January 2023
Welcome Welcome to the January 2023 issue of Letter from the President, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights A Message to the UBC Indigenous Community Roadmap for Change: Implementing anti-racism commitments at UBC 30-Year Vision: Draft for Input UBC Announces Three New Killam Professors First Nations Longhouse Expansion Congratulations to UBC’s […]
A Message to UBC Vancouver on behalf of the President and Vancouver Provost
To quote the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan, “Truth before Reconciliation,” all of our actions need to be based on a fundamental commitment to truth, to openness and transparency, and to humility. We know that this has been a difficult three months. We are deeply concerned that the issues raised and the university’s response have harmed […]
A Message from the Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
Dear members of the UBC community: As UBC’s newly appointed Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, I would like to thank UBC Board Chair Nancy McKenzie and the Board of Governors for entrusting me with this responsibility. It is an honour to take on the position and contribute to this remarkable university. I enjoyed serving as Deputy-Vice […]
Looking Back
Last week, I had the opportunity to reflect on my six years as president of UBC in a conversation with Kathryn Gretsinger of UBC’s School of Journalism, Writing and Media. You can watch the interview here:
Welcome Back!
03 Welcome back to campus and the start of the 2022-23 academic year! I hope you all had a good summer. Welcome Students This week, UBC welcomes thousands of new and returning students to our campuses and learning sites. Thousands of new students are coming to our Okanagan and Vancouver campuses from across British Columbia, […]
Walking the path of Reconciliation: The Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund
When we launched the Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) nearly two years ago, we hoped it would provide guidance and inspiration for the UBC community and beyond. Being able to invest in our commitments and enable student-led projects to come to life and have a genuine impact in our communities is a crucial step in the […]
Djavad Mowafaghian, CM, OBC (1927 – 2022)
It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we learned of the passing of Dr. Djavad Mowafaghian. Affectionately called “Dr. M” by those whom he’s helped through his generosity, he was one of Canada’s most visionary philanthropists and a dear friend of UBC. On behalf of the entire UBC community, […]
Douglas Mitchell, CM, AOE, QC, 1939–2022
We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Douglas Mitchell, CM, AOE, QC, LLD (BLaws ’62). I wish to express my deepest condolences to his wife, Lois, and their family during this difficult time. A former player, Commissioner and member of the Board of Governors for the Canadian Football League (CFL), Mr. Mitchell was […]
Statement to the UBC Community
Dear members of the UBC Community: At the start of my seventh academic year as your President and Vice-Chancellor, I write to inform you of my decision to complete my term as the 15th President of UBC in October 2022. I have accepted an invitation from the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan […]
Canada Day 2022
Canada Day is a time for celebration and reflection. While we have much to celebrate this Canada Day, we still have far to go to achieve a truly representative and equitable university, province and country. We have seen progress over the past year — at UBC, we have begun to work on the 54 comprehensive […]
Community Update, June 27, 2022: End of Mask Mandate
Dear members of the UBC community. I hope that your summer is off to a great start. As you know, in April, we announced that masks had to be worn in indoor UBC public spaces until June 30. Since then, public health data has indicated that BC has passed the 6th wave of the pandemic. […]
June 2022
Welcome Welcome to the June 2022 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Peter A. Allard, QC, 1946 – 2022 Welcome Arig al Shaibah Thanks to our Donors and Alumni New UBC Vancouver student residences opens with gifted names from Musqueam Province invests $50m in […]
Peter A. Allard, QC, 1946 – 2022
We are deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Mr. Peter A. Allard, QC (BA’68, LLB ’71). I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Allard’s family on behalf of the entire UBC community. He will be deeply missed. A lawyer, businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Allard has made an indelible mark […]
Statement on the one-year anniversary of the announcement of 215 unmarked graves found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School
Our hearts are heavy as we mark the one-year anniversary of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation announcing the discovery of the remains of 215 children in unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. The discovery of these burial sites confirmed the truth that residential school survivors have long known, that the abuse […]
Vancouver Police Department Mess Dinner Keynote Address
The Vancouver Club Thank you very much for that generous introduction, Colleen – I’d love to meet that guy! We often hear speakers say that they stand between you and dinner so they’d better be brief – but luckily, we have already had dinner so the sky’s the limit! As you know, academics can talk, […]
Asian Heritage Month: A Conversation with Henry Yu
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to discuss Asian Heritage Month with Henry Yu, the principal of St. John’s College and an acclaimed scholar in the field of Asian-Canadian history. You can watch highlights from the discussion in the video (above), or read the transcript of the full discussion below: Henry: Hello everybody. I’m […]
Blue & Gold Campaign—It’s a wrap!
