x̌əl sic snpax̌nwixʷtn: The future of collaborative teaching and research at UBC Okanagan
In January 2023, the En’owkin Centre generously gifted UBC Okanagan with an Nsyilxcn name for the former Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Innovation (ICI) Building, currently under construction.
Learn more about what the name means and how to pronounce it on the UBC Okanagan website.
Learn more about the x̌əl sic snpax̌nwixʷtn project on the Infrastructure Development website.
Join us for Facilities Ice Cream Social on July 20
Get ready for an afternoon filled with friendly competition, laughter, and camaraderie!
We're excited to announce our summer event, the 2023 Facilities' Ice Cream Social, a fantastic opportunity for all staff members to come together and enjoy a fun-filled event while indulging in delicious cold treats.
Whether you're here during the day or evening shift (and night!), mark your calendars for Thursday, July 20:
- Day shift: 11:30 am–12:30 pm | Orchard Commons
- Evening shift: 7:00 pm–8:00 pm | Orchard Commons
- Night shift: 11:00 pm–12:00 am | UBC Life Building
If you're interested in lending a hand and making this event even more memorable, please reach out to Caroline MacLeod at caroline.macleod@ubc.ca, who is coordinating the volunteers.
Line painting on July 23
Starting July 18, Facilities will be preparing for line painting at University Services Building (USB) and Lower Mall Header House. Please note the following schedule for vehicle parking and line painting:
- July 18 (Tue): All vehicles (no exceptions) parked at USB and Header House to park at B4 parking lot on Agronomy Road or West Parkade by end of day.
- July 19-24 (Wed-Mon): All vehicles, trucks, etc. to park at B4 Lot and West Parkade.
- July 19-21 (Wed-Fri): Streets & Operations Support will do parking lot clean up. Exceptions will be made for deliveries, picking up tools, materials and mail trucks.
- July 22 (Sat): Parking lot dry day.
- July 23 (Sun): Line Painting.
- July 24 (Mon): Paint dry day.
- July 25 (Tue): All vehicles back to USB and Header House.
Updated zone list
The Zone list (see attached) has been updated as of July 4, 2023. Please note that the following update was made:
- Blue Utility Worker – Presco Rosaldo
New Asbestos Awareness course available
Developed by Safety & Risk Services, the newly launched Asbestos Awareness course is designed to enhance faculty, staff and student workers’ knowledge about asbestos as facilities on the Point Grey Campus built before 1990 may contain asbestos. Additionally, the online course will demystify and clarify some of the misinformation that can be found on the internet and other media platforms in regards to health risk and exposure to asbestos.
Register and learn more on the Safety & Risk Services website.
Please note, this course is only an awareness course. Employees having to work on asbestos-containing materials will still need to complete the in-person 8-hour Moderate Risk Asbestos Removal training.
Kudos
- Special thanks to the teams who attended to the large water intrusion in Buchanan A on June 29. Eight service workers worked together to extract the water from the space and install dehumidifiers and air movers. Kudos to the quick response by Building Operations' Plumbers to triage the ruptured coil repair over to the Building Operations Steamfitter.
- A shout out from the Centre for Comparative Medicine to Matt De Souza and Dave Kernachan from the Metal Shop in Building Operations for a job well done and even stepping up to work through their lunch hour. Your hard work is appreciated!
People in motion
- Samuel Akindele has joined Facilities' Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic as of June 19.
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:
- Day - Full-Time Service Worker (2 Positions) (JR13542) – 7/7/2023
- Evening - Full-Time Service Worker (2 Positions) (JR13543) – 7/7/2023
- Trades 2 - Secure Access Tech (JR13273) – 7/13/2023
- Trades 3 - Electrician (1 Position) (JR13475) – 7/24/2023
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: Refreshed Land Acknowledgments at UBC online course
The refreshed Land Acknowledgments at UBC course is an updated resource for faculty, staff, and student employees to enhance their learning and their practice of offering meaningful and accountable land acknowledgments. The refreshed course includes new content, videos and activities, as well as a facilitation guide to continue the discussion and learning journey with colleagues.
Register now
Weekly Emergency Tip: Keep cash on hand
Make sure you have some money in small bills in your emergency preparedness kit. If there is a prolonged power outage, you will not be able to use your debit or credit card.
For information about emergency preparedness kits, visit the ready.ubc.ca/get-prepared/make-a-kit
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 EFAP confidential services through LifeWorks, by calling 1-866-424-0770.
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.
