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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Securing a “sustainable tomorrow”: How Servant Leadership strengthens UBC
Chief Human Resources Officer Executive Summit Vancouver I am delighted to be able to join you today from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam First Nation, here in Vancouver, BC. It’s an honor to be included in your important conversations around best practices in human resources—especially in the area of organizational leadership. […]
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 […]
Weekly Update, December 11, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. This will be my final update for the year 2020. And what a year it has been! It’s traditional at this time of year for many […]
Update: Extending the SkyTrain to UBC
As 2020 comes to a close, I’m pleased to be turning my attention to a fresh new year and what it will bring for the university and our community. While we continue to tackle the immediate challenges presented by COVID-19, I am eagerly looking ahead to the day when we can safely welcome everyone back […]
Weekly Update, December 4, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. I’d like to share the news that for most programs the winter break has been extended until January 11. Students should keep an eye out for […]
Weekly Update, November 26, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. In a few short weeks, exams will begin for UBC students. Exam time is always stressful of course, but this year, you may find it more […]
November-December 2020
Welcome Welcome to the November/December 2020 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to the UBC community. Highlights UBC Research and COVID Fall Graduation Installation of Chancellor Point Handel Kashope Wright Appointed as Senior Advisor on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence UBC in Top 30 in the World for Graduate Employability University Presidents Meet to […]
Weekly Update, November 20, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Lately we’ve heard hopeful news about COVID-19 vaccines, with two of the groups working on a vaccine announcing promising results. However, it will be months before […]
Weekly Update, November 13, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Chers membres de la communauté de l’UBC. J’aimerais commencer par vous dire que je m’adresse à vous depuis le territoire traditionnel et non cédé du peuple Musqueam. […]
Episode 12: UBC as a Climate Leader
https://soundcloud.com/ubc_blue_and_goldcast/episode-12-ubc-as-a-climate-leader This week on the Blue & Goldcast, Santa talks to Dr. Walter Mérida, the president’s senior advisor on climate, as well as the director of the Clean Energy Research Centre. Dr. Mérida and Santa sit down to discuss how UBC can continue its role as a climate leader in Canada and beyond. You can […]
Weekly Update, November 6, 2020
Dear members of the UBC Community: I would like to begin by acknowledging that I am speaking to you from the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Je voudrais commencer par reconnaître que je vous parle depuis les territoires traditionnels et non cédés des peuples Musqueam. As you know, this week we switched […]
Weekly Update: October 30, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. Earlier this week, I provided an update on steps we are taking to address issues of equity, diversity and inclusion and to identify and address gaps in supporting racialized students, faculty and staff. Those steps include creating a new position, Senior Advisor to the President on Race and Inclusive […]
Addressing Issues of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: An Update
UBC remains deeply committed to tackling issues of equity, diversity and inclusion in our core academic mission and to identifying and addressing gaps in supporting racialized students, faculty and staff to succeed. An inclusive university is one which actively confronts and overcomes systemic barriers faced by different groups and enables everyone to realize their full […]
Weekly Update: October 23, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community: On November 2, the way we work together will change, with the launch of Workday for Finance and Human Resources. The road towards implementation of Workday has been a long one, with reviews of the university’s systems starting over a decade ago. When the Integrated Renewal Program kicked off […]
TESS Online 2020: Flexibility, feedback and forgiveness: Lessons in humanity from UBC’s digital learning frontlines
eCampus Ontario Thank you for that kind welcome, Daniel. I am truly honored to be able to join you today from the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam First Nation, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean here in Vancouver, BC. It is always a privilege to be included in important conversations about […]
Weekly Update: October 16, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you had a chance to relax with your loved ones, whether in person or virtually. I’d like to thank you again for observing UBC’s COVID-19 protocols. Thanks to you, we are keeping healthy and safe and bending the curve. […]
Voting in the 2020 BC Provincial Election
British Columbians will elect a new provincial government on Saturday, October 24, 2020. While this is the official Election Day, there are options to vote by mail or during advance voting days. Every eligible member of the UBC community is encouraged to take part in the provincial election. For the 2020 BC Provincial Election, the […]
Episode 11: Land & Food Systems Roundtable
Blue and Goldcast · Episode 11: Land & Food Systems Roundtable This week on the Blue and Goldcast, join Santa and guests for a roundtable discussion about how the Faculty of Land and Food Systems is integrating anti-racist and social equity frameworks into the natural sciences, while partnering with communities along the way. Dr. […]
Weekly Update: September 25, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. Just over half a year ago, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic and B.C.’s provincial health officer declared a public health emergency. In the past six months, COVID-19 has had a profound impact on all of us, on individuals, on cities, provinces and nations, […]
Weekly Update: September 21, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community: As you know, since September 16, masks have been required on UBC campuses. I’ve been impressed by how quickly the university community – students, faculty, staff and visitors – have adapted to the new requirements. Thank you everyone for doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19. But […]
Welcome Back to the Blue & Goldcast!
