A Commitment to Move Forward: Apology Plaque Presentation
Musqueam Cultural Centre Good evening. I am honoured to be here and to present this plaque which commemorates the Statement of Apology that I made on behalf of the university on April 9, 2018. In the Statement, I apologized on behalf of UBC to survivors of the residential schools, to their families and communities, and […]
Presidential Priorities for 2019-20
As the first month of the 2019-20 academic year comes to a close, I’d like to discuss my strategic priorities for the year. These priorities include research excellence & innovation, sustainability, leveraging our physical presence, the Indigenous Strategic Plan, and the Integrated Renewal Program. My first priority is driving research excellence and innovation. UBC is […]
Open Letter to federal party leaders
Dear Party Leaders: With the federal election campaign now officially underway, our country’s future prosperity is top of mind for me as it is for millions of Canadians. In a rapidly changing world and in the face of global and national crises, Canadians look to you for the leadership and policies that help deliver a […]
Building New Bridges
Vancouver/UBC Opera Summit, Old Auditorium, UBC Thank you, Nancy. What a privilege to welcome you all to our beautiful UBC campus… we are deeply honored to have you here and trust you have enjoyed your first day of this national summit. It’s an important conversation you’re having here, on topics that resonate deeply in our […]
UBC and the global climate strike
Some UBC students have informed us they will join global climate strike activities on Sept. 27. We expect some members of the UBC community will choose to participate in the climate strike to draw attention to the climate crisis. This strike is a student-led initiative and we acknowledge that many of our students and community […]
UBC: The Next Century – the book!
“Inspiring people, ideas and actions for a better world.” That’s the Vision that inspires the University of British Columbia. It’s entwined with the University’s Purpose: “Pursuing excellence in research, learning and engagement to foster global citizenship and advance a sustainable and just society across British Columbia, Canada and the world.” (You can read more about […]
Imagine Day 2019
UBC Vancouver Thank you very much. Thank you. It is really wonderful to see all of you here in this beautiful arena. We’ve been waiting for you to join us for several months. And we know that you represent the best and brightest of your generation. We know from looking at your applications and studying […]
Faith in the Academy
Ismaili Centre, Toronto Good evening and thank you everyone! It’s an honour and a privilege to be here. It was my absolute pleasure to have our generous hosts take me on a tour of the Ismaili Centre, the Aga Khan Museum, and the Aga Khan Park. The architecture of the Ismaili Centre must be a […]
UBC calls for a TMT moratorium
UBC is deeply committed to engagement and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and supports the standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. To advance our commitment, UBC strives to ensure that research projects involving or affecting Indigenous peoples are built on mutually beneficial, reciprocal and accountable relationships. UBC is also immensely […]
U7 Alliance will Address the World’s Most Pressing Challenges
Earlier this month, I had the honour of participating in the inaugural meeting of the U7 Alliance – which consists of universities from around the world coming together to addressing the most pressing global challenges (such as sustainability, clean water, gender equality and chronic diseases) in a multilateral context. The U7 Alliance includes universities from […]
Building an inclusive campus: A cross-border perspective
Society for College and University Planning, Seattle Washington (Professor Ono presented the first annual President’s Session during the yearly meeting of the Society for College and University Planning, which was held in Seattle, Washington, July 2019. This is a transcript from his session. He was introduced by Michael D. Moss, President, Society for College and […]
UBC’s Next Century: An update on the strategic plan
177 projects identified 21,347 students enrolled in enhanced courses $84 million raised for student awards and support for enhanced educational experiences This is just some of what we’ve achieved in the past year towards implementing our strategic plan: Shaping UBC’s Next Century. These achievements – and others – can be viewed (and downloaded as a […]
The President’s Medal of Excellence: 2019 Recipients
This week I had the honour of presenting the University of British Columbia President’s Medal of Excellence to four of the University’s strongest supporters. The President’s Medal is awarded to a person who has made a significant contribution to the purposes and ideals of the university. In particular: For members of the academic community, either […]
Changing My Mind: Margaret Trudeau on Mental Health
Earlier this month I had the privilege of introducing Margaret Trudeau at a talk she gave in downtown Vancouver on mental health. Trudeau – the former wife of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and the mother of the current prime minister, Justin Trudeau – had the audience spellbound as she frankly and courageously described her […]
“Never lose that sense of adventure, that sense of wonder”
As president of the University of British Columbia, it is my privilege to preside over graduation ceremonies at both the UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan campuses. Seeing the joy on the faces of the new graduates and the pride on the faces of their family members is an unforgettable experience. I also have the privilege […]
Welcoming Margaret Trudeau, author of Changing My Mind
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Good evening. When Margaret Trudeau wrote her courageous memoir, Changing My Mind, in 2010, she noted that three million Canadians suffered from serious depression and that only cardiac disease does more damage and draws more dollars from the health care budget than mental illness. Almost a decade later, not much has […]
Blue and Goldcast: Talking about GenSqueeze
I’m delighted to announce that I have a new co-host for the Blue and Goldcast podcast. As you may know, my previous co-host, Jennifer Gardy, has left UBC to take on a new role as Deputy Director, Surveillance, Data, & Epidemiology at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I’d like to thank Jennifer for being […]
Science and Faith: Servant Leadership and the Secular University
Refreshing Streams: Christian Medical and Dental Society of Canada Pacific Gateway Airport Hotel, Vancouver Good evening, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour and a privilege to be with you today. I’d like to start by acknowledging the staff, board, and leaders of CMDS Canada, and the local CMDS members who volunteered as members of organizing […]
Three Takeways from the Roundtable on Non-Market Housing Innovation
Last month, experts and leaders from various non-profit organizations and local governments from the non-market housing sector, and UBC leadership gathered at UBC to discuss one of the Lower Mainland’s most pressing challenges — housing affordability. I had the privilege of co-hosting the roundtable on housing, along with Dr. Penny Gurstein, the founding director of […]
The Liberal Arts in the 21st Century: More Important Than Ever
Carr Lecture St. Mark’s College, Vancouver Thank you, Dr. Meehan. It’s an honour to be here. I’m proud that UBC and St. Mark’s have been associated for over 60 years, while we’ve partnered with Corpus Christi almost 25 years. We not only share scholarship and resources, students and faculty, we share a common commitment to […]
15th Annual UBC Okanagan Learning Conference Keynote Closing Remarks
UBC Okanagan Thank you, Ananya, for your kind introduction. Good afternoon, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour and a privilege to be with you today. It’s definitely an exciting time to be part of UBC, especially UBC Okanagan. I’m sure you’re aware of the excitement about the UBC Okanagan 2040 plan, and I hope […]
Shaping UBC Okanagan’s Future
Whenever I’m at the UBC Okanagan campus, I can feel the excitement and the energy. It’s definitely an exciting time to be part of UBC, especially UBC Okanagan. A few weeks ago, the university’s Board of Governors enthusiastically endorsed a fascinating report from leadership at UBC Okanagan outlining the next 20 years of transformation for […]
Congress 2019: Canada’s biggest academic conference is coming to UBC
In just two short months an anticipated 10,000 attendees will arrive at our beautiful Vancouver campus for Congress 2019. Congress takes place June 1 to 7, and I can’t tell you how excited I am for this event – not only because it will be my first Congress experience – but also because it’s more […]
UBC gets global recognition for sustainability impact
I’m proud to announce that UBC has been ranked first in the world in university climate action and first in Canada (third in the world) for sustainable cities and communities in the first ever THE University Impact Rankings. UBC was singled out for its “research on climate change, use of energy and preparations for dealing […]
What Music Means to Me
I was speaking to some students the other day and one of them asked “What does music mean to you? Is it just entertainment?” I was nonplussed for a moment. It was quite the question, and I wasn’t really sure how to answer. After a moment’s thought, I replied that music meant everything to me. […]
Thriving Communities: UBC’s Strategic Plan and You
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver Thank you, Robert, for your kind introduction. Good afternoon, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour to be with you today. I’d like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam, the Squamish and the Tsleil […]
TEDxUBC 2019: #NominateHer
Good morning! A few days ago, a very kind person indicated that he’d like to nominate me for a major prize. He said he felt I deserved it and that it would bring credit and a spotlight on UBC if I were selected as the laureate. I told him I was very flattered but would […]
Annual Giving – Faculty & Staff Appeal
Dear members of the UBC community, In 2017, UBC launched the Blue & Gold Campaign for Students, with the goal of raising $100 million in student support over three years. Since then, thousands of alumni, donors, faculty and staff have come together to support UBC students—making a difference in their lives by helping them to […]
Remarks at the Musqueam Flag Raising Ceremony
Good morning everyone and thank you for coming out today. As you may know, until now, UBC has marked National Indigenous Peoples Day by temporarily raising the flag of its host First Nation in place of the university’s flag. Last Fall, we raised the flag of the Okanagan Nation Alliance permanently at the UBC Okanagan […]
Raising the Musqueam Flag: Acknowledging the past, recognizing our future responsibilities
Students, faculty, staff and visitors at UBC’s Vancouver campus may have noticed, and wondered, about the three flag poles standing bare at the foot of Student Union Boulevard. Wonder no more. On Monday, February 25, three flags will be raised at the site – the UBC flag, the provincial flag and the flag of […]
UBC Medicine: Looking to the Next 70 Years
Alan Bernstein Distinguished Lecture, Vancouver, BC (PDF: 2019 02 08 Alan Bernstein Distinguished Lecture) Good morning and thank you. It is an honour to be invited to give the Alan Bernstein Distinguished Lecture. Bernstein was the founding president of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and Executive Director of the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise. In […]
School Community Mental Health Conference 2019 Remarks
Vancouver, BC Thank you, Minister. Happy to be here and to discuss this important topic; one that is important to our country, to UBC, and to me personally. Mental health is a significant issue: one in five Canadians will have a mental health problem or illness this year. It’s a world-wide problem too, with growing […]
UBC Connects: Connecting UBC to the community
What do a bestselling novelist, a world-renowned physicist, a futurist and an Indigenous activist-athlete have in common? They are all “provocateurs” who are shaping the way people think about a broad range of issues. And they all participated in the first season of the UBC Connects speaker series last year. The talks by novelist Isabel […]
Episode 5: No More Silos
On the fifth episode of The Blue and Goldcast, Santa and Jen meet two professors who are charting a new path for higher education in Canada. Dave Ng, a biologist and associate director of the Michael Smith Laboratories and Allen Sens, a Professor of Teaching in UBC’s political science department teach ASIC 200, a class […]
2019 Lunar New Year Dinner Remarks
Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, Vancouver Thank you everyone, and thank you especially to Susan and Ken Chow. (To the Chows:) We are delighted to have you lead us through the program this evening. But UBC is also honoured and deeply grateful for your dedication and generosity all the other days of the year. I […]
Take the Cool Campus Challenge
UBC is participating in the BC Cool Campus Challenge, a fun and friendly initiative between BC universities and colleges to save energy this winter season. Across the province, post-secondary institutions are challenging each other to see who can gather the most pledges from students, staff, and faculty to help reduce our natural gas use and […]
Strategic Plan funding focuses on Indigenous, cross-campus initiatives
I am pleased to announce that 20 new pilot projects and change initiatives will be funded as part of the university’s commitment to implementing the strategic plan, UBC’s Next Century. Each proposal was reviewed by the responsible vice-president and associated advisory councils from each core area of the strategic plan (People and Places, Research Excellence, […]
UBC’s Emeritus College is the first of its kind in Canada
Welcome to 2019. I trust you have all had a good holiday break. I know I always feel energized and hopeful at the start of the New Year. January can indeed be invigorating. The days are getting perceptibly longer. Students, faculty and staff are back on campus, with renewed energy and enthusiasm, prepared once more […]
Holiday Reflections: Honouring our commitments
The holiday season is a good time to reflect back on the year that has gone and to look forward to the year ahead. Looking back, the past year has seen a number of significant accomplishments, most notably the endorsement of the new UBC strategic plan, Shaping UBC’s Next Century. Other milestones included the opening […]
So that the guns will fall silent forever
One hundred 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 far-away conflict. In the hundred […]
Thrive Week at UBC
Today, October 29, marks the beginning of Thrive Week at UBC. Thrive is a mindset and week-long series of events focused on helping UBC students, faculty and staff explore their path to mental health. Over the next five days, Thrive UBC will be hosting many activities to help promote mental health, including mindfulness drop-in sessions, […]
His Highness the Aga Khan: An inspiration to us all
Later this week, the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University will present His Highness the Aga Khan with a joint honorary doctorate of laws degree—the first joint honorary degree conferred by the two universities together. The honorary degree, which will be conferred during a special ceremony on Oct. 19, is being awarded in […]
Shaping UBC’s Next Century: An update on the strategic plan
As you know, earlier this year, UBC adopted a new strategic plan, Shaping UBC’s Next Century. Over the past few months, we’ve been busy putting the structures in place to implement the plan. At this time, I’d like to give an update on where we are and where we are going, as we transition from […]
Listen Up, it’s the Blue & Goldcast!
I’m excited to announce the birth of The Blue and Goldcast. As you can probably guess from its name, The Blue and Goldcast is a podcast. I’ll be cohosting it every month along with Jennifer Gardy. Jennifer is an assistant professor at UBC’s School of Population and Public Health, a Canada Research Chair in Public […]
Welcome to UBC!
Welcome to UBC! You’re joining a special community – a community of 65,000 students – students like you, who come from more than 150 countries to study at one of the top universities in the world. You’re starting on an exciting period in your lives. You will meet new friends, discover new interests. Maybe, […]
Looking ahead to 2018-19
Dear friends and colleagues: Today, we welcome thousands of new and returning students to our campuses. As we embrace the energy and excitement that comes with every new beginning, I would like to take an opportunity to reflect on UBC’s recent developments – and to look ahead to the coming academic year. Welcome to our […]
UBC providing supports for students from Saudi Arabia
The University of British Columbia continues to assist students ordered to cease studies at Canadian universities by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. UBC has about 280 new and returning students with Saudi Arabian citizenship in English-language, undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate programs. Of that number, about 80% are sponsored by the Saudi Arabian […]
Stadium Neighbourhood: developing a thriving and sustainable community
Not only do I work at UBC, I’m also a campus resident. My family and I live on the Point Grey campus, and we enjoy feeling part of a community and meeting our neighbours when we go out walking or biking in the evening and on weekends. Each of UBC’s neighbourhoods is unique. Collectively they […]
Be a tourist at UBC this summer!
UBC’s Vancouver campus is so beautiful during the summer (so is the UBC Okanagan campus, but that’s worth a separate blog post). I’ve sometimes suggested (half-seriously) that we should revise the academic calendar so that the academic year begins in the summer – that way students can see the campus at its best. In just […]
Well-being: Giving the next generation the support they need to thrive
Council of Ministers of Education, Convention Centre, Vancouver BC Thank you, Minister Mark. I would like to acknowledge some of the other post-secondary education leaders from across B.C. in the room today, including Kathy Kinloch from BCIT and Ken Tourand from the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. I would also like to acknowledge Karen Ranalleta, […]
Government Investment in Research and Innovation – will it pay off?
MP Breakfast Connections, Enigma Urban Eatery, Vancouver BC Thank you, Joyce, and good morning everybody! I am so happy to be here. Joyce, UBC values your support as our local MP. We also value the support we receive from your government for our research and teaching activities. As one of Canada’s leading research universities – […]
UBC: Proud to be a Pacific Rim university
Earlier this week, I took part in the annual presidents’ meeting of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). The 50 member institutions are located in Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Indonesia, the United States and 10 other countries, and include some of the world’s most prestigious and influential universities. UBC is the only Canadian […]
The President’s Medal of Excellence: “A significant contribution to the purposes and ideals of the university”
This week I had the honour of presenting the University of British Columbia President’s Medal of Excellence to five of the University’s strongest supporters – Linc Kesler, Bill Levine, Risa Levine, Jim Pattison and Angela Redish. The Medal is awarded to a person who has made a significant contribution to the purposes and ideals of the […]
Rotary Club of Vancouver and UBC’s Next Century of Service
The Rotary Club of Vancouver, Terminal City Club, Vancouver BC Good afternoon, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour and a privilege to be with you today. I have spoken to Rotary Clubs in Cincinnati when I was President of the University of Cincinnati, and I’m thrilled to have a chance to address the Rotary […]
Residential Schools: Breaking the Silence
Ten years ago, then Prime Minister Stephen Harper stood up in the House of Commons and officially apologized for the federal government’s program of residential schools and the legacy of abuse and pain they left. As he said at the time: “There is no place in Canada for the attitudes that inspired the Indian Residential […]
Statement on Detention of Loujain al-Hathloul
Yesterday I advised the community via social media that this university would do its utmost to ensure detained alumna Loujain Al-Hathloul is treated justly in Saudi Arabia. I also agreed with the federal government’s view that her arrest is inconsistent with the Saudi Arabian government’s stated commitment to create a more tolerant and open society. […]
Graduation Ceremonies: Graduate Studies & Post-Doctoral Studies, Applied Science (Engineering)
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC Vancouver Campus, Musqueam Traditional Territory Give thanks, spiritual and temporal, for the manifold blessings we share in this wonderful world, this great nation, this beautiful province, this splendid university. And to recognize that UBC is located on the traditional, ancestral, unseeded territory of the Musqueam people. We give […]
