We are the VPFO: Join VP Frank Laezza next week
On May 31, we’ll be gathering in the Great Hall at the AMS Nest to hear from VP Frank Laezza, connect with colleagues from across the portfolio, and participate in a teambuilding activity. Full information, as well as a form to submit questions in advance, is available on the VPFO website.
Learn more
Museum of Anthropology Great Hall Renewal project is coming together
Over the last 6 months, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA): Great Hall Renewal project team has been working on foundations, pre-cast and cast-in-place structures. Once the structure has been completed, skylights and vertical glazing will be ready for installation to enclose the renewed Great Hall.
Take a look at the progress to date
New art connects The Reconciliation Pole to Musqueam territory
Infrastructure Development recently completed the project to install the large-scale bronze artwork co-created by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) master carver Kayám̓ Richard Campbell and Haida master carver and hereditary chief James Hart, 7idansuu (Edenshaw). The new artwork now anchors Hart’s The Reconciliation Pole (2015-17) to Musqueam territory.
Great work to Kate West, Project Manager, who took on this project after Darren Wong retired, Victor Wong, Project Coordinator, and the entire project team.
Learn more
Getting ready for UniForum: Support resources for participants available
UBC is getting ready to participate for the fifth time in the UniForum benchmarking program, where UBC collects information to better understand — at an organizational level — our services and activities, and how those services support our the university’s mission and purpose.
If you’ve been contacted to act as a Primary Contact or Respondent, thank you for your support of this important initiative! If you are a participant in UniForum, here is some key information to help you prepare:
The UniForum data collection period is from May 29 – June 30. Feel free to reach out to uniforum.help@ubc.ca for any UniForum-related questions.
Learn more on the Operational Excellence website.
People in motion
- Mônica Da Silva joins Infrastructure Development as Data Systems Administrator, Capital Projects.
- Farewell to Fiona Keating, Municipal Engineer, within Municipal Service’s team. Thank you for your contribution and service to UBC.
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:
- Evening - Full-Time Service Worker (4 Positions) (JR12857) – 05/26/2023
- Student Litter Picker-2 (JR12974) – 06/02/2023
- Assistant Civil Engineer (JR12802) – 06/09/2023
- Manager, Mechanical Utilities (JR12801) – 06/16/2023
Don't forget to apply as an internal candidate! Please review Apply for an Internal Job Posting 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.
VPFO EDI: Contribute to creating an inclusive work culture
The VPFO EDI Committee would like to hear your suggestions on how we can help promote inclusion, equity and celebration of diversity within your team or within the portfolio at large.
Complete this 5-minute survey
EDI: May is Asian Heritage Month and Jewish Heritage Month
Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent. See what’s happening at UBC and learn about the significant events in the history of Asian communities in Canada.
Jewish Heritage Month recognizes the culture and significant contributions of the Jewish community to Canadian society. Learn more about the Jewish community in Canada
Building Safety Capacity: Hazard identification and managing Risks
There are various types of hazards in the workplace: chemical (e.g. acids), biological (e.g. rodent droppings), physical (e.g. noise), ergonomics (e.g. repetitive motion) and psychosocial (e.g. bullying and harassment). Whether we work in a power plant, laboratory, classroom, office or workshop, it is important to manage risks by following the steps below.
Identify the hazards through tools such as a job safety review, workplace inspection, or hazard assessment.
- Assess the risk by prioritizing the hazards and determining what controls to implement.
- Implement controls to mitigate risks.
- Communicate the hazards, risks, and controls to your crew through orientation, training, safe work procedures/programs, etc. to increase awareness.
- Evaluate by monitoring the effectiveness of the control measures. Any controls that are not working as anticipated should be improved.
To learn more, check out UBC Safety & Risk Services' Risk Assessment Template and Guidance Document, WorkSafeBC’s Managing Risk webpage, and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety’s Hazards webpage.
Weekly Emergency Tip: When to change the batteries in your smoke alarms
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Make sure to practice the following regularly:
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Change the batteries in your smoke alarms at least twice per year. You can use Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to do this.
- Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years
Find more information about Smoke Alarms on the City of Vancouver website.
Managing your mental health
HR has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs.
As a manager or leader, you play an important role in supporting your mental health and that of your teams. Complete the new required training: Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace for Managers and Supervisors.
Representatives are always available for a confidential conversation:
- Monica Haab (monica.haab@ubc.ca): Building Operations, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, and Infrastructure Development
- Gregor MacDonald (gregor.macdonald@ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Municipal Services
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offers an extensive suite of services to support you – from providing wellness coaching or advising on family issues to offering legal support. Access the EAP confidential services through LifeWorks, by calling 1-866-424-0770.
In case you've missed it
In case you've missed it Here is a quick recap of key events and information that you may have missed. For more details, please click on the links below or refer to our weekly portfolio newsletter, VPFO Update.
