Driving safely on campus
We are welcoming back students and faculty back on campus next week and will be seeing a much busier campus. A gentle reminder when operating a UBC vehicle, we are representing our community and all vehicles must be operated at all times in a safe and courteous manner and in accordance with all applicable bylaws, laws and regulations.
Driver responsibility
As a driver, you are responsible for ensuring you have read and understood the processes outlined in Fleet Policy, which include:
- Maintaining a valid driver’s license
- Obeying traffic laws and parking restrictions
- Driving sustainably
- Ensuring the vehicle is inspected regularly
- Removal of waste
- Reporting all damages
- Securing all materials inside the vehicles
Guidelines for shared vehicles
Shared vehicles are intended to be available for people when they need to access a vehicle and should be signed out on an as-needed basis. Please be mindful of the needs of our broader community and do not sign out the vehicle on a daily basis or for an entire day.
Vehicle cleanliness
Our vehicles are considered an extension of our work environment. Please make sure to remove all waste and ensure the vehicle is kept clean and tidy.
Compliance
Through spot inspections, parking infraction notifications, vehicle telematics and general feedback from users, we are continuing to monitor vehicle usage and compliance with the Fleet Policy. A progressive disciplinary approach may be followed for those who are non-compliant.
Questions?
Please review the Facilities' Fleet Policy and contact your Head or Manager to discuss any concerns or questions.
For more information on driving safely on campus, visit the Safety & Risk Services website.
Watermain work on 16th Avenue in the University Endowment Lands (UEL)
The University Endowment Lands will be completing some procedural tests and work on an incoming Watermain on 16th Avenue.
Once the work commences, Facilities will support this work from September 15-16, 2022 by switching over our campus water feed.
During this switchover, our teams do not anticipate any disruption to our water supply. However, you may notice some differences in your water during the changeover:
- Some users may experience temporary low water pressure in their buildings.
- Changes in the flow of water within UBC’s water distribution system may cause temporary turbidity (discoloration and/or cloudiness) in the water. Water clarity should return to normal after a short period of typical use. Our water will remain safe to use and drink throughout the changeover.
- Research equipment such as boosters may not operate as expected due to possible low water pressure.
Our team will continue to monitor the water quality and will provide further information should the situation change. For questions or concerns, please contact your zone Facilities Manager.
Preparing classrooms for September
The Learning Spaces team in Infrastructure Development has been busy preparing classroom spaces for the upcoming Winter Session 2022/23 Term 1, and working with Campus Security to ensure General Teaching Spaces remain unlocked to allow faculty and staff the flexibility to access these rooms.
Read more
Increasing collaboration with the Catchbox throwable microphone system
The Learning Spaces team in Infrastructure Development recently received a video from the Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) program where students incorporated the Catchbox, a wireless, throwable microphone that supports collaborative and interactive sessions into their presentations this summer.
The Catchbox is an alternative to passing around a handheld microphone. It works with our media capture systems so audience questions are included in the session recording.
Take a look at the Catchbox in action.
Are you prepared for an emergency?
Safety & Risk Services' Emergency Management team will be setting up a booth from September 6 to 8, 2022 to help increase the campus community’s resilience, emergency awareness and preparedness!
Stop by the Emergency Management booth on Imagine UBC on September 6 to learn more about emergency preparedness and the resources available to plan and prepare for emergency situations. Visit us on September 7 and 8 to ride the Quake Cottage, an earthquake simulator to provide an educational experience of what it is like to go through a major earthquake and how to prepare.
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September 6: Find our Emergency Preparedness booth on Imagine UBC @ Main Mall, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
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September 7-8: Find our Emergency Preparedness booth and ride the Quake Cottage, an earthquake simulator @ University Commons outside the Nest, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Emergencies happen, and as UBC students, faculty, and staff, we all have a role to play in emergency preparedness. That’s why it’s important for each and every one of you to have the tools and know-how to respond appropriately.
Learn more: ready.ubc.ca/readyweek2022
Building Safety Capacity: Workplace Noise
When air molecules surrounding our ears vibrate, parts inside the ear can sense the changes in pressure. These parts amplify the vibrations and ultimately cause tiny hairs in the inner ear to bend. The bending of those hairs creates nerve impulses that the brain perceives as sound. The hairs can easily deform and return to their original position. However, if the vibrations are too strong or last for too long, the hairs can be permanently damaged causing hearing loss.
When it comes to the workplace, noise is sound that is intense enough to cause hearing damage. Noise is one of the most common occupational health hazards. The hazard noise poses is dose-related.
To learn more about the factors influencing a worker's noise dose, how noise levels are assessed and controlled, and other noise-related resources, visit the Safety & Risk Services website.
Shout outs
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Charlie Ryu, Service Worker: Since early 2019, the Integrated Renewal Program team was based out of the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (F.E.R.I.C.) building and was serviced by UBC Custodial Services. As the IRP relocates to a different location, they expressed thanks for the wonderful care and attention their Building Service Worker, Charlie Ryu has provided over the past 3.5 years.
"Charlie is a Rockstar! IRP has been so fortunate to have Charlie as part of our team. No matter the task, he is always up for the challenge. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and for always approaching the day with a smile. We will miss you!"
- Daniel Strikaitis, Head, Electrical Projects: Dan is one of the recipients of this year's President’s Staff Award for Leadership. Your commitment to excellence, operations and inclusivity is appreciated. Read more about how Dan supports VPFO & UBC. We are proud of you, Dan!
People in motion
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August 31 is Catherine Alkenbrack, Director, Facilities Planning's last day at UBC before heading into retirement. Teresa Syrnyk, Senior Facilities Planner will be stepping into her role as Acting Director, Facilities Planning. Congrats on the promotion, Teresa, and thank you for your service, Catherine!
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Sean Zheng has been promoted to Sub-Head in Stores, Municipal Services within Facilities. His diverse work experience and education, along with his technical capabilities and knowledge in continuous improvement, will help him transition seamlessly into his new role.
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:
- Auxiliary Service Worker (10 Positions) (JR9288) – 08/31/2022
- Relief Shift Team Leader (CEC) (JR9276) – 09/05/2022
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.
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.
EDI: Embracing age diversity in the workplace
Silver-haired, veteran journalist Lisa LaFlamme was recently let go as CTV’s anchor and chief news correspondent amidst accusations of age discrimination. LaFlamme's exit is an example of the sexism and ageism women continue to face at work.
Teams in the coming years are going to be made up of people from different generations. Recognizing and addressing your personal assumptions pertaining to age is a great start to working against ageism.
Read this week's VPFO EDI article to learn more about how you can create a more accepting multigenerational workplace at UBC.
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: How to tell if someone is struggling
Like our physical health, mental health is a key part of our overall wellbeing.
Knowing what to look for and how to support someone who is struggling with their mental health is an important skill for everyone in the workplace. It can help prevent and ease problems and contributes to a work culture that fosters psychological support and safety.
You don't need to be a healthcare professional to tune into signs that a co-worker might be struggling with their mental health.
Refer to the attached resource by the Canadian Mental Health Association to find out how to tell if someone is struggling with their mental health and what you can do to support them.
Emergency tip: Listen to this podcast for survival tips
Still unsure if you should prepare for an earthquake? Listen to the 10-part podcast “The Big One: Your Survival Guide”. This informative and compelling series will walk you through the event itself, as well as why and how you should get ready.
Listen to the podcast
Managing your mental health
Human Resources has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. To view workshops, webinars and events, visit the HR event listing.
Our HR representatives are always available for a confidential conversation:
- Monica Haab (monica.haab@ubc.ca): Building Operations, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, and Municipal Services
- Gregor MacDonald (gregor.macdonald@ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Infrastructure Development
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