Updates, news and stories

Restricting the use of DeepSeek at UBC

DeepSeek, a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool, has been restricted at the university.

UBC planning a balanced operating budget for 2025/26

UBC is projecting a balanced financial position as part of its 2025/26 budget proposal, presented last week to the Board of Governors’ Finance Committee.The proposal reflects the university’s commitment to advancing the academic mission and sustaining our financial resilience, while also acknowledging the challenging and evolving landscape that has affected all Canadian post-secondary institutions.

UBCO’s campus becomes a lab for connection and clean air

Two new projects funded by UBC Okanagan’s Campus as a Living Lab program are fostering student well-being and tackling airborne microplastics.To help first-year students struggle with loneliness and social isolation, Dr. Lauren Human, Associate Professor of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Steve Brodrick, Associate Director, Residence Life; and Dr. Melissa Fedderson, Manager, Campus Wellness and Education are launching a research-driven initiative to examine how students can build meaningful relationships early in their university experience.

After 64 years, book finally returned to UBC Library

Research in focus: Holly Caggiano

Meet Holly Caggiano, an assistant professor in the School of Community and Regional Planning, whose work explores climate justice and community-led environmental planning. She’s bridging the gap between local officials and their communities to drive more inclusive and effective clean energy transitions.

Celebrate Learning Week: Call for session proposals

This year, Celebrate Learning Week takes place May 5–9, and is centred on the theme, Collective Growth: Cultivating Meaningful Change. Faculty and staff are invited to submit proposals that showcase how individuals and institutions navigate transformation—whether through small, everyday shifts or large-scale initiatives. 

New test identifies high-risk childhood brain tumours, improving treatment decisions

Saturn still reigns supreme as moon king with 128 new moons

Share your thoughts on the new Integrated Evaluation of Teaching policy by April 4

The UBC community is invited to comment on the draft of the new joint policy of the Okanagan and Vancouver Senates, Integrated Evaluation of Teaching, by April 4, 2025.

Announcing the recipients of UBC's 2024 Faculty Research Awards

This year, 25 faculty members have been named as recipients of the university's Faculty Research Awards.This award recognizes the research excellence and scholarly achievements of faculty from across all disciplines, ranging from the applied sciences and medicine to the social sciences and humanities. Award recipients are selected by UBC’s Faculty Research Awards Committee and include early career researchers through to established members of faculty.

Submit an application to the Healthy Workplace Initiatives Fund Program

The Healthy Workplace Initiatives Fund Program is an annual fund of up to $3,000 available to UBC departments and units to support grassroots activities that promote wellbeing in the workplace.The program provides start-up funds and support for health-related, sustainable initiatives. You can apply for funding for programs such as mental health training; healthy eating and nutrition; art initiatives; community gardens; team challenges; and fitness classes, to name a few.The deadline to apply for funding is Apr. 7

Staff in focus: Viola Cohen

Viola brings UBC Okanagan’s stories to life as the Communications and Marketing Strategist. When she’s not crafting narratives, you’ll find her cycling, enjoying a great cup of coffee, or spending time with her cats.