Statement on Release of Loujain Al-Hathloul
We are heartened to learn that UBC alumna Loujain Al-Hathloul was released from prison today in Saudi Arabia. Ms. Al-Hathloul, who graduated from UBC in 2014, has dedicated her life to campaigning to advance women’s rights in her home country. She was arrested and detained in May 2018 along with several other women’s rights activists, and was […]
UBC’s response to sentencing of alumna Loujain Al-Hathloul
The University of British Columbia is profoundly disappointed by today’s news that Loujain Al-Hathloul has been sentenced to five years and eight months in prison, with two years and 10 months suspended. Ms. Al-Hathloul, who graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Arts in 2014, was among several women’s rights activists who were arrested and […]
Update on UBC’s Evolving Relationship with the RCMP
Earlier this year, the university made a number of commitments to address issues of systemic racism and ensure we are fostering an inclusive and equitable community for our students, faculty and staff. We’ve made significant progress – much of which is detailed in this recent post announcing the appointment of our new co-executive leads for […]
Welcome Back, UBC
Dear members of the UBC community. Welcome to the new academic year. I hope you’ve had a good summer. Whether you’re a new or returning student, a faculty member or a staff member, this year will be like none we’ve ever experienced before. But even though this year will be different, we have been working […]
Statement on Tragic Events in Beirut
On behalf of the UBC community, I wish to express my condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the tragic events that took place in Beirut, and I wish a speedy and complete recovery to all those who were injured. My thoughts are also with the members of UBC’s Lebanese community. Please […]
Statement on Incident Involving UBC Okanagan Student
I was distressed and shocked by the video footage of the RCMP wellness check on Mona Wang. In my earlier statements, I reaffirmed UBC’s commitment to equity and inclusion and my firm belief that diversity is our strength. Every member of our community has a role to play in opposing hatred, oppression, violence and injustice, […]
Update on UBC’s Approach to Controversial Speaker Bookings
Dear members of the UBC community: In recent years, certain individuals have either been invited to speak or have requested to speak on campus. This has resulted in a robust conversation on controversial speakers whose views are deeply offensive and hurtful to members of our community. Such views, when expressed on campus, also threaten to […]
Statement on International Pride Month
Dear members of the UBC community: As we reflect on international Pride Month and anticipate Vancouver’s upcoming Pride celebrations, we recognize it as a time to celebrate and honour 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer (or Questioning), Intersex, Asexual) lives. It’s also a time to reflect on and affirm our commitments to make UBC […]
Moving Forward
Dear members of the UBC community: This past weekend, Michael Korenberg, the Chair of the Board of Governors, informed the Board and the University that he was stepping down after social media interactions that, in his own words, “thoughtlessly supported regressive voices which are attempting to discredit broad-based, legal and necessary protest.” We acknowledge both […]
UBC Committee on Systemic Racism
UBC and systemic racism Recent events, including the incident involving a UBC graduate student, have brought to light the pervasiveness of systemic racism, and in particular anti-Black racism. When any population on campus does not feel included, respected, and engaged, it impacts their experience and their capacity to change the world. Since my statement on […]
Together against Racism and Injustice
Dear UBC community: Recent anti-Black and anti-Asian violence in communities across North America has focused our attention on the deeply rooted racism in Canada and globally. UBC itself is not immune to racism and injustice. As a university, we need to make it crystal clear that racism and bias have no place in our community […]
Spring Graduation: An Update
Many people, including students, faculty and staff, have been asking about the university’s plans for one of the highlights of the year, spring graduation. Today, I’d like to update you on our plans for this special event. I love graduation. Seeing our graduating students celebrating with their loved ones, always fills me with pride. This […]
COVID-19 Update: Working Together We Will Meet The Challenges We Face
Dear Members of the UBC Community: The COVID-19 crisis has created a challenge that none of us could imagine even several weeks ago. There are many issues that we are all currently dealing with as a university, as a region, as a nation and globally. I wanted to reach out at this time to connect […]
Transition to online classes at UBC
As you know, governments and institutions around the world are grappling with the spread and impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The situation continues to evolve and it has become an unprecedented scenario for the university. Today I am announcing the transition to online classes effective Monday March 16, 2020 for the remainder of the […]
Robert H. Lee, CM, OBC, 1933-2020
It is with deep sadness and a great sense of loss that we learned of the passing of Dr. Robert (Bob) H. Lee, CM, OBC, former Chancellor of UBC and Chairman of UBC Properties Trust on February 19, 2020. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family on behalf of the entire […]
National remembrance of those lost in Iran
Universities across Canada will join together in a moment of silence to recognize those lost and affected by the crash of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. I ask that students, faculty and staff please pause and remember the victims, and consider the impact the impact on their families, loved ones and communities across the country […]
Update: Next Steps Following Climate Emergency Declaration and Commitment to Divestment
Summary Statement The climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our time and UBC wants to ensure that our community and the public is informed of the actions that the university is taking as a leader in sustainability and climate action. This update provides the context of President Santa Ono’s Climate Emergency […]
Flags lowered in memory of victims of Flight 752 tragedy
Flags have been lowered on UBC’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses today in memory of those who died in the Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 tragedy in Iran, including four members of our UBC community. It is with great sadness that I can now report the death of alumna Niloofar Razzaghi who graduated with a Bachelor […]
Statement on UIA 752 Tragedy
I am profoundly saddened to confirm that two former UBC students are among those reportedly killed in the Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 tragedy in Iran. Details of this incident are still developing, but the names of Zeynab Asadi Lari and Mohammadhossein Asadi Lari appear on the flight manifest. Zeynab enrolled at UBC in 2016 […]
Declaration on the Climate Emergency
This morning, the UBC Board of Governors endorsed the following UBC Declaration on the Climate Emergency. I would like to thank all those who have engaged with us on this issue, especially UBC’s students, faculty and staff members. Their activism and passion were essential in getting the university to act on the climate crisis. I […]