I’m delighted to let you know that the Blue and Goldcast, my regular podcast series where I sit down with students, faculty and staff to discuss a wide range of topics, has resumed after taking a short break. We’ve recorded several new episodes, which will be released over the next few months (we’ll be recording […]
Celebrating the Indigenous Strategic Plan
UBC Vancouver Unceded Territories of the Musqueam People Thank you, Coastal Wolf Pack, Elder Grant, Drs. Lightfoot and Moss for your warm welcomes. I would like to thank the UBC community for providing their input and sharing their opinions. Thank you in particular to the ISP planning team, especially Drs. Lightfoot and Moss for the […]
Weekly Update: September 14, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community: Recently, the number of COVID-19 cases in British Columbia has been increasing dramatically. This past Friday alone, there were 132 new cases. Hospitalization from COVID-19 are at their highest in four months. We all must do what we can to fight COVID19. Therefore, UBC is implementing a new measure […]
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 […]
Weekly Update, August 28: Welcome New Students
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 […]
Weekly Update: August 21, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. I hope your summer is going well. It’s hard to believe, but the summer is almost over, and soon the Fall term will start. Of course, it will be a very different back to school than we’re used to. I’ll be providing more information on that in the next […]
Looking Forward to the Next Five Years
Dear members of the UBC community. Earlier this month the university’s board of governors ratified my reappointment as president and vice-chancellor of UBC for a second five-year term. I would like to thank the Board for their confidence in me, and I look forward to working with them, along with all of you, to help […]
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 […]
Weekly Update: July 24, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community: I hope you’re all having a good summer. It’s hard to believe, but September is only six weeks away, so today I’d like to update you on our plans for the fall. As I mentioned before, this fall, UBC will primarily offer larger classes online with selected smaller […]
Weekly Update: July 10, 2020
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 […]
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 […]
Weekly Update: June 26, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. I hope you’re all doing well. Like many of you, I was disturbed by the violence depicted in a video of a police wellness check in January involving a student in the community. I condemn the behaviour shown in the video and the use of excessive force in any […]
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 […]
Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, I would like to celebrate the diverse and unique cultures and contributions of Indigenous people in Canada, British Columbia and at UBC. I want to take this moment to honour and celebrate, in particular, the Musqueam and Syilx peoples on whose traditional and unceded territories the main UBC campuses have […]
Weekly Update: June 19, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. Earlier this week, we held our first ever Virtual Graduation Ceremony. I was proud to participate in the event and to celebrate, along with their families and friends, the accomplishments of the members of the class of 2020. I hope you had the chance to watch one or both […]
June 2020 Newsletter
Welcome Welcome to the June 2020 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Over the past few weeks, our attention has been focused on anti-racism and the COVID-19 pandemic. In this newsletter I will address both of these as well as other news from UBC. Highlights COVID-19 and UBC […]
Welcome to Steven Lewis Point; Farewell to Lindsay Gordon
I’m delighted to welcome the Honourable Steven Lewis Point as UBC’s 19th Chancellor. I’d also like to say farewell and thank you to Lindsay Gordon, who has served as Chancellor with great distinction for the past six years. Dr. Point, who assumes his role on July 1, is not only a UBC graduate and honourary […]
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 […]
Weekly Update: June 12, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. It’s just twelve short weeks before the beginning of the Fall term, and UBC faculty and staff are busy preparing to welcome back thousands of new and returning students. This year UBC will be welcoming students from across Canada and from over one hundred and fifty countries around the […]
Touring Brent Sparrow’s ʔəlqsən art installation
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting with Brent Sparrow Jr. to view his newest public art installation on the UBC Vancouver campus. Brent is a member of the Musqueam community and ʔəlqsən (Point Grey) is his first public art installation cast in bronze. The installation is comprised of 10 cast bronze panels […]
Weekly Update: June 5, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community, I hope things continue to go well for you. As you know, the recent anti-black and anti-Asian violence in communities across North America has focused our attention on deeply rooted racism in Canada and globally. UBC itself is not immune to racism and injustice. Earlier this week, I […]
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 […]
Weekly Update: May 29, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. I hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy. What a difference a year makes. This time last year, the Vancouver campus was alive with the excitement of graduation – as thousands of graduates and their families came to UBC to celebrate. And students, faculty […]
Weekly Update: May 22, 2020
Dear members of the UBC community. I hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy. We’ve seen in the news lately that we’re definitely flattening the curve here in BC – thanks to all of us doing our part – and the province is gradually beginning to re-open. Not only that, […]
Weekly Update: May 15, 2020
Dear Members of the UBC Community: I hope you and your loved ones are well. This week the university made three important announcements as it and the province start phased returns. First, we told you about the status of the fall term. As you know, COVID-19 required the university to shift to online instruction in […]
Weekly Update: May 8, 2020
> Dear Members of the UBC Community: I hope you and your loved ones are well. The university made the very difficult decision in March to cancel in-person graduation ceremonies in order to follow provincial health guidelines. We promised then we would work on a virtual ceremony so we can honour our graduating students for […]
Weekly Update: May 1, 2020
Dear Members of the UBC Community: I hope you and your loved ones are well. The health and wellbeing of our university community remains UBC’s top priority and we continue to follow the expert guidance of our Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, as we work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. With physical […]
Weekly Update: April 24, 2020
Dear Members of the UBC Community: I hope that you and your loved ones are well. I want to begin with excellent news for our UBC students, indeed for students across Canada. On Wednesday the federal government announced a nine billion dollar student aid package in recognition of the economic impact of COVID-19. The proposed […]
COVID-19: UBC and the Community
Over this past month, our everyday lives have changed in ways we never could have imagined. Here at UBC, faculty, staff and students have worked together on the enormous task of moving many of the University’s core functions online. With great sacrifice and understanding, you have paused research, classroom teaching, and other important work that, […]
Weekly Update: April 17, 2020
Dear Members of the UBC Community: I hope that you and your loved ones are well. Six long weeks ago we issued a bulletin to our campuses telling you all to go to ubc.ca for travel and health information related to COVID-19. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much has changed for the university […]
Weekly Update: April 9, 2020
Dear Members of the UBC Community: I hope that you and your loved ones are well and that you are safe and physically distancing. Before I begin, I’d like to wish all of our students, both at UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, all the best for their final exams. I have a few items to […]
Weekly Update: April 3, 2020
Dear Members of the UBC Community: I hope that you and your loved ones are well and that you are staying safe. First, I’d like to share some good news. A few UBC faculty members, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students were caught in a travel ban in Peru. At least one faculty member and one […]
Weekly Update: March 27, 2020
Dear Members of the UBC Community: First of all, I want you to know that I’ve been thinking about you over this past week. I know that UBC, like the whole world, has been under tremendous stress during these challenging times. I hope that you and your loved ones are well and that you […]
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 […]
A Message to Students: The importance of physical distancing
Dear students, As you know, the university, the region and the country are working as hard as possible to flatten the curve of COVID-19’s spread in the population. Everyone has a role to play – including you. Our Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and our Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, have been very clear – […]
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 […]
Community update on UBC’s response to COVID-19
I’m writing to update the community on UBC’s response to the quickly evolving situation with COVID-19. UBC is a community and it’s important for our community to know that our number one priority is to ensure our students, faculty and staff are supported and safe, whether in British Columbia or abroad. For updated information on […]
Repatriating Cultural Property: A Priority for UBC
Last week I had the honour to speak at a meeting of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, held at the First Nations Longhouse and the Museum of Anthropology at UBC Vancouver. The meeting was organized by Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot, Canada Research Chair of Global Indigenous Rights and Politics, and […]
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 […]
February 2020
Welcome Welcome to the February 2020 issue of Letter from Santa, a regular communication to members of the UBC community. Highlights Climate Emergency Update UBC Most International University in North America Beaty Biodiversity Museum and Musqueam First Nation Honoured UBC Press tops Hill Times’ list of 100 best non-fiction books Nadine Caron named founding First […]
Global University, Global Family
Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, UBC Vancouver campus Thank you, Sheldon for the kind introduction. Sheldon and Emelda, we are delighted that you have joined us all the way from Hong Kong for tonight’s event. Your enduring commitment to UBC is truly appreciated—and speaks to the global reach of our UBC community. Thank you for […]
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 […]
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 […]
Looking Back on 2019
As the year draws to a close, it’s appropriate to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the past 12 months. I enjoyed chatting with UBC student senator Julia Chai about the highlights of the year for UBC. I hope the year 2019 was a good one for all of you. Best wishes for 2020! […]
Happy Holidays from Santa
I would like to wish everybody a wonderful holiday season and all the best for 2020! Santa J. Ono President and Vice-Chancellor
Students as Partners: Leveraging Human Capital to Advance Digital Innovation
6th Annual Conference on Educational Innovation (CIIE 2019) Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico Thank you. Coming all the way from the west coast of Canada where things are considerably colder and darker at the moment, it’s a treat for me to be able to join you here in Mexico, especially at Tecnologico de Monterrey. UBC […]
Honour the École Polytechnique Women by Learning About Them
Today, on the 30th anniversary of the attack at École Polytechnique de Montréal, it is my honour to turn this blog over to UBC student Emily Fuchs. Emily is a 5th year media studies and computer science student. She’s passionate about how technology impacts the ways in which we learn and communicate with one another. […]
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 […]
Humanizing Leadership and Harmonizing Learning
BC School Superintendents Association, Vancouver Thank you, Sue-Ellen. It is truly an honour to join you here today. It is always a privilege to be able to join fellow educators for robust conversation around matters of teaching, learning and leadership. It’s good to be able to step out of that fast-moving river of responsibility now […]
Remembrance Day Reflections: We Owe Our Veterans So Much
One hundred and one years ago today, the guns fell silent in Europe, marking the end of what many hoped would be the war to end all wars. Although UBC was only a few years old, many of its students, faculty and staff heeded the call to serve their country in that conflict. In the […]
Announcing Senior Faculty Advisors to the President
I am pleased to announce that Senior Instructor Kathryn Gretsinger, Professor Walter Mérida, Associate Professor Karen Ragoonaden, and Professor John Klironomos have been appointed as Senior Faculty Advisors to the President. Kathryn Gretsinger and Walter Mérida are based at UBC Vancouver, with Karen Ragoonaden and John Klironomos based at UBC Okanagan. Each faculty advisor will […]
Thriving at UBC
At UBC, we know that increased wellbeing leads to deeper learning, higher productivity, and a stronger sense of connection — all of which help create happier, healthier communities. Supporting the wellbeing of our community members is very important to me personally. Exactly three years ago, I was proud to take part as UBC became one […]
Election 2019: Why your voice matters
With the 2019 federal election happening on October 21, we want to take this opportunity to speak to you about why this is such a significant event, and why your voice matters. UBC embraces its responsibility to nurture civic engagement across our community and to strive to make a better world from the local to […]