On May 10, 2022, I publicly announced the close of our tremendously successful Blue & Gold Campaign for Students. I am so pleased to share that we raised over $211-million enabling us to offer life-changing opportunities for many students, including those from under-represented communities, through financial support, awards and experiential learning opportunities Students are at […]
TransLink and UBC
On April 22, I had the pleasure of speaking to members of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation to show support for the Transport 2050: 10-Year Priorities Plan as well as the extension of SkyTrain to the Vancouver campus. TransLink’s proposed plan for the next 10 years includes a range of transit solutions that support […]
Community Update: Mask Requirement Extended
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. As we near the end of the academic year, I would like to thank everyone for doing their part in keeping our campuses safe and […]
Episode 37: Margaret Moss
In this episode of the Blue & Goldcast, Santa talks to Margaret Moss, the Interim Associate Vice-President, Equity & Inclusion, about her current role and her work with UBC’s First Nations House of Learning. Download the transcript here.
‘Moving Beyond Talk’: Addressing the Challenges of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Climate Change
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Many thanks for that generous introduction, Peter – I barely recognized myself! And my thanks to you all for joining me in this important and timely dialogue. I feel very honoured to be invited to the Visiting College Leaders Program here at the University of Pennsylvania – it’s always exciting to see […]
Episode 36: Julio Montaner – Bringing Passion and Energy to HIV/AIDS research
Dr. Julio Montaner is the director of the British Columbia Center for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, the chair in AIDS research and head of the division of AIDS in the faculty of medicine at the University of British Columbia. He discusses highlights of his distinguished career as one of the world’s foremost AIDS/HIV researchers. Download the […]
Strategic Plan Update
Last week, I provided the following update on UBC’s Strategic Plan, Shaping UBC’s Next Century, to the Board of Governors: Shaping UBC’s Next Century is UBC’s roadmap, setting our collective vision, purpose, goals and strategies for the years ahead. Since the plan’s launch in April 2018, I’m pleased to say we have made […]
Community Update, April 1, 2022: Reducing Exam Stress
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. Final exams will begin in a few weeks, and I realize that many of you will be anxious about how well you do. But […]
March 2022
Welcome Welcome to the March 2022 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to the UBC community. Highlights Provost and Vice-President Academic, pro tem appointments announced New scholarship program supports Black Canadian students at UBC Annual report on UBC Okanagan’s Declaration of Commitments to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action UBC–led research team […]
Episode 35: Research cluster Ars Scientia pairs physicist and artist for collaborative research
Ars Scientia is an ongoing UBC research excellence cluster which pairs scientists and artists, challenging them to create work that stepped outside of their respective disciplines and bridge the academic gap between arts and science. Today, Santa speaks to Daniel Korchinski and Josephine Lee. Daniel, a physicist, and Josephine, an artist were paired together to […]
Community Update, March 11, 2022: Masks Still Required on UBC Campuses
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. Yesterday, the BC Provincial Health Officer announced that the Public Health Order requiring masks to be worn in public indoor spaces is lifted as of […]
Statement on Russia and Ukraine
On behalf of the University of British Columbia, I am deeply concerned about Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and its impact on many of our university community members. These attacks are unwarranted, unprovoked, and unacceptable. We join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and B.C. Premier John Horgan in deploring this illegal and unjust war, and echo the international community’s […]
Community Update, February 11, 2022: Thank You for a Safe Return to Campus
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. On Monday of this week, courses at UBC returned to the format in which they were originally scheduled. I want to thank everyone who has […]
Faith and Leadership in a Time of Crisis
Vancouver School of Theology Thank you, Richard, and good evening everyone! I am honoured to be here tonight to deliver the G. Peter Kaye lecture. The topic I will be addressing is “Faith and Leadership in a time of crisis.” The time of crisis is, of course, COVID-19, and it’s a crisis that the entire […]
Episode 34: Nancy Hermiston: “The Face of UBC”
In this episode of the Blue & Goldcast, Santa talks to Nancy Hermiston, chair of UBC’s Voice and Opera Division, director of UBC’s Opera Ensemble and University Marshall; who Santa describes as “the face of UBC.” Download the transcript here.
Celebrating Lunar New Year: The Year of the Water Tiger
Greetings to each and every one of you, and a heartfelt welcome to our UBC celebration of the Lunar New Year 2022! I am sorry that once again we cannot meet in person but, based on last year’s event, I am sure we have a great time ahead of us! The Lunar New Year has […]
Update on Winter Session, Term 2
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. Earlier this month, we announced that UBC would deliver online instruction until February 7. Today, we are confirming that the majority of instruction will be […]
Statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Today, I join the UBC community in observing International Holocaust Remembrance Day and remembering the six million Jewish people and countless others who lost their lives during the Holocaust. We must never forget the heinous crimes perpetrated by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. I am deeply concerned that antisemitism, discrimination and violence continue to […]
Statement on Williams Lake
I was heartbroken to learn of the discovery of 93 unmarked graves at the site of a former B.C. residential school in Williams Lake. These discoveries are horrifying. We can only imagine the grief and pain that the families and communities of the missing children are feeling. UBC stands with Williams Lake First Nation seeking […]
Episode 33: Scholarly Integrity at UBC
In the first episode of the Blue and Goldcast for 2022, Santa talks with two scholars working to improve scholarly integrity at UBC. Dr. Ross Hickey is an associate professor in the Faculty of Management and the Department of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science at UBC’s Okanagan campus Jacqui Brinkman is the Director of Graduate […]
Update: In-person exams, residence and testing
In recent days we’ve seen news of other universities in Canada needing to shift their final exams from in-person to online, and reports of COVID-19 cases at one of our residence facilities at UBC Vancouver. I understand that those developments and the uncertainty around the spread of the Omicron variant are deeply concerning for some of our community members. Particularly as we all observe other communities that are struggling […]
UBC and Surrey: Moving Together into the Future
Surrey Board of Trade, Sheraton Guilford Inn, Surrey B.C. Many thanks for that generous introduction, Anita – I only hope I can live up to it! As this is my first time addressing a Surrey audience, I too would like to acknowledge that we are in the traditional territory of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, […]
Community Update, December 10, 2021: New paths toward meaningful reconciliation
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. Earlier this week, I had the honour of signing, on UBC’s behalf, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government. The signing demonstrates our […]
UBC launches ambitious climate action plans
I am pleased to share that UBC has unveiled two ambitious climate action plans for the Vancouver and Okanagan campus. With the release of these plans, UBC has pledged to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 for both campuses and continue to play a leadership role in addressing the climate emergency. For Vancouver, that […]
Marjorie Anne Sauder, CM, 1929 – 2021
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Marjorie Anne Sauder, CM on November 20, 2021. Known for her consummate generosity, respect and genuine kindness, Marjorie Anne’s abundant support of her community touched the lives of countless people throughout British Columbia and Canada. A treasured volunteer and a considerate philanthropist, Marjorie Anne had […]
December 2021
Welcome Welcome to the December 2021 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Celebrating Graduation Congratulations to UBC’s latest Rhodes Scholars New award for women and gender-diverse faculty and staff at UBC UBC and COP26 Surrey and UBC UBC Signs Scarborough Charter Congratulations to Award Winners […]
Community Update, December 2, 2021: Envisioning Equality
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 we celebrated our first in-person graduation ceremonies since the fall of 2019. It was such a joy to greet the graduating students as […]
Community Update, November 18, 2021: Emergency Funding Available for Those Affected by Flooding
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. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this week’s devastating storms, flooding and mudslides. It’s at times like this that we see the best in […]
Observing Trans Day of Remembrance
Saturday, November 20th, we mark the Trans Day of Remembrance in Canada. We know that trans people at UBC and in broader communities continue to face stigma, discrimination, and violence. Each year, more names are added to the list of those who died as a result of acts of transphobia. And this year, the pandemic […]
Community Update, November 12, 2021: Thanks to you, UBC is COVID safe
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. I am pleased to report that as of this week, 93.86 percent of UBC students, faculty and staff have declared their vaccination status and 96.39% […]
Community Update, November 4, 2021: Creating the most sustainable campuses in the world
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. COP26, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, is now underway in Glasgow. I am proud to say that a delegation of eight […]
Community Update, October 20, 2021: Vaccination Declaration Non-Compliance
Dear members of the UBC community. I’m pleased to announce that eight weeks into the Fall term, we are continuing to do very well with regard to COVID-19. As of October 19, 95% of students, faculty and staff have declared their vaccination status. Of those who have declared, 96% have declared they are fully vaccinated […]
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
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
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.