Graduation: Sharing the Pride and Joy
This week marks the start of one of my favourite times of year at UBC: Graduation. It’s a special time on campus, as we honour the significant accomplishment students have achieved in their lives and the important contribution they have made to the university. I personally feel privileged to be a part of UBC Graduation […]
Science and Faith: Servant Leadership and the Secular University
Canadian Scientific & Christian Affiliation (CSCA) Conference 2018, Langley BC Good morning, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour and a privilege to be with you today. I often receive invitations to speak at both public and private schools within Canada and beyond our borders, and I’m thrilled to have a chance to engage with […]
Introducing Innovation UBC
Innovation is a key theme woven throughout UBC’s new strategic plan. Along with collaboration and inclusion, it’s one of three cross-cutting priorities that will enhance our institutional impact in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Truth is, innovation isn’t a new concept at UBC; we’ve been innovating for more than a century. One key form […]
Overcoming the stigma
Men in Nursing Conference, Mt. St. Joseph University, Cincinnati Today, I’d like to talk to you about a subject very close to me – the need to overcome the stigma around mental health, especially for young men. I’ll discuss some of the struggles I’ve faced and how – with the help of faith, family and friends […]
Taking the SkyTrain to UBC
As you know, the UBC Board of Governors has endorsed the university’s new strategic plan, Shaping UBC’s Next Century in principle, as UBC embarks on our next century as a leading public university. Shaping UBC’s Next Century focuses on three themes that we believe are critical to society today: inclusion, collaboration and innovation. (You can […]
Working Together for Successful Student Transition
BC School Trustees Association, Richmond Thank you, Gordon, for your kind introduction. Good evening, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour and a privilege to be with you this evening. Perhaps I should say right off the top that I have as much to learn from you as you will learn from me. Though I […]
Continuing the journey: UBC’s strategic plan
Today, UBC’s Board of Governors endorsed in principle Shaping UBC’s Next Century, our new strategic plan. With the Board’s endorsement, and the plan’s approval by the UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan Senates, we embark on our next century as a leading public university. Building on the success of UBC’s previous strategic plan, Place and Promise, […]
Life is a marathon, not a sprint
Sending all students and faculty love during exams. A post shared by Santa J. Ono (@ubcprez) on Apr 10, 2018 at 9:28pm PDT The other morning while walking by the UBC Life building, I noticed a young woman sitting at a table, her books and laptop spread in front of her, fast asleep with her […]
Statement of Apology
April 9, 2018 Today the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC was opened to the public in a ceremony that included a statement of apology, which I delivered, to Indian residential school survivors and, more generally, to Indigenous people, for the university’s involvement in the system that supported the operation of the […]
The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre: Fulfilling a Promise
On Monday, April 9th, I invite you to join me in witnessing the fulfillment of a promise made by my predecessor, UBC President Stephen Toope, in 2013 – the opening of the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC). At the opening, I will also make a Statement of Apology for UBC’s involvement in […]
Building a more inclusive campus community
Tomorrow is shaped by what we hear today. I love the sound of my cello. I can lose myself for hours, practicing just one small refrain. But playing alone – the sound of just one cello – doesn’t compare to the experience of playing in a trio or quartet. If we continue adding more players […]
Budget 2018: A clear recognition of the value of Canada’s science and research community
Earlier this week, the Government of Canada tabled a historic budget for research, responding to the views expressed by researchers across Canada and the recommendations made in the Fundamental Science Review. Budget 2018 highlights several key themes that align very well with UBC’s priorities – increasing opportunities for women in the economy, investing in the […]
Digital Technology Supercluster means exciting opportunities for UBC, now and in the future
Yesterday, the Government of Canada announced its support for Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster, a BC-led consortium of private industry, high-tech start-ups and post-secondary institutions. I am proud that UBC is a founding member of the supercluster, along with TELUS, Microsoft, Teck, Change Healthcare, Providence Health Care and other members of the Research Universities’ Council of […]
Statement from Professor Ono on UBC’s commitment to Indigenous people and communities
On behalf of the University of British Columbia, I want to extend my condolences to the family of Colten Boushie. I also acknowledge that the events surrounding the trial and verdict have caused considerable distress for many Indigenous people, including our faculty, staff and students, and many others. At the University of British Columbia, we […]
