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, and upper year students, faculty and staff return to campus.
Thanks to your efforts, the return to campus has been successful and safe. I’m delighted to report that as of earlier this week, almost 50,000 students, faculty and staff had completed the online, confidential declaration of vaccination status; with 97.5 percent indicating that they have been vaccinated and 94.1 percent of respondents indicating that they are already fully vaccinated. 98.8% of respondents have disclosed their status. If you haven’t completed the declaration yet, please do so as soon as possible at rapidtesting.covid19.ubc.ca.
September is also marked by UBC Homecoming. Supported by RBC, Homecoming is a celebrated tradition to kick-off the academic year and it’s our biggest school spirit event, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, staff and neighbours.
In consideration of COVID, it will be celebrated virtually again this year, but while the usual format will have to wait until next year, the Homecoming spirit is alive and well with a range of virtual activities spanning two weekends with our Vancouver and Okanagan campuses!
All activities will be available to everyone, regardless of location. Details at homecoming.ubc.ca.
Please join us as we celebrate and reconnect.
Finally, a reminder that the federal election takes place Monday, September 20. I encourage every eligible member of the UBC community to take part in this foundational part of Canada’s democratic system. There’s more information on my blog at president-2023.sites.olt.ubc.ca.
Thank you and best wishes.
Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor