VPFO Update | The week of November 8, 2021 
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. 
Send your additions or questions to communications@vpfo.ubc.ca at any time.
 
 

 Updates from UBC

Updates on UBC's response to COVID-19 are at covid19.ubc.ca.

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Operations updates

Facilities

Building Operations, Energy & Water Services and Infrastructure Development

  • Cleanup efforts underway after windstorm: Shout out to the dedicated team members, with special mention to the onsite teams from Municipal Services, Facilities and Safety & Risk Services, for working through this past weekend to ensure our community can access campus safety after a windstorm struck UBC campus on Saturday.
     
  • Updated Seismic Planning Timeline: The Seismic Planning Timeline has been updated and is available on the Facilities website. Learn about the work UBC has been doing to keep our community safe from natural disasters.
     
  • Arts Student Centre opens its doors: The Arts Student Centre has officially opened its doors to the UBC community. Learn more and get a first look at the space
     
  • Traffic pattern change on Agronomy Road due to construction: There will be construction at the intersection of Agronomy Road and Lower Mall to repair District Energy System venting until Nov 12. Please note that there will be single file traffic only on Agronomy to Marine Drive. 

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Finance

Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury

  • Upcoming Period-End Dates: In order to allow the Finance community to plan ahead, the period-end dates for November, December (Q3), January, and February are now available as a PDF and on the UBC Finance website. 
     
  • Thank you for your feedback on the proposed Business Expense Rules: The consultation period for the proposed Business Expense Rules is now closed and the advisory committee will be reviewing the community’s feedback. Learn more   

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Operations & Advising

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

  • Aligning enhanced safety and reducing risk for the university: Safety & Risk Services is making changes to its reporting structures to strengthen alignment around enhanced safety and reduced risk for the university. Read more 
     
  • Rapid Testing Update: Safety & Risk Services is working with the Steering Committee to develop extended hours for Rapid Testing Clinic, as well as support all UBC units requesting COVID-19 vaccination verification in compliance with the public health order.   
     
  • Workplace Experiences (WES) Survey: The WES survey is now open and we are looking to our leaders to encourage all staff to participate.

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People in motion

Please join us in welcoming those who are joining us, celebrating promotions, and saying goodbye to team members who are moving on to their next steps.

  • Pradeep Goud Sharavaiah started as Report Developer, ISC Application Sustainment on November 1.   
  • Raymond Lum has been promoted to Subhead Metal Worker in Building Operations. 
  • Farewell to Danny Smutylo, Director, Emergency Management, and Tariq Din, Manager, Occupational Safety. Thank you both for your contribution!

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VPFO job openings 

All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. The following VPFO positions are currently open:

  • Buyer (JR4961) – closing Nov 8
  • Bank Reconciliation Clerk (JR4941) – closing Nov 8
  • Front Counter - Receptionist/Admin Clerk (JR4913) – closing Nov 8
  • Attendant (JR4990) – closing Nov 10
  • Utility Worker (JR4991) – closing Nov 10
  • Sub-Head Tool Crib/Store Operator (JR4958) – closing Nov 11
  • Sustainable Travel Coordinator (JR4963) – closing Nov 12
  • Accounts Payable Processor (JR4962) – closing Nov 12
  • Sr. Advisor, Information Security Compliance (JR4942) – closing Nov 15
  • Patrol Officer II (JR4993) – closing Nov 15
  • Truck Driver Medium/Labourer (JR5075) – closing Nov 16
  • Financial Analyst (JR5031) – closing Nov 18
  • Information Security Change Advisor (JR4381) – closing Nov 22
  • Senior Advisor, Privacy & Information Security Risk (JR4783) – closing Nov 22

Please remember to apply as an internal candidate. This ISC Knowledge Base article shows how: How do I apply for an internal job posting?

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Other notable updates

UBC Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11 

Canadians will recognize Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. The day marks the end of hostilities during the First World War and an opportunity to remember all those who have served in the nation’s defence. 

UBC will hold its annual Remembrance Day ceremony beginning Thursday, Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m. at War Memorial Gym, 6081 University Blvd. Doors open at 10 a.m. A livestream of the events will also be available to view the event virtually. 

Learn more 
 

UBC expanding presence in Surrey with $70M land acquisition

UBC is expanding its presence south of the Fraser River with the $70-million purchase of a 135,000-square-foot property at King George Boulevard and Fraser Highway in Surrey. 

The acquisition supports the achievement of a key commitment in UBC's strategic plan to work with partners on the development of the university’s regional presence, as well as providing an exciting opportunity to improve access to post-secondary education in the Fraser region.   

Read more
 

Online Holiday Shopping Security Checklist

This is a favorite time of year for cybercriminals to prey on unsuspecting online shoppers. While shoppers are looking for the best gifts and deals, criminals are searching for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in devices and internet connections and attempting to extract personal and financial information through fake websites or charities. 

Privacy Matters @ UBC has put together a list of steps you can take to protect yourself this holiday season. 

A reminder to all new VPFO team members to complete the mandatory Privacy and Information Security training. At UBC, we are responsible for substantial amounts of personal information, and protecting this information is everyone's responsibility.

Read the checklist
 

Support On-Campus Sustainability with reuse-it! 

If your storage room is crowded with items you don’t need or you’re looking for equipment on a budget, UBC’s newly updated Reuse-it! platform is here to help! 

This user-friendly marketplace allows you to share, donate, and browse items across different departments on the UBC campus. Sourcing locally helps you save money and protects the environment, making UBC a more collaborative, resilient, and sustainable campus.  

Learn more  
 

Are you taking care of your own mental health?  

Burnout is real and can be very damaging to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This week's EDI article discusses how the pressures in the modern workplace are distorting our identities by often placing success at work at the expense of our mental and physical well-being.

Read more

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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.

  • Based on their experience designing and delivering career development training for over 50,000 people worldwide, the authors present several techniques and tools to help you make learning part of your day-to-day development. Read more
     
  • Vancouver Sun has put together a list of events happening on Remembrance Day across Metro Vancouver. Read more 
     
  • Bookversal.com is a new platform allowing people to find diverse children’s books while championing independent book shops. Read more

Have an article for the VPFO team? Email communications@vpfo.ubc.ca.

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Managing your mental health

HR has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. Our VPFO HR staff is always available for a confidential conversation.

To view more workshops, webinars and events visit the HR event listing.
 

Return to campus: Supporting your mental health

As we start a new academic year, many who are returning to campus will experience excitement, while others may have concerns and feel some anxiety. UBC offers a range of mental health resources to support you and your team.

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Questions, news or feedback?

We would love to hear them


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