Updates, news and stories

Leadership changes in the Office of Enterprise Risk and Assurance

We wish to inform you of some changes within the Office of Enterprise Risk and Assurance (ERA) which will come into effect next month. Jennifer Kain, the Chief Assurance and Risk Officer, will be leaving UBC in September. At that time, Allen Amyotte, who is currently Director, Internal Insurance, will take on the role of Interim Chief Assurance and Risk Officer.

Research in focus: Celia Edell

As a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Philosophy at UBC Vancouver, Celia's research explores how the internet exacerbates the ability to view harmful online interactions as inconsequential, and what that means morally.

UBCO returns to normal operations and announcing the Principal’s Fall Town Hall

A message from the Office of the President and Office of the Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dear colleagues, There’s no doubt that these past weeks have been trying for all of us. That said, I’m incredibly encouraged by the real progress being made in the community now that many evacuation orders have been lifted. While campus remains on evacuation alert, staff are now returning to regular operations and the work to welcome our community for the fall term continues at full pace.

How UBCO’s Campus Security team became campus guardians during a wildfire threat

Find out how UBCO's Campus Security team provided round-the-clock support amidst the recent wildfires. Learn more

Supporting older adults displaced by wildfires

In-person classes start September 5, 2023

A message from Rehan Sadiq, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Okanagan

The resilience of our UBC community during the Okanagan wildfires

A message from Deborah Buszard, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Last week, many of us watched as the wildfire situation in the Okanagan evolved into more and more evacuation orders. It was very difficult to see people leaving their homes, some of whom were UBC students, faculty and staff.

Invitation: Virtual Heads Up Forum—Planning considerations for leaders

Support for the UBC community amidst wildfires in Central Okanagan

In response to the evolving situation regarding the wildfires across the Central Okanagan region over the last few days, a number of UBCO Global messages have been sent to the community, with important information about how to access and provide support:

Air quality advisory in effect for Vancouver and the Okanagan

An air quality advisory is in effect for Vancouver and the Okanagan.Information on how to reduce the effects of smoke exposure is available here:

UBC study explores bias against AI art

AI-generated writing, photography, art and music have been skyrocketing in popularity, but that surging success has also triggered an enormous backlash, with many rejecting AI art — and even asserting that its proliferation marks the beginning of the end for humanity. So why do some people react so negatively to art made by artificial intelligence? According to a new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business, it’s because for some, it challenges what it is to be human.

A diet for healthier lungs and a healthier planet

Each year, respiratory illnesses are among the leading causes of hospitalization and premature death in Canada and across the globe. And those numbers are growing as temperatures rise and air pollution levels shift. “Exposure to air pollution can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, with negative short- and long-term effects on the lungs, heart, and other organs,” says Dr. Emily Brigham, a UBC assistant professor of respirology and research scientist at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.