Inspire: Building a Strategic Plan for UBC
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver Thank you, Robert, for your kind introduction. Good afternoon, and thank you everyone. It’s an honour to be with you today. I’d like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish people, the Musqueam, the Squamish […]
Inspire: “This is our moment”
Last week, I had the privilege of presenting a draft of Inspire: the strategic plan of the University of British Columbia (UBC) to the UBC Vancouver Senate. Later this week, I will present it to the UBC Okanagan Senate. It will go back to the Senates next month and, following that, to the Board of […]
Getting closer to where you want to be
Welcome to 2018! I hope everybody had a wonderful holiday break and is refreshed and ready for the new year. A new year means different things to different people. To me, a new year means a chance to reflect on the year that’s gone by and to think about what I hope to achieve in […]
Best wishes to Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin
On behalf of the University of British Columbia, I am delighted to extend best wishes to The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C. on the occasion of her retirement as the Chief Justice of Canada. Chief Justice McLachlin was the first woman to hold the position of Chief Justice of Canada and she retires from […]
Looking back on 2017, looking forward to 2018
Dear friends: December is traditionally a time to reflect back on the year that was and to look forward to the year to come. Looking over my blog posts over the past year, I’m struck by UBC’s many accomplishments in 2017: We began work in earnest on the new strategic plan. The planning process – […]
Freedom of Expression: Where do you stand?
Dear members of the UBC community: Freedom of expression continues to be a major topic of discussion at higher education institutions around North America. Here at UBC we have been encouraging discussion about our own homegrown statement (which can be found on the VP Academic website). As our academic community grows and diversifies, it is […]
The Blue & Gold campaign: Change their world so they can change ours
Earlier this year, I wrote in this space that we need to support the UBC students who are determined to make a better world. As I wrote at the time, “Thank goodness for the dreamers among our world’s youth. It is because of them that I remain hopeful about the future of Planet Earth.” But […]
Going global: Our future depends on it
Is Canada prepared for the challenges that lie ahead? That was the question that I – and the other members of the Study Group on Global Education – asked ourselves this year as we looked at Canada’s approach to global education. Our conclusion: Canada is not ready. Our young people are not ready. And we […]
Freedom of Expression Matters: Join the Conversation
As follow-up to my September 5th letter to the UBC community, I received a draft statement on freedom of expression from an internal working group convened by Professor Neil Guppy, Senior Advisor to the Provosts on Academic Freedom. The working group, comprising ten faculty and staff members, worked through several iterations of a statement. Input […]
Building a better Canada
As Canada’s 150th anniversary year draws to a close, this is a good time to reflect on this country, its history and its future. Canada has much to be proud of – our contributions to both global peacekeeping and defence against tyranny, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, our welcoming of Syrian refugees, our scientific […]
Overcoming the stigma of mental illness
Recently I spoke at a TEDx event about the need to support young people struggling with mental health issues. To mark World Mental Health Day, I have decided to adapt my talk into a blog post. Please also see the joint Globe and Mail op-ed piece that University of Toronto Chancellor Michael Wilson and I wrote about […]
UBC’s Next Century — the next phase of engagement
Dear members of the UBC community: I am pleased to confirm that we are now entering the next phase of UBC’s strategic planning process. Over the last few months we have conducted a series of events and consultation activities: from open houses on our Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, and other learning and research sites, to […]
Supporting the dreamers
Dear friends: As we get caught up in the day to day activities of a busy September, it’s hard to believe that it was just two weeks ago that we welcomed thousands of new students to our campuses at UBC Create and UBC Imagine. They were joyous occasions. But there were some sobering moments, too. […]
Imagine UBC 2017
Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, UBC Vancouver (Click here to see a video of the speech) Thank you! Well, I’ve been waiting for today for several months. People have been working really hard trying to choose you. As you probably know, there are about 30,000 people who applied to this institution to have the privilege […]
Looking ahead to 2017-18
Dear members of the UBC community: Welcome back for the start of the 2017/18 academic year. I hope you all had a chance to enjoy the summer. Today, UBC is welcoming thousands of new and returning students to our campuses and learning sites. As we embrace the energy and excitement that comes with this, I […]
Times Higher Education World Academic Summit 2017
