Episode 32: Peter Klein on the Future of Journalism
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-32-peter-klein-on-the-future-of-journalism In this episode, Santa talks to Peter Klein from the UBC School of Journalism about his current projects and the future of journalism. Download the transcript here.
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 […]
December 2021
Welcome Welcome to the December 2021 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC Board of Governors. 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 […]
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 […]
Episode 31: Tina Loo on Power, Privilege and Colonialism
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-31-tina-loo?si=4b80f67d3c9a42828d2ec81a9ae15a5e In Episode 31 of the Blue & Goldcast, Santa talks to Professor Tina Loo about power, privilege and colonialism. Read the transcript here.
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 […]
Episode 30: UBC and the Olympics
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-30-ubc-and-the-olympics?si=1baa14c892144fada74a9dec8e148e34 In the 30th episode of the Blue and Goldcast, Santa Ono chats with UBC Olympic medalists Hillary Janssens and Evan Dunfee about their experiences at the Summer Games. Download the transcript here.
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 […]
Episode 29: Cycling for Mental Health
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-29-cycling-for-mental-health?si=ed71ce56f0924687bc7731d466d3531e In this episode of the Blue and Goldcast, Santa Ono chats with UBC Okanagan student Mikey Friedland, who has just returned from an epic bicycle ride to the Arctic Ocean to raise funds and awareness of mental health issues. Download the transcript here
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 […]
Episode 28: Collaborating on Sustainable Water Treatment
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-28-chief-liliane-squinas-and-dr-madjid-mohseni?si=99e0471b75194391b858627decab77c0 In this episode of the Blue & Goldcast, Santa talks to UBC engineering professor Dr. Madjid Mohseni and Chief Liliane Squinas of the Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation about how UBC and and Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation collaborated to build a sustainable water treatment plant for the community. Download the transcript here
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 […]
“Words Cannot Express the Depth of Our Sorrow”
Dear members of the UBC community. This week we are grieving for the loss of two students, whose lives were horribly cut short. It is difficult to comprehend and express the enormity of the loss of these two bright and promising young adults, who were part of the UBC family. Words cannot express the depth […]
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 […]
Presidential Priorities, 2021-22
I am pleased to present my priorities and goals for the 2021-22 year. Briefly, the priorities fall into the following categories – equity, diversity and inclusion; indigenous engagement and reconciliation; climate change; COVID-19 response; operational efficiency and the President’s Academic Excellence Initiative. 1. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Work with the UBC community to complete the […]
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 […]
September 2021
Welcome Welcome to the September 2021 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC Board of Governors. Highlights Orange Shirt Day – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 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, […]
IRP Student: UBC’s Renewal Journey Continues
As you know, UBC has come together to undertake many transformational changes over the past year. Not only have we continued to adapt to the challenges and opportunities the pandemic has posed, we also have made the leap to new enterprise systems to support our work in Human Resources, Finance Operations, and maintenance and asset […]
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 […]
Episode 26: Handel Wright on Anti-Racism and Inclusion at UBC
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/blue-gold-26-handel-wright-on-anti-racism In this episode of the Blue & Goldcast, special guest Dr. Handel Wright discusses anti-racism, Black Studies, and his own journey with Santa Ono. Download the transcript here.
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.
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 […]
Episode 24: Student Mental Health – There’s an App For That
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/blue-and-gold-episode-24-student-mental-health-theres-an-app-for-that In this episode of the Blue and Goldcast, Santa talks to Dr. Daniel Vigo, assistant professor at UBC’s Institute of Mental Health. He’s working on an app called Minder, designed to help students get the mental health support they may need. Download the transcript here.
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 […]
June 2021
Welcome Welcome to the June 2021 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC Board of Governors. Highlights National Forum on Anti-Asian Racism Update on Plans for Fall 2021 Remote Work Arrangements: An opportunity to reimagine how we work Fifteen New and Renewed UBC Canada Research Chairs Announced […]
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
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/blue-gold-episode-23-fatherhood-in-the-21st-century?in=ubc_blue_and_goldcast/sets/blue-and-goldcast 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 […]
Episode 22: A new COVID-19 diagnostic tool
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/blue-and-gold-episode-22-a-new-covid-19-diagnostic-tool In this episode of the Blue and Goldcast, Santa talks to Karen Cheung and Lukas Chrostowski about their new platform technology and biosensor that can be used as a COVID-19 diagnostic tool. Download the transcript here.
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, […]
Episode 21: Species at Risk
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/blue-and-gold-21-species-at-risk UBC’s Vancouver campus sits at the tip of one of the most important estuaries in the province, the Fraser River. In this estuary alone, there are 102 species at risk of extinction. My guest today, Tara Martin of the Faculty of Forestry, studies this area, as well as how to best save species at […]
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 […]
April 2021
Welcome Welcome to the April 2021 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Spring Graduation Takes Place June 2 UBC to Award 18 Honourary Degrees Over $210 million raised for UBC priorities Anti-Racism Update UBC Okanagan to Offer Degree in Indigenous Language Fluency UBC Launches Global […]
April 2021
Welcome Welcome to the April 2021 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC Board of Governors. Highlights Spring Graduation Takes Place June 2 UBC to Award 18 Honourary Degrees Over $210 million raised for UBC priorities Planning for Fall 2021 Anti-Racism Update UBC Okanagan to Offer Degree […]
Episode 20: Thunderbikes are Go!