Community Update, July 16, 2021: Black Opportunity Fund
Dear members of the UBC community. I hope your summer is going well. I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. As I mentioned in my last update in June, we are planning a phased approach to the return […]
Black Opportunity Fund partners with UBC to empower next generation of Black leaders
I would like to highlight an exciting new partnership between UBC and Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), to empower Black Canadian students to achieve their educational goals and career aspirations. BOF is a partnership between the Black community, businesses, philanthropists, government, and foundations, with a mission of raising a permanent pool of capital to empower the […]
Weekly Update: June 25, 2021: Return to Campus will be a transition, not an event
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. As you know, the Fall term begins in just a couple of months and like many of you, I’m looking forward to getting back to campus. […]
June 2021
Welcome Welcome to the June 2021 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Statement on the Missing Children of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools Welcome New Board Members National Forum on Anti-Asian Racism Update on Plans for Fall 2021 Remote Work Arrangements: An opportunity to reimagine how […]
Statement on the Missing Children of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools
We are heartbroken to learn of the confirmation of further burial sites of children at former residential schools. These discoveries are horrifying. We can only imagine the grief and pain that the families and communities of the missing children are feeling. UBC stands with First Nations seeking the truth about the missing children. We support […]
Weekly Update, June 18, 2021: The Anti-Asian Racism Forum is Over, But Our Work is Just Beginning
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, UBC hosted a National Forum on Anti-Asian Racism. Thousands of people from across Canada and around the world participated in the virtual forum. […]
Episode 23: Fatherhood and Masculinity in the 21st Century
In this episode of the Blue and Goldcast, Santa talks to UBC’s Dr. David Kuhl about his research into fatherhood and masculinity. Dr. Kuhl holds the Mohammad H. Mohseni Foundation Chair in Men’s Health, Integrity and Wellbeing at Vancouver Coastal Health with support from the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Download the transcript here.
Weekly Update, June 11, 2021: A Phased Approach to the Fall
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. With the start of the academic year just three months away, I’m looking forward to welcoming back our students, faculty and staff. According to BC’s […]
Statement on the Missing Children of the Kamloops Indian Residential School
We were heartbroken to learn of the confirmation of the burial site of 215 children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School last week. We can only imagine the grief and pain that the families and communities of the missing children are feeling. UBC stands with First Nations seeking the truth about […]
Weekly Update, May 28, 2021: Spring Graduation
Dear members of the UBC community. Earlier this week, Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry made it clear that BC’s Restart Plan depends on as many people as possible getting vaccinated. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from COVID-19 and getting life back to normal. If you haven’t […]
Weekly Update, May 21, 2021: Plans for Fall 2021
Dear members of the UBC community. As I noted in my UBC Broadcast earlier this week, we continue to work closely on our plans for the Fall with public health officials at the provincial and regional levels. You can find more details at broadcastemail.ubc.ca. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is optimistic that we will […]
External Review of Campus Security
Dear UBC Community On June 16, 2020, following concerns of racial profiling, I called for an external review of Campus Security to ensure that racialized members of our community are treated equally to all other UBC members. In August of 2020, the Vice President, Finance & Operations, Peter Smailes, engaged Dana Campbell-Stevens, Workplace Investigator at […]
Weekly Update, May 14, 2021: Join the Vaccine-Nation
Dear members of the UBC community. Today I’d like to talk about COVID-19 vaccinations. More than two million vaccine doses have already been administered in BC, and tens of thousands of people are getting their vaccines every day. Everyone over the age of 18 in British Columbia can now register for a vaccination appointment so, […]
Weekly Update, May 7, 2021: Asian Heritage Month
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. This is Asian Heritage Month; an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent who, […]
Weekly Update, April 30, 2021: Let’s Bring SkyTrain to 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. Thanks to an unprecedented global effort, including leading work by UBC researchers to develop vaccines and strategies to combat COVID-19, the end of the pandemic […]
