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You are cordially invited to watch the livestream of the formal installation of Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon as the 17th President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC on Wednesday, November 22.

The installation ceremony will take place during the initial 30 minutes of the first ceremony of Fall Graduation in Vancouver. The installation of the President and Vice-Chancellor is a long-standing tradition at UBC and will include remarks from Dr. Bacon. More information is available below:

Date: November 22
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Livestream link: https://president.ubc.ca/installation/

Whether you are a member of the graduating class attending the event in person or joining the livestream, I hope you all participate in this important occasion as we formally welcome Dr. Bacon to UBC.

The Honourable Steven Point
UBC Chancellor

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Dear members of the UBC community,

This is still very early days for me and I wish there had been more time to get to know everyone before writing this message.

As the war continues to unfold in Israel and Gaza, the violence, tension and uncertainty is understandably putting significant strain on our community. The human suffering is heartbreaking and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is grieving and hurting, both overseas and here in Canada.

The university is striving to support our students, faculty and staff who are affected by this tragedy. These measures have included, but are not limited to, accommodations, increased security on our campuses, emergency funds, and professional support services. We will continue to offer this essential support – contact information is provided below – and we encourage anyone who is in need to reach out.

As a global community, we may feel many different and difficult emotions about the situation that is unfolding. Now more than ever, we must take great care to remain respectful and compassionate towards each other and to uphold our shared commitment to fostering inclusion, dignity, and human rights at UBC.

While I know that as a community we are deeply committed to these ideals, I have regretfully been made aware of campus incidents that fall very short of these values. These have included forms of disrespect, bullying, harassment, discrimination, and intimidation. Hate and racism of any kind will not be tolerated at UBC. The university takes very seriously its responsibility to look into these reports and to act in accordance with our policies.

It is unacceptable that any student, faculty or staff not feel safe on campus. This runs absolutely contrary to our shared obligation to create learning and working environments where everyone feels a sense of safety, and belonging, and can contribute to their fullest potential. We must collectively summon the better angels of our nature to ensure the campus climate does not deteriorate.

We are by definition a diverse community where a number of divergent and conflicting viewpoints must peacefully co-exist. Central to this mission is the provision and protection of space for respectful debate and compassionate dialogue, so we can advance knowledge, discovery, and solutions to the world’s pressing issues. Without respect, collegiality and compassion for one another, our ability to fulfill this critical societal role is compromised.

Respect and compassion in no way curtail our ability to express views on global matters. In fact, they protect and sustain that right by providing a safe forum for these exchanges and debates. What we must ask of each other is care in the way we frame our thoughts so that they are respectful of other viewpoints, non-threatening, and aimed at finding solutions and ways forward.

Please let us remember we are all human and we all suffer in the face of tragedy, regardless of our specific point of view. Compassion is a universal understanding of the suffering of all beings, not only those with whom we agree.

I call on all of us to do everything in our power to reject fear, division, anger, polarization and hate. It is up to us to define the environment in which we want to live. I recognize this is perhaps the most challenging task of all but our shared future, as a community and as a society, depends on our shared belief that it is possible.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. I wish everyone a wonderful day.

Benoit-Antoine Bacon
President and Vice-Chancellor

Information about supports for students in Vancouver is available here:

• https://students.ubc.ca/support
• https://students.ubc.ca/health/counselling-services
• https://students.ubc.ca/about-student-services

Information about supports for students in the Okanagan is available here:

• https://students.ok.ubc.ca/health-wellness/
• https://students.ok.ubc.ca/support/

Information about supports for faculty and staff is available here:

• https://hr.ubc.ca/benefits/benefit-plan-details/employee-and-family-assistance-program

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Good morning everyone,

Today I am honoured to begin my term as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia. I want to thank Chancellor Point, who chaired the search committee, and everyone who contributed to the search process. It is humbling and I am grateful.