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-20-ubc-thunderbikes-are-go Bhargav Thoom and Daniel Zhao are both mechanical engineering students at our Vancouver campus. They’re also the leads of the UBC Thunderbikes, a student design team working on electric bikes. In this episode of the Blue & Goldcast they talk to Santa about the Thunderbikes electrical bike project. Download the transcript here.
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
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-19-cool-covid-19-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!
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-18-everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-ubcs-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 […]
UBC and UTokyo – A Relationship Forged Through Baseball, Quantum Materials and Mutual Esteem
reprinted, with permission, from the University of Tokyo Alumni Magazine I first met Dr. Makoto Gonokami when I travelled to Tokyo in 2017. For me, it was somewhat of a homecoming, and I enjoyed spending time with my Japanese relatives and experiencing the great food and city life of Tokyo. But the highlight of the […]
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!
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-17-compostable-masks 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 […]
COVID-19 innovations hold lessons for national policy
By Dr. Santa J. Ono and Dr. Gail Murphy As published in The Hill Times on February 17, 2021. As the COVID-19 pandemic erupted in early 2020, we witnessed an unprecedented mobilization of the world’s scientific community to develop solutions. Canadian researchers and companies are making vital contributions to these efforts, especially in the area […]
February 2021
Welcome Welcome to the February 2021 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Climate Emergency Task Force Report and Recommendations Micro-credential Program Support Terms of Engagement with Musqueam Signed New UBC professorship to advance addiction medicine in B.C. Support for innovation in clean technology and sustainable […]
February 2021
Welcome Welcome to the February 2021 issue of Letter to the Board, a regular communication to members of the UBC Board of Governors. Highlights Climate Emergency Task Force Report and Recommendations Micro-credential Program Support Terms of Engagement with Musqueam Signed New UBC professorship to advance addiction medicine in B.C. Support for innovation in clean […]
Weekly Update, February 12
Dear members of the UBC community. As you know, a little over a year ago, on December 5, 2019, UBC declared a climate emergency. As part of the declaration, I established a Climate Emergency Task Force with a mandate to consolidate input from both in-person and online consultations into a public report. Despite the exceptional […]
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 […]
Episode 16: EDI in Applied Science
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-16-sheryl-staub-french I’m joined by Sheryl Staub-French, the Associate Dean of UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science to discuss the Faculty’s equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies. Here at UBC, we’re committed to doing better by all of our students, faculty, and staff. That means advancing and prioritizing our understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion, or EDI, not […]
Weekly Update, February 5, 2021
Dear members of the UBC community. As you know, a little over a year ago, on December 5, 2019, UBC declared a climate emergency. As part of the declaration, I established a Climate Emergency Task Force with a mandate to consolidate input from both in-person and online consultations into a public report. I am pleased […]
Weekly Update, February 1, 2021: Black History Month
Dear members of the UBC community. I’d like to start off by congratulating Dr. Susan Porter, Dean and Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, on receiving the Debra W. Stewart Award for Outstanding Leadership in Graduate Education from the Council of Graduate Schools, for her passionate advocacy and invaluable contributions to UBC and the international graduate […]
Let’s Talk About Mental Health
Mental illness affects every one of us, either directly or through those we love. And it affects people of all ages and walks of life, including members of the UBC community. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Canada for those between the ages of 15 and 24, and the second leading cause […]
Episode 15: Let’s Talk About Mental Health
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-15-mental-health-covid-and-students/s-13DquMxoWeD In this episode of the Blue and Goldcast, I talk to Kathryn Gretsinger about students and mental health. Kathryn and her team of 80 students, journalists, and academics have been working on a cross-border investigation into mental health issues with 10 journalism schools in Canada and the US. Download the transcript here.
Weekly Update, January 22, 2021
Dear members of the UBC community. We begin the new year with hope, and anticipation of a better year ahead. Already, many vulnerable seniors and frontline workers have been vaccinated in British Columbia, and we can look forward to more widescale vaccination against COVID in the coming months. But just because vaccination has begun, it […]
Congratulations to UBC’s Killam Professors
The Killam Professorship is the highest honour that UBC can confer on a faculty member. University Killam Professors are exceptional teachers and researchers who are leaders in their fields, and have received international recognition for their talents and achievements. I would like to congratulate UBC’s new Killam Professors, who have just been announced. Janice Eng, […]
Episode 14: Fostering Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at UBC
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-14-fostering-equity-diversity-and-inclusion-at-ubc/s-nlB7BzgjnPy In this episode of the Blue and Goldcast, I talk to Karen Ragoonaden about the complexities – and the necessity – of fostering equity, diversity and inclusion at a modern university. Download the transcript here.
Statement from the President
Late last year my elderly mother was taken to hospital by ambulance in her home city of Baltimore. Since my mother and father, who is 93, live alone, I was concerned about their welfare. There is no one in my extended family who lives in Baltimore and was able to provide support for them. On […]