Frank Laezza – Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations 

Next Monday (March 13) the newest member of our team has his first day with the portfolio. Before he gets started, our new VP Finance & Operations has shared some information about himself, his views on leadership, and what excites him about UBC and the VPFO.  

Read the full story 

Update: Museum of Anthropology (MoA) 107 & 106A Mechanical Room Access 

MOA is currently undergoing massive seismic upgrades, and the museum is temporarily closed until late 2023 to accelerate the completion of this complex construction project.

For access to room 107, please sign in at the security desk to be escorted in by security. 

For access to room 106A:

  • Day shift – Construction Fence and Main building entrance is open. Please notify Heatherbrae upon entry — Personal protective equipment (PPE) and UBC ID are required. 
  • After hours (after 3:15 p.m.) – please check in at security desk and request for security to swipe in at the main entrance to open door (no security escort past main entrance). 
    • The construction area is not monitored by UBC Campus Security, but is monitored by Radius Security 
    • UBC Campus Security will notify Radius of UBC Staff entry into the construction area after hours.  
    • Construction fence will be chained after hours with contractor lock to UBC lock (X2X key)  
    • Site Super contact posted at annunciator panel at the main entrance. (Heatherbrae – Wil Braun 604-841-6207). 

Please refer to the attached maps for more details. 


University Services Building Phone Booth now available  

Room 1032 in USB is now available for booking if you need a space for phone calls and/or zoom meetings. Those in the Facilities – Everyone mailing group can book the space through Outlook 'Building Ops R-RM USB 1032'. 

If you need support or modifications, the clerical team has access to modify this room’s calendar.   

A reminder that we have four computers setup USB 1019 (Facilities Computer Training room) for staff to use. The space is bookable through https://calendly.com/facilitiestraining (QR codes and link are posted in shops and Training Room). We ask staff to refrain from borrowing laptops for day use. 


Shout out

  • VPFO EDI Committee: Special thanks to the VPFO EDI Committee for putting together such a meaningful Pink Shirt Day event and for the thoughtful emceeing. Thank you for fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment at the VPFO!  
     
  • April Wong: Thank you April for your support in getting the shirts for the portfolio in time for Pink Shirt Day
     
  • Facilities teams: Shout out to Facilities team members who came on campus over the weekend to help with snow clearance and keep our campus community safe for the week ahead. We appreciate you!  

People in motion

  •  Facilities is pleased to welcome Pera Hardy as Senior Facilities Planner in Infrastructure Development. 
  • Nick Horgan and Austin Currie are joining Facilities as Electricians. 
  • Farewell to Ken Ritchie, Head Trades 3 – Mechanic, whose last day is March 30. Thank you for your service and congratulations on your retirement!   

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:

  • Trades 2 - Glazier/Waterproofer (JR11646) – 3/7/2023
  • SubHead Trades 2 - Architectural (JR11645) – 3/7/2023
  • Trades 2 - Access Control Tech Locksmith (JR11453) – 03/15/2023
  • Labourer 2 (Seasonal) (JR11189) – 06/30/2023

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.


Daylight Savings time can affect workplace health & safety 

A reminder that Daylight Savings Time is taking place this weekend on Sunday, March 12th where we “spring ahead” and advance our clocks forward by one hour. This means that we will all wake up one hour earlier than normal.

Even though losing one hour doesn’t seem like much, it impacts our circadian rhythms and can cause a disruption in our schedules for a few days. This in turn can affect our mental and physical health and increase the chances of accidents and injuries. 

Sleep disturbance from the time change can cause workers to become more fatigued, experience headaches/migraines and can heighten feelings of depression, anxiety and mental exhaustion. Decrease in alertness, reaction time and decision-making ability all have the potential to affect our health and safety and the health and safety of those around us while at work, on the road or at home. 

Help your body prepare for the time difference by considering the following tips: 

  • Gradually adjust your bedtime in the days leading up to the time change. By going to bed 10-15 minutes earlier every night and getting out of bed 10-15 minutes earlier, your body has more time to adjust. 
  • On the evening of the time change, adjust your clocks forward by one hour and go to bed at your normal bedtime. 
  • Don’t over-caffeinate for several hours before bedtime. 
  • Avoid being late, which can cause you to rush. Prepare as much as you can the day before going to work (e.g. prepare breakfast/lunch the day before) 
  • Morning hours will be darker which may affect your commute into work. 
  • Fatigue slows down your reaction time on the road so remain alert and avoid driving if drowsy or tired. 
  • Check in with your co-workers to see if they are experiencing any impact from the time change. 

United Way Fundraiser – Dried flower arranging workshop   

The event will take place in the Neville Scarfe Building (2125 Main Mall) in room 1328 from 5:30–7:00 pm on Thursday, March 30. 

The flowers are from Yakashiro Farms in Abbotsford and we will have Elaw Po, a local florist from Wherever It Blooms to guide our flower arrangements. Every ticket holder will bring home their own dried flower arrangement. 

There will be some light refreshments. 

Payment details 

Tickets are minimum $30 each or 2 for $50. Please send e-transfers to po-yan.cheng@ubc.ca or carmen-cheng@ubc.ca 

We will have a list of ticket holders at the door, no physical ticket is required. 

If you would like to contact United Way, please contact RogerL@uwbc.ca 

Learn more about the event 


Get ready to storm the wall!

Sign up for one of UBC's most iconic experiences!

Participate as a competitive or just for fun team and complete the course as a relay, or challenge yourself to do the whole course on your own as an Iron Person. You will swim, sprint, bike, run, and Storm The Wall!

With heats for Staff, Alumni and Students, there is something for everyone!

Learn more: https://recreation.ubc.ca/intramurals/events/storm-the-wall/


Weekly Emergency Tip: What do you do if you are driving during an earthquake? 

Slowly bring your car to a stop in an open and safe area away from bridges, power lines, trees and buildings. Turn off your engine and wait inside until the shaking stops. Remain inside if a power line falls on your vehicle until emergency personnel can get you out safely. 

Learn more about Earthquake Road Safety. Find more information about what to do following an earthquake on the UBC Emergency Preparedness 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.

Thanks for reading!

Find this newsletter and past issues on the Facilities website
facilities.ubc.ca/facilities-weekly

For questions and content submission
 Email: facilities@vpfo.ubc.ca.

 
 

UBC Facilities is part of the VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) Portfolio, and includes six departments—Building Operations, Custodial Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Energy & Water Services, Infrastructure Development, and Municipal Services.
 

UBC Facilities
The University of British Columbia
Campus & Community Planning (C&CP) Building
2210 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
facilities.ubc.ca

VP Finance & Operations (VPFO)
The University of British Columbia
Koerner Library, 6th Floor 
1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
vpfo.ubc.ca

© Copyright The University of British Columbia