Changes to UBC's COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program 

As of March 1, 2022, UBC’s required COVID-19 Mandatory Rapid Testing Program has concluded. Proof of vaccination declarations is only required for the purposes of compliance with Provincial Health Orders. Several orders of the Provincial Health Officer impact UBC activities and obligations of students, faculty and staff at UBC. 

The following orders are required 

• Hospital and Community (Health Care and Other Services) COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Preventative Measures; and the potentially anticipated Order for all regulated health professionals to be vaccinated by March 24, 2022.  

• All residents in post-secondary institution housing must complete a Proof of Vaccination declaration. 

Read the full UBC Broadcast (February 28, 2022) 

Learn more on the Safety & Risk Services website 

USB Generator replacement  

A reminder that construction work for the replacement of a new generator for the University Services Building (USB) has started this week. This work will be conducted in two phases, and will impact the traffic flow in the USB yard— loading / parking area at the rear of the building (Lower Mall). 

The project will continue until the end of May 20222. Please take caution entering and exiting the area.  

For questions regarding parking displacement at USB yard, please contact Wendi Kinch (wende.kinch@ubc.ca). For questions regarding the project, please contact Facilities Manager, James Bellavance (james.bellavance@ubc.ca) 

Construction begins for UNY (University) Substation Upgrade  

This $11M project emerged out of a feasibility study in 2018 and consists of replacing the entire high voltage electrical distribution equipment providing power to the majority of the UBC campus.

Expected to be completed by late 2023, this is the first phase of a larger 10-year upgrade to eventually increase the university’s onsite electrical infrastructure capacity in order to accommodate UBC’s aggressive Climate Action Plan initiatives. 

Anticipated projects in Energy & Water Services

The following projects are anticipated to be completed in the 2022/2023 fiscal year.

Building Management Systems (BMS) 

• Asian Centre – Direct digital control (DDC) system upgrades 
• Frank Forward Building – DCC system upgrades 
• Life Sciences Centre (LSC) chiller upgrades – DDC system upgrade
• School of Population & Public Health (SPPH) Building – Controls upgrade and system unification

Energy Conservation (EC) projects

• Pharmaceutical Sciences Centre – Aircuity ventilation 
• Earth & Ocean Sciences (EOS) and Centre for Comparative Medicine (CCM) – Lab Exhaust Fan Turndown 
• SkySpark database improvement 
• Life Sciences Centre (LSC) – Heat Recovery Chiller (HRC) Expansion 
• Chemistry D Block, Centre Wing – Heat recovery chiller installation
• Chemistry E Block, North Wing – Heat recovery coils installation

New Job Strategy Session (NJSS): February 23 

Construction Office 

• Frank Forward Building: Washroom renovation 
• Berwick Memorial Centre: Fix/replace wooden playhouse and the surrounding area for kids

Project Services 

• Bioenergy Research & Demonstration Facilities (BRDF): BRDF Fuel Bay, fire protection drain re-route 

For more information, please contact the Facilities Manager  

Welcome to the team... and fond farewell

• Julissa Zapata and Lourdes Amigo joined as Auxilliary Service Workers on Feb 14. 
• James Woo will be promoted to Project Manager I in Project Services, Infrastructure Development effective March 2.  

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:

• Labourer 2 (JR6416) – closing Mar 3 

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

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. 

• VPFO: Thank you for participating in VPFO Pink Shirt Day 2022
• T4/T4A Tax Slips Are Now Available for Faculty and Staff
• T2200S Forms Are Now Available for Faculty and Staff
• Nominate UBC Staff for the 2022 President’s Awards by April 8
• Reminder for staff: Submit your Professional Development Fund claims by March 4
• President's Update: Statement on Russia and Ukraine
• UBC IT: Ukraine-Russia War and Cyber Impacts  
• UBC IT: Beware of Ukraine Relief Charity Scams and Phishing Messages

If you do not currently receive the VPFO Update in your inbox, please contact Samantha Tsui, Communications Coordinator. 

EDI: Benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace 

Just like life outside, the workplace is a hugely diverse environment. At UBC and the VPFO, we celebrate diversity and the strengths that diversity in the workplace can bring.  

Neurodiversity is the term used to describe natural variations in the human brain. It relates to differences in the way we think, process, learn and behave.  

1 in 7 people are neurodivergent, meaning their brain functions differently in one or more ways than is considered standard or typical. Some examples of neurodiverse conditions include ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Tourette's syndrome. 

How can I learn more? 

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism at the UBC has a free online course on autism and neurodiversity in the workplace that includes a series of five self-paced, interactive modules filled with useful activities and videos.  

• Who: Designed for anyone interested in better understanding autism and inclusive employment  
• How: Self-paced, online   
• Cost: Free 

Learn more 

Weekly Emergency Tip: Disaster Response Routes

Avoid Disaster Response Routes if they are activated during a disaster. They are designated for use by emergency personnel only. 

For information about Disaster Response Routes, visit the Government of BC’s website.

Managing your mental health 

Human Resources has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. To view more workshops, webinars and events visit the HR event listing. 

• Until Mar 9: Weekly mindful sessions with Aisha Tejani 
    
• Self-guided: Wellbeing in the Workplace 
   
• Self-guided: Preventing Burnout: Managing stress, emotions and our tendency to give

Our HR representatives are always available for a confidential conversation: 

• Monica Haab (monica.haab@ubc.ca): Customer Services, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Municipal Services, and Trades 
• Arvind Kang (akang03@mail.ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Infrastructure Development.   

Understanding the Employee and Family Assistance Program 

The UBC Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a voluntary and confidential counselling support service that provides employees at all levels and their family members (dependents) with the help needed to resolve a wide range of personal, work, health, or life issues. This expert information and immediate support resources are available in-person and by phone, video, web or mobile app 24/7, 365 days per year.  

Login to the new LifeWorks Wellbeing Platform and explore their resources and content.