Modern graduates: citizens of the world or citizens of nowhere? Topic of this panel is one that is very pertinent to the University of British Columbia. What is the role of a major research university in an increasing connected world? What is our obligation – to our community, to our region, to the world? No […]
Hate is antithetical to UBC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion
In recent months we have all sadly witnessed incidents of hate, racism and xenophobia across the globe. Tragedies such as today’s attack in Barcelona, and the unrest in Charlottesville, only serve to remind us that we cannot and must not tolerate hatred and racism. These incidents are antithetical to the very fabric of a just […]
Summer at UBC
I love summer at UBC. The sunshine, the luxuriant foliage, the mountains and the ocean, the historic buildings – it all reminds me how lucky I am to work at this amazing institution. Another thing I like about walking or cycling through the campus on my way to work at this time of year is […]
Announcing a new Vice President Research and Innovation
I am pleased to announce that Professor Gail Murphy has been appointed as the new Vice-President, Research and Innovation. She will formally begin the role on August 14, 2017. Gail Murphy is currently a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Associate Vice-President, Research pro tem at UBC. She is also co-founder and Chief […]
Exercise Run Down: Keeping the UBC community safe
On the morning of Wednesday, June 28, UBC Risk Management will stage a large-scale emergency preparedness exercise in the area of Agronomy Road and Main Mall on the UBC Vancouver campus. Exercise Run Down (as it’s being called), will simulate a mock vehicle attack at a running event during which the driver is shot by […]
Thank you, faculty and staff: you make UBC special
I give many speeches in my role as president and vice-chancellor of UBC. This past week alone, I’ve spoken at graduation ceremonies at UBC Okanagan, at a luncheon for the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, at a dinner for the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and on other occasions. Later this week I’ll be […]
In a time of global uncertainty, innovation is more important than ever
On Friday, June 2, I will have the honour of hosting His Excellency, The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Open Text founder and chair Tom Jenkins, co-authors of a book on Canadian innovation called Ingenious: How Canadian Innovators Made the World Smarter, Smaller, Kinder, Safer, Healthier, Wealthier, and Happier. (The book, published by […]
Announcing a new Provost and VP Academic, UBC Vancouver
I am pleased to announce that Professor Andrew Szeri has been appointed as the new Provost and Vice-President Academic, for UBC Vancouver. Please see https://academic.ubc.ca/academic-community/appointments/announcing-new-provost-and-vp-academic-ubc-vancouver for more information about this exciting announcement.
Tokyo trip lays building blocks for future engagement with Japan
As you may know, I recently returned from a week-long visit to Tokyo. It was the first time a UBC president has travelled to Japan since Stephen Toope went there in 2010. While there, I visited the University of Tokyo, as well as two Japanese firms that regularly hire UBC coop students. I also engaged […]
Graduation: The next stage in a remarkable journey
Now that exams are over, students, faculty and staff at UBC are getting ready for the next big event in the academic calendar – graduation. It’s a joyful time on our campuses, when graduating students, their families and friends gather to celebrate a significant milestone. From personal experience, I can tell you that one of […]
The Changing Role of Higher Education: Developing the Next Generation of Global Leaders
The Ismaili Centre, Burnaby, April 18, 2017 It’s an honour and privilege to be with you, in this strikingly beautiful Ismaili Centre. For nearly four decades, the Ismaili Centre has offered spaces for spiritual contemplation, as well as social, cultural and intellectual gatherings. The Centre truly does provide a bridge to friendship and understanding for […]
Exam anxiety? UBC can help
April in Vancouver can be amazing. The cherry blossoms are in bloom, the days are longer, and the temperature is (most days anyway!) getting warmer. April this year also brings the convergence of three holidays of deep significance to people of different faiths throughout the world: Passover, Vaisakhi and Easter. Whatever you celebrate, I wish […]
Statement on Report of Advisory Panel for the Review of Federal Support for Fundamental Science
The University of British Columbia welcomes the release of Investing in Canada’s Future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research, the report by the Advisory Panel for the Review of Federal Support for Fundamental Science. “With the panel’s recommendations in hand, Canada’s research community can move forward together towards a more efficient and impactful research funding […]
President’s Message to the UBC Community on Respectful Debate
As President, I have an unwavering commitment to the free, respectful expression of ideas and I trust that all members of our community, share this commitment. The University of British Columbia has a long legacy of commitment to respectful debate. UBC’s position on the free and lawful expression of ideas was powerfully articulated in President […]