]
Community Update, August 27, 2021: Mandated Masks and Vaccinations
Dear members of the UBC community. I would like to acknowledge that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Yesterday, I sent out a UBC Broadcast relating to vaccinations, masks and COVID-19 testing. I encourage you to read the message in full as it contains important […]
Community Update, August 20, 2021: Preparing our campuses for Fall 2021
Dear members of the UBC community. I would like to acknowledge that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. It’s just a few weeks away from the start of the Fall term. If you’re coming to UBC for the first time, welcome! This is a significant […]
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021
In June of this year, the federal government passed legislation to mark September 30, 2021 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Earlier this month, the Province of BC followed suit recognizing this as a day of commemoration in the public sector. UBC will be observing this day as a holiday on both campuses […]
Devastating wildfires in the Okanagan area
Dear colleagues, ‘way: We are deeply distressed by the devastating wildfires in the Okanagan area and throughout the province. Many within our UBC community and beyond are feeling the toll of increased stress and uncertainty due to these fires, coupled with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Our thoughts and those of our students, faculty and […]
Update, August 13, 2021: Supporting Mandatory Indoor Masking and Vaccination
Dear members of the UBC community. I would like to acknowledge that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. I have heard from many members of the UBC community asking for the university to introduce mandatory non-medical masks and vaccines for those returning to campus in […]
Episode 25: Glenn Regehr on Education for Health Professionals
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-25-glenn-regehr-on-education-for-health-professionals?in=ubc_blue_and_goldcast/sets/blue-and-goldcast In this episode of the Blue & Goldcast, Santa talks to Dr. Glenn Regehr is a researcher in health professions education in the Faculty of Medicine. Download the transcript here.