Updates, news and stories

UBC students take part in historic first-ever virtual orientation

This September, thousands of UBC students will make history when they take part in the university’s first ever virtual orientation. With most classes being offered online this fall due to COVID-19, UBC’s three hallmark orientation events—Jump Start, Imagine, and Create—will also be delivered virtually. Staff have been working hard planning a virtual orientation that will be a meaningful and engaging experience for new and returning students.

UBC researchers help detect the most massive black hole collision ever observed

An international team of researchers, including scientists with the University of British Columbia’s gravitational wave astrophysics group, has detected a signal from what may be the most massive black hole merger yet observed. The discovery, outlined in papers published today in Physical Review Letters and The Astrophysical Journal, raises a slew of new questions about the nature of black hole formation, and upends previously held theories about how big holes can get.

Tŝilhqot’in Nation and UBC sign Memorandum of Understanding and Indigenous Knowledge Protocol Agreement

On August 11, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and an Indigenous Knowledge Protocol Agreement (IK Protocol) were signed by the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and the University of British Columbia. These agreements were led by Chief Russell Myers Ross, Vice Chair of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) and Prof. Helen Burt, Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation at UBC.

Honorary degree nominations open until Sept. 30

The Vancouver and Okanagan Senates welcome the nomination of worthy individuals for honorary degrees before September 30. Honorary degrees are intended to recognize individuals who have made substantial contributions to society at the local, national and global level. The committee encourages nominations which reflect the cultural diversity of Canada and the international character and diversity of UBC itself.

Watch Santa J. Ono’s video welcoming the UBC community to the new academic year

Q&A: How parents can identify anxiety warning signs as students return to school

When students across British Columbia head back to school, they’ll enter a new world of COVID-19 precautions and protocols. Consequently, students of all ages, from kindergarten to Grade 12, may experience higher levels of anxiety with varying symptoms and consequences. Steven Taylor, professor at UBC’s department of psychiatry, a clinical psychologist, and author of The Psychology of Pandemics has some expert advice for parents of school-aged children.

UBC Researchers Awarded $2.1m through SSHRC Insight Development Grants

2020 President’s Service Awards for Excellence & President’s Staff Awards

The recipients of the 2020 President’s Service Awards for Excellence and the President’s Staff awards for the Vancouver campus have been announced. President’s Service Awards for Excellence This award is presented each year to up to five staff members, who have made outstanding contributions to UBC, and who excel in their personal achievements. Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Invite Teaching Assistants to the CTLT Teaching Assistant Institute starting on Sept. 10

UBC’s approach for 2020/21 Winter Session, Term 2

A message from Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor With the start of 2020/21 Winter Session, Term 1 approaching, UBC’s community of faculty and staff are preparing to welcome our new and returning students. The last several months have seen us responding to an unprecedented global crisis — one that has affected us all. As a university, with a commitment to high-quality teaching, learning and research, the challenge has been immense. 

Beyond emergency teaching: support to level-up your online classes

Join the virtual celebration of UBC’s 2020 Indigenous Strategic Plan

A message from Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor I am pleased to inform you that UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan has now been finalized. This is a momentous occasion for UBC, as we take a leading role in the advancement of Indigenous peoples’ human rights. We are the first university in North America to commit to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to take a human rights-based approach to its Indigenous strategic framework.