I want to start by acknowledging that we are living in challenging times. We are facing geo-political unrest on a scale not seen in several decades, including devastating wars in Ukraine and now in Israel and Gaza. The human suffering is immense and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone caught in a war zone or displaced by war, and with those who grieve or worry for their countries and loved ones.

The aftereffects of the pandemic are still felt socially and economically in British Columbia and across the country. In particular we see inflation, housing issues, and a rise in mental health challenges and substance use. The effects of climate change are also hitting closer to home, in particular the fires that had a devastating impact on the Okanagan and nationally this summer.

We also seem more divided – polarized – and less sure of the best path forward. Universities are more important than ever before as a space where different ideas and viewpoints can co-exist and be discussed with the aim of finding solutions. I call on everyone to remain respectful and compassionate with each other in all our interactions – our ability to fulfill our academic mission and societal function depends on it. Our best hope for a better world remains research, reasoned debate and education.

Higher education is my life. It saved me from my own mental health and substance use issues as I struggled to recover from growing up in a dysfunctional, unsafe home. It has given me more than I can ever repay. I started and continue to serve in these types of positions because I know that what we do here matters on a grand scale.

UBC is uniquely positioned to shape the next century in BC, Canada and globally. The incredible strengths of UBC — the talent across both beautiful campuses, quality of the programs, research strengths across so many important fields, great student experience, as well as the deep commitments to Indigenous relationships, to inclusion, to sustainability and to building a better future for all — this epitomizes a thriving world-class institution in the 21st century.

While it is too early to speak of priorities, I wanted to share that I am aware of many ongoing initiatives that are essential for our continued success. These include, but are not limited to, and in no particular order:

• The work of UBC researchers and students, spanning the full range of the arts and sciences, is outstanding. One example is the development of innovative clean technologies and climate solutions, supporting Canada’s shift to a low-carbon economy. Another is the UBC-led Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub that aims to accelerate research and biomedical innovation.
• UBC is deeply committed to truth and reconciliation with Musqueam, the Syilx Okanagan Nation, and all Indigenous Peoples. I look forward to working with the entire community towards full implementation of the university’s far-ranging and ambitious Indigenous Strategic Plan.
• UBC is a progressive institution that always strives to create a safe and respectful environment where everyone can belong and contribute to their full capacity. Working together to always further enhance equity, inclusion and anti-racism at this critical moment in the world’s history will be essential to our shared success.
• The challenges of affordability and financial supports for students are also a key priority and I was so impressed that about $400 million a year is being provided at this time. It is also clear that housing is pivotal to our evolving community. Campus Vision 2050 is exploring opportunities to increase housing supply and options for students, faculty and staff in support of UBC’s academic mission.
• Addressing mental health and substance use on UBC campuses and nationally is a priority for me personally. Mental health and academic success are so intertwined that in many ways, they should be considered one and the same. I was pleased to learn that we will soon open the new Health Gateway Building and new Recreation Centre North that will both make a big difference for our students.
• If we want to reach our full potential and full impact, we need like-minded partners and friends across all sectors of society. Government, industry, not for profit, and visionary individuals. FORWARD, the campaign for UBC publicly launched last year and will supercharge and accelerate research, teaching and learning and the student experience across both campuses to shape the future in three key areas: advancing healthy lives, healthy societies, and a healthy planet.

As I begin my role, I look forward to learning so much more about the different aspects of teaching and research at UBC, visiting our great Faculties and units on both campuses, and engaging with our community of students, faculty and staff to learn from you and benefit from your experience, expertise and advice. These conversations will be essential to generate ideas and develop our shared vision for UBC. I am excited to see all that we will accomplish together. Go Thunderbirds! The future is extremely bright for UBC.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. Have a great day.

Benoit-Antoine Bacon
President and Vice-Chancellor
Professor of Psychology

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Coming together and making a difference for our community is something we value at UBC. During our annual United Way Campaign, we want to encourage you to unite behind this cause to enhance health, care and inclusivity within our local communities.

