Updates, news and stories

Apply for the 2026 Partnership Recognition and Exploration Fund

Applications are now open for the Partnership Recognition and Exploration (PRE) Fund, which offers up to $1,500 in funding to support community-university collaboration and relationship-building. 

Teaching in focus: Hannah Connon

At UBC Okanagan’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences, Hannah is a lecturer who helps students connect classroom learning with a person-centred approach to practice. Drawing from their own experiences entering the field, they create supportive, low-pressure learning environments that build confidence and reduce overwhelm. Discover what has surprised them most about teaching.

Dr. Bridgette Clarkston receives 2026 West Coast Teaching Excellence Award

The West Coast Teaching Excellence Awards celebrate excellence in teaching in publicly-funded colleges, institutes, and universities of British Columbia and Yukon.Dr. Bridgette Clarkston, Associate Professor of Teaching in the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, has received one of this year's West Coast Teaching Excellence Awards.

Community update on Canvas following cyber incident

The UBC community's access to Canvas is currently unavailable due to a cybersecurity incident involving Instructure, the company that owns and operates Canvas. This incident is reportedly impacting thousands of universities and other organizations who use Canvas.As soon as UBC became aware of the incident, we worked quickly to investigate and respond to the issue. As a precautionary measure, we are now advising UBC community members who use Canvas to take the following steps:

Join the Bike Buddy program by May 20

The Bike Buddy program, offered by the UBC Bike Kitchen, is a commute mentorship initiative designed to help you overcome barriers to cycling to and from UBC Vancouver. Whether you’re new to cycling or an experienced rider, you’ll be matched with a partner to complete 3–5 commutes during the month of June.Register as a novice or mentor by May 20.Learn more

UBC researchers find Indigenous lands can outperform protected areas on conservation

UBC earns Platinum recognition for Healthy Workplace and Mental Health at Work

UBC has achieved Platinum certification from Excellence Canada, recognizing its ongoing leadership in psychological health and safety, and wellbeing, supported by system-wide frameworks, partnerships, and everyday workplace practices.The standard and framework align closely with the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety. 

Staff in focus: Ronyne Van der Gracht

Ronyne works at the UBC Bookstore on the Vancouver campus, helping curate a diverse selection of books for the university community. As a voracious reader, she plays a key role in connecting students, faculty, and staff with books that inform and delight.

Meet the 2026 Sustainability Education Fellows Program grant recipients

A message of appreciation from the Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UBC Okanagan

Dr. Tara Ivanochko appointed Associate Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning

Dr. Tara Ivanochko has been appointed as Associate Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning, for a two-year term effective May 1, 2026.Dr. Ivanochko joined UBC in 2009 as an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science. She was appointed Director of Environmental Science in 2010 and Associate Head, Undergraduate Affairs, in 2017. She is currently a Professor of Teaching and served as Academic Director of the UBC Sustainability Hub from October 2020 to April 2026.

Apply for a Climate Change and Wellbeing Education Grant by June 5

Are you a UBC Vancouver or Okanagan faculty member interested in integrating climate change and wellbeing content into your existing undergraduate or graduate course?