UBC’s transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic
On May 5, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency. This announcement came alongside UBC’s own discussions about fully transitioning to a communicable disease prevention framework.
As of May 15, the university has disestablished the COVID-19 Campus Rules which provided vital guidance for our community during the pandemic. In addition, previous COVID-19 resources such as the main websites, FAQS and signage will be removed or replaced with information to support our community around communicable disease prevention.
Read the full UBC Bulletin
Share your feedback: Planon user experience survey launched
The second Planon user experience survey is now live and ready for you to share your feedback!
We encourage all Planon users to participate in this survey to help us gain insight into your experience using the system. For some of you, this will be your first time participating in this survey, and we look forward to hearing how Planon is working for you. We will use all of your feedback to continue to stabilize and prioritize the required enhancements in Planon.
The survey is anonymous and is open to those that regularly use Planon to receive, plan, and complete work. It is important that we receive as many completed surveys as possible so we can gain a better understanding of what improvements should be prioritized.
Please complete the survey by June 2, 2023.
Link to survey: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_01xqFImEn2OrcX4
Newly installed Musqueam art pieces at Henry Angus Building
Infrastructure Development recently coordinated the installation of three Musqueam Art pieces created by Susan Point, a Coast Salish artist from Musqueam, in the atrium of the Henry Angus Building. Each sculpture weighs 2,450 lbs, with eight bronze faces at 50 lbs each, a cedar sculpture from 2,500 lbs blank, and two metal rods of 25 lbs supporting these structures.
The installation enhances the learning, teaching and working experience at UBC and serves as a reminder that UBC is on the traditional, unceded and ancestral territory of the Musqueam people.
Learn more
Construction projects starting this month
A number of upgrades and renovation projects are starting this month and in June. Construction is anticipated to complete in August and the start of September.
May-August
May-September
- JB Macdonald Building: JBM 158/164 Classroom Renewal
- MacMillan Building: MCML 360 Classroom renewal
- MacMillan Building: MCML 230 Lab renewal
June-September
- Civil and Mechanical Engineering (CEME): Office renovation
- School of Architecture + Landscape Architecture (SALA): MacMillan studio renovation
For more information, please contact the Project Manager, Craig Bissell (craig.bissell@ubc.ca) or the Facilities Manager.
Updated zone list
The Zone list (see attached) has been updated as of May 12, 2023. Please note that the following update was made:
- Orange Utility Worker – Vacant
- New Red zone buildings
- Third Space
- Hydrogen Fuel Station
A reminder to lift bollards after they’ve been dropped
Reminder to all staff that drives Facilities vehicles that bollards must be lifted after they have been dropped to ensure the integrity of the public realm.
It is also expected that you use available routes that do not require you to travel through the public realm, unless your work is on or can only be accessed through the public realm. Thank you for your cooperation.
Kudos
- Thank you Michael Carroll, Steve Blackett, Tyler Cudmore, Brett Harris and Norman Esplana in Energy & Water Services’ Steamfitter crew for your continued dedication, hard work, and commitment to maintaining UBC’s district energy system. Last month, the team quickly mobilized to excavate the underground distribution piping system to locate a fault and complete a repair. Learn how the team continues to help the university avoid significant costs for repairs.
- Thanks to Custodial Services' Maria for getting to the Walter C. Koerner Library so quickly last Thursday and doing a great job cleaning up the broken glass on Level 6! Danica Pjevalica helped put in the Planon request and less than 15 minutes later, it was all cleaned up. Thank you both for a job well done!
- Shout out to Richard Dobie, Ryan Jeffs, Andy Choo, Graydon Blue, Nick Logan, and Steve Moon from Building Operations for participating and winning the competitive division at UBC Sports Day on May 5! The combination of strength of character, calmness of mind, mental fortitude and devotion to each other were the recipe for success on this day. Congratulations!
People in motion
- Denise Brown joined Infrastructure Development on May 15 as Director, Capital Planning.
- Robert Vader joins Building Operations as Trades 2 - Steamfitter this week.
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 - Painter (2 Positions) (JR12712) – 05/19/2023
- Assistant Civil Engineer (JR12802) – 06/09/2023
- Manager, Mechanical Utilities (JR12801) – 06/16/2023
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.
Health & safety resources
Do you have a question related to health & safety or are interested in learning more? Below are a few health & safety resources that may help answer your questions.
Weekly Emergency Tip: What to stock in your 72-hour emergency kit
A 72 Hour Emergency Kit is a crucial part of our personal emergency preparedness. Your kit should include the following items:
- 4 liters of water per person/per day.
- 3-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Extra clothing/blankets.
- Prescription and non-prescription medicine.
- First-aid kit.
- Battery or crank powered radio.
- Plastic sheet and duct tape (for shelter)
For a complete emergency kit list, visit the UBC Emergency Preparedness website and the Government of Canada’s Get Prepared 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.