We’re pleased to announce that the UBC United Way campaign officially launches on Thursday, October 12 in Vancouver and the Okanagan.

United Way British Columbia serves over 4 million people by strengthening vital connections that support people in need in our local communities. As part of our UBC community, you can help address the critical issues affecting our neighbours by continuing the long-standing tradition of supporting this great cause.

This Thursday October 12, you will receive an email from
ubc-campaign@uwbc.ca inviting you to make a payroll pledge online. We encourage you to show your support by becoming a donor. Our goal this year is to inspire 1,000 UBC faculty and staff across both campuses to contribute to the campaign.

To learn more about the UBC United Way campaign, visit:

UBC Vancouver: https://unitedway.ubc.ca/
UBC Okanagan: https://unitedway.ok.ubc.ca

Thank you in advance for supporting this year’s campaign. Whether you give your time, energy or financial support, your contribution makes a significant impact.

Deborah Buszard
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

Lesley Cormack
Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UBC Okanagan

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In July of this year I was pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon as the 17th President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC.

Dr. Bacon will take up his role on November 1, 2023. In advance of that date, he will be visiting both campuses to meet UBC’s vibrant community of students, faculty and staff. I hope you will join us at one of the following welcome events:

UBC Vancouver
10.30am on October 18, 2023
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
RSVP at https://ceremonies.ubc.ca/ubc-community-welcome-to-dr-benoit-antoine-bacon/

UBC Okanagan
10.30am on October 19, 2023
Richard S. Hallisey Atrium, EME Building
RSVP at https://ur.ok.ubc.ca/rsvpcampuswelcome

During both events, Dr. Bacon will say a few words and then mingle with students, faculty and staff in an informal atmosphere over coffee. On behalf of the UBC Board of Governors, please join us at these events and give a warm welcome to Dr. Bacon. For those who are unable to attend, rest assured there will be other opportunities to hear Dr. Bacon and share your messages of welcome over the fall.

Nancy McKenzie
Chair, UBC Board of Governors

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I am pleased to announce that Dr. Ainsley Carry has been reappointed Vice-President, Students, for a second term starting April 1, 2024.

Dr. Carry joined UBC in 2019, and has made many notable achievements during his first term. A passionate advocate for students, he led the restructure of the VP Students portfolio to elevate student health and career services.

He was also pivotal in the launch of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars program, while ensuring that the VP Students portfolio demonstrates a continued commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and Indigenous engagement.

During his time at UBC, Dr. Carry has demonstrated a tireless commitment to the university and to creating an outstanding experience for our students. Please join me in congratulating him on his reappointment, and wish him well in his second term.

Deborah Buszard
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

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We are pleased to announce that UBC is launching a new fund to help support its ongoing commitment to advancing equity and anti-racism across the university.

The Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism Enhancement (StEAR) Fund is open to all students, faculty and staff. A total of $300,000 is available this year to support campus community-led projects.

Applicants may submit a proposal for funds between $500 to $10,000 per project. To be eligible for funding, projects will seek to advance racial equity, disability equity and/or equity in relation to sexual and gender identity (with consideration of intersectionality).

For more information about eligibility, the application process and key dates, please visit equity.ubc.ca/stearfund. If you have questions, please email stear.fund@ubc.ca.

The new StEAR Fund is a collaboration between the Equity & Inclusion Office (EIO) and the Office of the Vice President, Students. The fund was created by combining existing annual funds set aside by the EIO to address broad equity issues with strategic funds secured from the Office of the President to augment anti-racism efforts. The new fund follows the introduction of the StEAR framework which guides the university’s approach to the implementation of institutional equity and anti-racism priorities.

The StEAR Roadmap for Change also sets out more detailed objectives and actions and can be found at equity.ubc.ca/stear.

Gage Averill
Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Vancouver

Rehan Sadiq
Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Okanagan

Ainsley Carry
Vice-President, