Thriving at UBC: Encouraging healthy minds on healthy campuses
Minister Wilkinson, distinguished guests: I am honoured by the opportunity to speak to you today about mental health and how UBC is encouraging healthy minds on healthy campuses, an issue I am personally involved in, as I will explain in a minute. First I am glad CMHA BC is considering endorsing the Okanagan Charter: An International […]
We cannot change the past, but we can honestly recognize it
This past weekend, I was honoured and humbled to participate in the raising of Reconciliation Pole at UBC’s Vancouver campus. It was gratifying to see so many people turn out for this important occasion and to hear from residential school survivors such as Elder Barney Williams and Pauline Jones (below left), who spoke with courage and candour of the […]
UBC welcomes government initiatives re technology education capacity and Robson Square district
The University of British Columbia welcomes two important initiatives announced today by the provincial government. The government announced today a 250-graduate increase to UBC’s technology education capacity and a planned public consultation process to chart a course for a more vibrant, innovative and connected Robson Square district. Today’s announcement means UBC will be able to graduate […]
Innovation: Conception and Connection
Vancouver Board of Trade March 28, 2017, 11:30 a.m. Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver 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 the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish people, the Musqueam, the Squamish and […]
UBC welcomes 2017 federal budget investments in innovation, opportunities for students
The federal budget introduced this week includes welcome measures that support the continued development of Canada’s most important assets: our people. The 2017 federal budget tabled by Finance Minister Bill Morneau Wednesday includes funding for work-integrated learning, Indigenous student supports, and a new organization to support skills development across Canada. “We are pleased to see […]
Full STEAM Ahead: The role of Arts in the 21st century university
Faculty of Arts, University of British Columbia The “liberal arts” today are generally understood to mean the arts and social sciences, as distinct from the physical sciences and technology. But “liberal arts” used to be applied to all the skills that would enable a person to act as a responsible citizen In that sense, when […]
Nikkei Place Foundation Sakura Gala Keynote Address
Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver Thank you, George for that warm introduction. Honoured to be here. Consul General Okai, Mr. Wakabayashi, distinguished guests. Would like to thank the Nikkei Place Foundation for inviting me to the annual Sakura Gala which raises funds for the Feels Like Home campaign Proceeds from tonight will help the Foundation create […]
UBC’s Next Century: Have your say
Friends, I am delighted to report that we are launching the next phase of the UBC’s Next Century strategic planning process with a series of public open houses starting next week (see below for details). As you know, the plan is designed to provide an effective framework to guide and implement UBC’s key priorities, goals and […]
The Learning Exchange: Engaging UBC with the Downtown Eastside
According to its website (http://learningexchange.ubc.ca), UBC’s Learning Exchange is “a place where everyone has something to teach and something to learn – a place where learning is exchanged”. I’m not sure I taught the staff, students and patrons of the Learning Exchange anything, but I certainly learned a lot on my visit earlier this week. […]
Using data for social good: Announcing the Cascade Urban Analytics Cooperative
Thanks to a $1-million donation from Microsoft Corporation, UBC and the University of Washington have an unprecedented opportunity to transform the Cascadia region into a technological hub comparable to Silicon Valley and Boston. The donation allows UBC and UW to establish a Cascadia Urban Analytics Cooperative (CUAC), an applied, interdisciplinary, regional centre that brings together […]
UBC condemns violence against Muslims
The attack at a mosque in Quebec City on Sunday was a tragic and shocking event. The University of British Columbia deplores the violence and offers sincere condolences to the victims and their loved ones. UBC celebrates diversity in all its forms, and is committed to providing an inclusive campus environment for everyone, regardless of […]
Statement in response to U.S. executive order
The University of British Columbia is deeply concerned about a new executive order signed by President Trump on Friday preventing individuals from seven countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days. We are especially concerned about the effect of the executive order on some UBC students, faculty and staff, as well as other scholars in Canada, […]
An innovative start to the Year of the Rooster
Yesterday, I was honoured to be named British Columbia’s first Chief Advisor: Innovation Network, and to be appointed to the Premier’s Technology Council. The announcement was made at DarkVision Technologies in North Vancouver, a terrific example of a BC-born, innovation-driven company. As Chief Advisor, I will work with leaders in industry and post-secondary education and research to transform […]
Statement on Appointment as Chief Advisor for the BC Innovation Network
Thank you, Premier Clark. Good morning everyone. I’m delighted to be here today at DarkVision Technologies, a terrific example of a BC-born, innovation-driven company. The products being developed here may well change the operations of oil and gas companies around the world. I’m also proud to be standing here with Stephen who just happens to […]
Statement on Sexual Assault Policy Process and Reconciliation
Last week I met with the UBC Steering Committee on Sexual Assault. In reflecting on our conversation, I thought it important to write to the UBC community to reaffirm my fundamental commitment to the prevention of sexual assault, and to the Sexual Assault Policy process. Decision-making through a trauma-informed lens, dedicated supports and resources, clear […]
Welcome Weihong Song and Julie Wagemakers
I’m pleased to announce two new appointments, Dr. Weihong Song as Senior Advisor to the President on China, and Julie Wagemakers as Executive Director, Office of the President. Dr. Weihong Song is the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Alzheimer’s Disease and Jack Brown and Family Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. He serves as […]
UBC’s Next Century
I trust that everyone had a restful and happy holiday season.
I’m looking forward to 2017, my first full year as president and vice-chancellor of the University of British Columbia. It promises to be an exciting year for UBC, as we start work in earnest on developing our new strategic plan, UBC’s Next Century: From Excellence to Eminence.
UBC reinstates John Furlong as keynote speaker
UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa Ono announced today the reinstatement of John Furlong as the keynote speaker at the university’s 18th Annual ZLC Millennium Scholarship Breakfast on February 28, 2017. The university had previously cancelled Mr. Furlong’s keynote address. President Ono offered the following statement: UBC and I have apologized for our handling of this […]
Statement on decision regarding John Furlong speaking engagement
UBC President and Vice-Chancellor, Santa Ono, today made the following statement in response to public criticism of UBC’s decision to cancel John Furlong’s contract to speak at the upcoming Millennium Scholarship Breakfast: UBC made this decision in good faith, but without proper consideration of its potential impact on Mr. Furlong or his family. While this decision was made […]
UBC’s Strategic Plan – seeking your input
The holiday season is a time both for reflection and for looking ahead to the future. As I reflect on UBC’s first 100 years, I am also looking ahead to UBC’s future as an eminent public research university. To help secure this future, UBC is embarking upon a comprehensive strategic planning process. Our new strategic […]
Statement regarding passing of Dr. David Strangway
The University of British Columbia is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. David Strangway, who was the 10th president of UBC. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to his family on behalf of the entire UBC community. From 1985 to 1997, Dr. Strangway provided the exemplary leadership that enabled UBC to advance […]
Statement on Turkey and Egypt bombings
The University of British Columbia community shares the shock and sadness felt around the world in response to the deadly attacks in Istanbul and Cairo on December 11. Our thoughts are with those whose loved ones were killed or injured, and with all the people of Turkey and Egypt. In particular, our thoughts are with […]
Statement On Assault at Totem Park
I am shocked and very concerned about yesterday’s assault on a student at Totem Park residence. Right now we are focused on supporting the victim and the victim’s family. We are also deeply concerned for the students who witnessed the assault or who have been affected in any other way and we are providing the help they may need. I appreciate this incident may make some of you feel anxious.
UBC welcomes our 15th President and Vice-Chancellor
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Santa Ono has been named as the 15th President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC. Dr. Ono joins us from the University of Cincinnati (UC) in Ohio, where he has served as President since 2012. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Provost at […]
UBC positioned as global leader in quantum materials research with $66.5-million federal government investment
A $66.5-million investment from the Government of Canada—the largest government investment in a single UBC research program—will enhance UBC’s standing as a global leader in quantum matter research and help connect university research with industry.
Connected by Commitment 2014-2015 Annual Report
I am pleased to share the University of British Columbia’s Connected by Commitment 2014-2015 Annual Report.
Vancouver Sun: B.C. shows fastest growth attracting university research dollars
B.C.’s research universities are showing the fastest growth in the country in federal research funding and are now second only to Quebec in per capita funding, the Research Universities Council of British Columbia has found.
Meeting with Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner
Today UBC President Arvind Gupta and Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner met to discuss transit, the regional economy, the Innovation Boulevard initiative and ways UBC can strengthen our connection with communities across the province.
UBC Hosts First Canada-Mexico Forum on Higher Education, Innovation and Research
“I’m proud that UBC is partnering on this initiative and we are committed to acting as a catalyst for spurring greater Canada-Mexico engagement,” said UBC President Arvind Gupta.
