Dear members of the UBC community.
It’s hard to believe that it’s almost September. In just a few days we’ll be starting the Fall term.
I look forward to this time of year. One of the reasons I like September is because I have the privilege of welcoming new first year and transfer students to UBC.
In today’s update, I’d like to address our new students in particular.
Usually, I welcome you in person, but of course, this year, we have had to adapt to the changing circumstances caused by COVID-19. Still, I look forward to meeting you in person someday.
I’m proud to be president and vice-chancellor of UBC. It’s one of the world’s top universities; thanks to our outstanding professors, our research breakthroughs, our beautiful campuses and also to you – our students!
You have come to UBC from every part of B.C., every province in Canada and from over a hundred different countries from all over the world. I’m very proud of UBC, and I’m very proud of you.
You are each uniquely talented and you are what makes UBC so special. Each of you has dreams and aspirations. And to achieve those dreams, you need to believe in yourself.
Vous êtes venus à l’UBC de toutes les régions de la Colombie-Britannique, de toutes les provinces du Canada et de plus d’une centaine de pays différents du monde entier. Je suis très fier de l’UBC, et je suis très fier de vous.
Vous avez tous un talent unique et vous êtes ce qui rend l’UBC si spéciale. Chacun de vous a des rêves et des aspirations. Et pour réaliser ces rêves, vous devez croire en vous.
Never stop believing in yourself. You can do it. You’ve been admitted to one of the world’s top universities – that’s no small feat. And as I said, I’m proud of you for doing so. I know you’ll excel here, but let me give you a bit of advice.
Balance is the key. Yes, you need to study hard, but also take the time to relax and unwind. Get to know other students, whether virtually or, while staying safe, in person. Try to exercise, and get outside if you can. Join a UBC club online. University isn’t all about getting good grades; it’s another stage in your life’s journey and you should make the most of it.
We’re here to help you make the most of it. There are many resources at UBC to help you thrive even in these unprecedented times. You can find them at students.ok.ubc.ca or students.ubc.ca.
You’re starting on an exciting period in your lives. You will meet new friends, discover new interests. The next few years will be among the most treasured of your life. Make the most of them.
To help you make the most of these years, we’ve created a guide for new students. Check out the New to UBC guide which you’ll find on the websites I just mentioned.
The guide contains a wealth of resources and tips to help you get ready for September. It’s your one-stop resource for everything you need to get started at UBC. Get the details on virtual orientations, check off what you need to do before classes start, find tips on how to succeed during online learning—and more. Check out the guide today for everything you need to have a great start to the year!
You can also follow UBC Life and UBCO Students on Instagram at ubc underscore studentlife and ubcostudents. You can follow me there as well at ubcprez.
In closing, I’d like to repeat what UBC’s first president, Frank Wesbrook, said to UBC’s first group of students one hundred and one years ago: Tuum Est – which translates to “it is yours”. UBC is your university – welcome to it!
I always end these weekly updates with a #songsofcomfort selection. Today, I’m proud to present Siliang Wang, a master of music flute student of Paolo Bortolussi, and her rendition of J.S. Bach’s Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in d minor, BWV 1004. Enjoy and stay safe.
Best wishes
Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor