VPFO Update | The week of March 6, 2023

Updates from UBC

Update from the VPFO

Leading the VPFO plan

Frank Laezza – Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations

Next Monday (March 13) the newest member of our team has his first day with the portfolio. Before he gets started, our new VP Finance & Operations has shared some information about himself, his views on leadership, and what excites him about UBC and the VPFO. 

Read the full story

More updates

Elana Mignosa, AVP, Finance and Operational Excellence will be away from March 10 to 17, 2023 inclusive. In her absence:


Operations updates

Facilities

Building Operations, Custodial Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Energy & Water Services, Infrastructure Development, and Municipal Services

  • Completion of a major District Energy System Project:
    The District Energy System (DES) shutdown for the Aquatic Centre, tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ Student Residence (The Houses of the Ones Belonging to the Saltwater), and Exchange Residences took place on February 21. Shout out to the Energy & Water Services (EWS) Steamfitter crew for successfully executing the plan with their precision and expertise! Read more

Finance

Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury

Operations & Advising

Communications & Engagement, Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services 

  • UBC will be included in Homelessness Services Association of BC’s (HSABC) Point-in-Time Homeless Count: UBC Campus Security and UBC Sprouts — a 100% volunteer and student-run organization, along with volunteers from across UBC will be taking part in HSABC’ s Point-in-Time Homeless Count to collect details about the experiences and demographics of people who are experiencing homelessness. Learn more
     
  • Process reminder for Job Classification: If you have a new or vacant position that requires classification and recruitment, ensure you submit your job description via Workday for review on time. The compensation team reviews jobs for classification on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the order they come in. Learn more
     
  • Relocation claims deadline for departments is March 17: If your faculty or department needs to submit relocation claims for the fiscal year 2022/23, you have until Friday, March 17. Learn more

Shout outs 

VPFO

  • April Wong: Thank you April for your support in getting the shirts for the portfolio in time for Pink Shirt Day!  

Well done! Want to give someone a shout out in the next edition? Submit your kudos in your local recognition program or email communications@vpfo.ubc.ca

People in motion 

  • Annie Dang joined Finance & Operational Excellence as a Procurement Officer on March 1. She comes to us from Langara College and will be taking over for Mohammed Hassan who retired from UBC on February 7.
  • Nick Horgan and Austin Currie are joining Facilities as Electricians. 
  • Priscilla Feng is joining the Financial Reporting team in Comptroller as Financial Analyst today. 
  • Farewell to Ken Ritchie, Head Trades 3 – Mechanic, whose last day is March 30. Thank you for your service and congratulations on your retirement!  
  • All the best to Chuck Wigg, Procurement Officer in your next endeavour and thank you for your service! 
  • Farewell to our dear Sandra See Toh, Executive Assistant to the AVPFO. Her last day in the VPFO office will be March 10. Your wisdom, steady presence and wicked sense of humour will be greatly missed! With Sandra’s departure, we welcome Carol D’Souza (carol.dsouza@ubc.ca) as Executive Assistant until Ann Ogawa returns from her maternity leave.

Read more about our people on the VPFO website.

Job openings

All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the posting end date. The following VPFO positions are currently open:

  • Trades 2 - Glazier/Waterproofer (JR11646) – 3/7/2023
  • SubHead Trades 2 - Architectural (JR11645) – 3/7/2023
  • Lead Advisor, Information Security Compliance (JR11398) – 03/08/2023
  • Procurement Officer - Construction (JR11717) – 3/10/2023
  • Health & Safety Associate (JR11693) – 3/12/2023
  • Manager, Financial Reporting (JR11514) – 3/13/2023
  • Trades 2 - Access Control Tech Locksmith (JR11453) – 03/15/2023
  • Sr. Finance Manager, Research Support (JR11820) – 03/15/2023
  • Occupational Health and Safety Associate (JR11777) – 03/23/2023
  • Data Systems Administrator, Capital Projects (JR9432) – 3/26/2023
  • Labourer 2 (Seasonal) (JR11189) – 06/30/2023

Don't forget to apply as an internal candidate! Please review the Apply for an Internal Job Posting guide in the Workday Knowledge Base for instructions on how to apply. Reminder to attach a copy of your resume when you apply for a career opportunity in Workday. 

Spotlight of the week

In honour of Women History Month, we'll be celebrating the achievement of women across the VPFO throughout March.

UBC and the VPFO are committed to gender equity and inclusion of all women. By challenging and calling out gender bias and inequality, we can all help create a more inclusive research, learning and work environment. See what’s happening at UBC

Rachel Lau, HR Coordinator 

I'm proud of all the work the VPFO EDI Committee has accomplished, especially the recent Pink Shirt Day event! It was amazing to see the portfolio coming together to celebrate kindness. Check out photos from the event on the VPFO Flickr. I look forward to seeing other amazing women in the VPFO featured in the coming weeks!  

Managing your mental health

HR has mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. 

Manager or leaders: complete the new required training, Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace for Managers & Supervisors.

VPFO HR is always available for a confidential conversation, or access the Employee and Family Assistance Program's (EFAP) confidential services, through LifeWorks, by calling 1.866.424.0770. 


Notable updates

International Women's Day is March 8th 

International Women’s Day takes place annually on March 8 to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements, challenge biases, and reflect on and advance efforts towards greater gender equality. UBC is committed to gender equity and inclusion of all women. By challenging and calling out gender bias and inequality, we can all help create a more inclusive UBC.  

Across research, education, and university services and student life, women at UBC are making a difference in the lives of others every day. Explore stories of achievement, events, and community resources.  

Learn about the events happening at UBC  
 

Apply to join UBC’s Accessibility Committee by March 13

UBC is taking steps to establish an Accessibility Committee to support disability inclusion and guide future direction at the university. Students, staff, and faculty are invited to apply to serve on the inaugural committee.

Of the 18-member committee, nine at-large UBC community members will be selected, of which there shall be at least two students, two staff, and two faculty members.

Apply by Monday, March 13

Helpful news

Some interesting news articles our team members have found informative, helpful, or fun! These are provided for information and entertainment only. Unless noted, UBC doesn’t specifically endorse or supply this content.

  • Daylight Savings Time starts Sunday, March 12 at 2:00 am. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the start of Daylight Saving Time. Read more
     
  • Writing compelling professional emails is a superpower that most professionals would love to have. Here are 13 tips to help you write more effective emails. Read more


The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources.

This will be reposted, along with past issues, at vpfo.ubc.ca/news
 

Questions, news or feedback?

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