Universities Must Do More to Address the Climate Emergency
I was honoured to co-write the op-ed on universities, youth and climate change with Grace Nosek of the UBC Climate Hub. The original appeared on the Inside Higher Education website on April 26, 2021 (link). Universities Must Do More to Address the Climate Emergency Younger generations have been deeply impacted by the intersecting crises […]
Weekly Update, April 23, 2021: UBC and Global Engagement
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. Earlier this month, UBC launched its new global engagement strategy, called In Service. We are unveiling this new strategy at a time of great change […]
Weekly Update, April 20, 2021: Planning for Fall 2021
Dear members of the UBC community. Last month UBC confirmed that we are planning for a return to on-campus activity for Winter Session, Term 1, with the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and the public health teams in the health authorities. Dr. Henry has been clear that post-secondary institutions, such as […]
UBC and the Overdose Crisis
Five years ago, on April 14, 2016, the overdose crisis in British Columbia was declared a public health emergency. Today, on the anniversary of that declaration, the crisis is still very much with us, and indeed, is worse than ever. Its effects are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and it impacts all communities in the […]
Weekly Update, April 9, 2021: Vaccination Clinic at UBC
Dear members of the UBC community. As you know, the vaccination drive against COVID-19 is well underway here in BC, across Canada and around the world. Both the federal and provincial governments have committed to widespread vaccine availability. BC is now in Phase 3 of the vaccine roll-out plan. Anyone, 18 or over, who wishes […]
Launching UBC’s Global Engagement Strategy
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Santa J. Ono (@ubcprez) The world is grappling with immense challenges. Climate change, environmental degradation, poverty and inequality and racial injustice are just some of the issues we face. Here at UBC, we’re ready to help face those challenges. We have a research infrastructure […]
Episode 19: Kevin Golovin’s Cool COVID Protection
In this episode, Santa talks to UBC Okanagan professor Kevin Golovin about his anti-fouling and anti-fogging face shields and his “cool” research. Download the transcript here.
Statement on Anti-Asian Racism
It is with sadness that I write, in my capacity as President of the University of British Columbia, to mourn the deaths of eight people murdered in an act of senseless violence in Atlanta, Georgia: Soon Chung Park, age 74 Suncha Kim, age 69 Yong Ae Yue, age 63 Paul Andre Michels, age 54 Hyun […]
Episode 18: Everything You Wanted to Know About UBC’s Senates!
UBC Okanagan professors Jan Cioe and Jannick Eikenaar talk to Santa about the university’s senates and why they matter. Download the transcript here.
Weekly Update, March 12, 2021: Planning for the Fall
Dear members of the UBC community. Earlier this week, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, provided information for B.C. public post-secondary institutions to guide planning for a return to on-campus activity this fall. Based on current immunization timelines and vaccine approvals, and with strong and effective safety plans in place, I can confirm that UBC […]
Weekly Update, March 5, 2021: International Women’s Day
Dear members of the UBC community. On Monday, we will be celebrating International Women’s Day. (See what’s happening at UBC: https://events.ubc.ca/international-womens-day/) But I believe that every day should be International Women’s Day. Everything we do as a society depends upon the skills, talents and contributions of women around the world. I wouldn’t have achieved anything […]
Episode 17: Introducing the CanMask!
I’m joined by UBC engineering professors Johan Foster and Orlando Rojas who have been working with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and scientists to design what may be the world’s first fully compostable and biodegradable medical mask—the CanMask. Download the transcript here.
QS World University Subject Rankings Demonstrate UBC’s Breadth of Excellence
The prestigious QS World University Subject Rankings for 2021 have been released and I’m proud to say that the University of British Columbia continues to place among the best universities in the world. We placed among the top 10 universities in the world in four subjects and among the top 50 in 46 subjects (see […]
Weekly Update, February 26, 2021
Dear members of the UBC community. Next week, March 1 to March 5 is SDG Week at UBC. SDG stands for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by world leaders in 2015 at a historic UN summit and came into effect on 1 January 2016. The goals call […]
Weekly Update: February 19, 2021
Dear members of the UBC community. I hope that everyone had a good Family Day break. And, if you are a student, I hope that you had a relaxing Reading Week. Reading Week is not only a chance to recharge your batteries; it’s also a time to start thinking ahead to the end of term […]