President Gupta Speaks With UBC Communicators Network
On May 28, 2015, Professor Arvind Gupta spoke with communications staff about his vision and asked the group for ideas on how to promote effective two-way communication at UBC.
President Arvind Gupta’s Hot Lunch address to staff in Vancouver
On April 29, UBC’s President attended a sold-out Staff Hot Lunch event at St. John’s College.
Interview with the Ubyssey
The Ubyssey sat down with UBC president Arvind Gupta as he nears the end of his first year in office.
Vancouver Sun Op-Ed: A New Era of Engagement in China
Upon returning from China, UBC President Arvind Gupta writes about the nation’s unprecedented level of meaningful two-way engagement.
UBC and Chongqing Municipality pledge $1.1 million for student exchange
The program will support graduate and undergraduate students in pursuing short-term research or studies at UBC or in Chongqing universities.
Vancouver Sun: UBC president heads to China
Arvind Gupta looks to attract international students, but also to build partnerships, discuss social issues
Podcast: In Depth with Arvind Gupta on UBC’s second century
An in depth interview with Ian Austin from the Province Newspaper. UBC president Arvind Gupta discusses UBC’s second century.
2015 ZLC Millennium Scholarship Breakfast
On February 24, 2015, Prof. Gupta spoke at the sold out ZLC Millennium Scholarship Breakfast.
Lunar New Year Luncheon 2015
In anticipation of the coming year of the sheep, Professor Gupta and other members of the UBC community attended the annual event.
President’s Message to the UBC Community on Respectful Debate
Prof. Arvind Gupta articulates UBC’s standpoint on the free, respectful expression of ideas.
President’s Twitter Town Hall
The recap of Professor Gupta’s Jan. 29 Twitter Town Hall.
2015 President’s Awards for Staff: Call for Nominations
Nominate outstanding UBC staff for the President’s Service Awards for Excellence & President’s Staff Awards (Vancouver campus) Learn more.
Student Leadership Conference
UBC President Arvind Gupta spoke to 1,200 students today at the Student Leadership Conference, one of Canada’s largest student-run conferences. Read his speech.
The University of the 21st Century: A Catalyst for Creativity and Innovation.
Watch UBC President Arvind Gupta give a talk in a special Green College lecture series on Ideas of the University in the Early 21st Century.
Canadian Business Magazine Interview
UBC president Arvind Gupta on academic innovation
UBCO TV From Here Special – Arvind Gupta
UBC’s thirteenth President and Vice-Chancellor Arvind Gupta sits down to talk about the Okanagan campus
UBC President to Establish Athletics Advisory Committee
UBC President Arvind Gupta today announced plans to establish an Advisory Committee to help strengthen UBC Athletics & Recreation.
2014 Fall Graduation Speech
Read UBC’s President Arvind Gupta’s address to the graduating Class of 2014
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Launch New USL Pro Team at UBC
Whitecaps FC announced the launch of Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2), the club’s USL PRO team that will begin play in the spring of 2015.
Future of Okanagan and UBC directly linked: university president
Arvind Gupta tells Chamber audience that region is integral to UBC’s success
UBC Thunderbird Athletics is the most successful university program in Canada
That’s a sweeping statement, but an accurate one – and something that should make every UBC fan proud.
UBC President raises the university’s profile in India during trade mission
Arvind Gupta announces $250,000 in scholarships for Indian students, promotes student exchange and partnerships
Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships
The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships present an exciting opportunity to increase support for student learning, international engagement and student accessibility at UBC.
Innovation Strategy to Boost BC’s Knowledge-Intensive Economy
During his October 1 keynote address to the Vancouver Board of Trade, Professor Arvind Gupta introduced a five-point innovation agenda.
Canadian diamond pioneer donates $9.1 million for Alzheimer’s research
The University of British Columbia’s quest to understand and treat Alzheimer’s disease is being bolstered intellectually and technologically.
New president pledges to boost UBC research excellence
New President Arvind Gupta urged the university community to build on the efforts of past leaders that helped make UBC one of the top 25 public universities in the world.
Installation Ceremony
Watch the Installation Ceremony of Professor Gupta as UBC’s 13th President and Vice Chancellor.
New president welcomes largest ever first-year class
UBC is set to welcome more than 8,000 first-year students this fall.
New scholarship would strengthen Canada
UBC President Arvind Gupta proposes a national exchange program as a way to reinforce Canadian identity in a submission to The Globe and Mail.