Updates from VPFO

• We Are the VPFO: Join VP Frank Laezza next week: On May 31 we’ll be gathering in the Great Hall at the AMS Nest to hear from VP Frank Laezza, connect with colleagues from across the portfolio, and participate in a teambuilding activity. Full information, as well as a form to submit questions in advance, is available on the VPFO website. Learn more
   
• Contribute to creating an inclusive work culture at the VPFO: The VPFO EDI Committee would like to hear your suggestions on how we can help promote inclusion, equity and celebration of diversity within your team or within the portfolio at large. Complete this 5-minute survey

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Strategic Plan updates

Facilities

Building Operations, Custodial Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Energy & Water Services, Infrastructure Development, and Municipal Services

• MOA Great Hall Renewal project is coming together: Over the last 6 months, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA): Great Hall Renewal project team has been working on foundations, pre-cast and cast in place structures. Once the structure has been completed, skylights and vertical glazing will be ready for installation to enclose the renewed Great Hall. Take a look at the progress to date 
   
• New art connects The Reconciliation Pole to Musqueam territory: Infrastructure Development recently completed the project to install the large-scale bronze artwork co-created by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) master carver Kayám̓ Richard Campbell and Haida master carver and hereditary chief James Hart, 7idansuu (Edenshaw). Learn more
   
• Newly installed Musqueam art pieces at Henry Angus Building: Facilities 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. Learn more

Finance

Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury

• Workday webinars: The ISC is currently brainstorming ideas for future Workday Webinars. You can access recordings of previous webinars on the ISC events page. Previous topics include direct hires, change job, recruitment through a job posting and understanding absences.
   
• Common Workday Knowledge Base topics: The ISC has launched a new Knowledge Base Access page in Service Now that provides quick access to popular topics for faculty, staff, managers and administrators.
   
• Claiming unidentified wire transfers and direct deposits: Please check through the list of unidentified payments (updated as of May 18) to see if any payments belong to your department.

Operations & Advising

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

• Representing UBC at the CAUBO conference: Safety & Risk Services recently presented on UBC's ransom decision-making framework at the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO) conference. CAUBO represents the chief administrative and financial officers at over 100 universities and affiliated colleges in Canada. 
   
• Stakeholder Mapping for the VPFO: The Communications & Engagement team has launched a project to identify and map the complex network of stakeholders who influence or are impacted by our work in the portfolio (under Goal 2.2 of the VPFO Strategic Plan). If your work involves significant stakeholder engagement, or if you have any questions, please contact Annie Mullins, Manager, Strategic Initiatives.  

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The VPFO consists of individuals doing important work to support the university. Our people bring our strategy to life and make our plans into reality. Read more about the people of the VPFO.

Shout outs

Facilities

• 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! 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!  
   
• Congrats to Richard Dobie, Ryan Jeffs, Andy Choo, Graydon Blue, Nick Logan, and Steve Moon from Building Operations for winning the competitive division at UBC Sports Day on May 5. 

Safety & Risk Services 

• Shout out to the Campus Security team for compiling the Campus Security Report to the People, Community and International Committee of the Board of Governors.  
   
• Kudos to Sam Stephens and Jamiann Questa for their great work leading the Campus Security Model Validation project! The project is currently in the Reporting & Analysis phase, and key themes of what was learned through the engagement process will be shared later this Summer.

Well done! Want to give someone a shout out in the next edition? Submit your kudos in your local recognition program or email communications@vpfo.ubc.ca

People in motion

• Jeff de Castro has joined PrISM Safety & Risk Services as part of the Compliance Support Program. 
   
• Mônica Da Silva joins Infrastructure Development in Facilities as Data Systems Administrator, Capital Projects.
   
• Farewell to Fiona Keating, Municipal Engineer, within Municipal Service’s team of the Facilities’ group. Thank you for your contribution and service to UBC. 

Read more about our people on the VPFO website.

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:

• Finance Assistant (JR12769) – 05/23/2023 
• Functional Finance Analyst (JR12642) – 05/25/2023 
• Evening - Full-Time Service Worker (4 Positions) (JR12857) – 05/26/2023 
• Business Analyst (JR12830) – 05/26/2023
• Finance Assistant (JR12962) – 05/27/2023 
• Buyer (JR12851) – 05/31/2023 
• Continuous Improvement Program Manager-1 (JR12929) – 06/02/2023 
• Student Litter Picker-2 (JR12974) – 06/02/2023
• Assistant Civil Engineer (JR12802) – 06/09/2023 
• Manager, Mechanical Utilities (JR12801) – 06/16/2023 
• Senior Financial Analyst - Capital (JR12909) – 06/08/2023  

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.

We are the VPFO: Spotlight Each week, we'll meet another member of the VPFO as they introduce themselves and their work. Patricia Paz | Project Coordinator & Executive Assistant to the Treasurer, VPFO Administration  I provide project management support to VPFO HR and administrative support to the Treasurer. I enjoy staying organized and communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, and my unique role allows me to put my strengths to good use!

 

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Notable updates

May is Jewish Heritage Month 

It recognizes the culture and significant contributions of the Jewish community to Canadian society.

Learn more about the Jewish community in Canada 
 

Keep up-to-date on parking availability at UBC  

Stay informed about rates, locations, capacity and general information when it comes to parking on campus. Vancouver faculty and staff are reminded there will be parking restrictions during Spring Graduation. 

UBC Vancouver | UBC Okanagan 
 

Tell us how you’re advancing sustainability at UBC 

UBC Communications is embarking on a story series to unearth the incredible sustainability-driven work being done at UBC and the individuals behind these efforts. While sustainability is a hot topic these days, some of our colleagues don't always get the recognition they deserve, and we'd like to shine a light on the lesser-known efforts that advance sustainability at UBC.   

The deadline to submit your story idea is on May 30 at 5:00 pm 

Learn more and submit your story ideas 

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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.

• Spot prawn season is back! To celebrate the season of the delectable seafood, Vancouver’s Spot Prawn Festival is set to officially return on Sunday, May 28 at the False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf. 
• Looking for a new book to read? Try these 5 climate fiction books written by Asian authors. Climate Fiction is a genre that’s gaining popularity as more people become aware of the impact of climate change on our planet.  

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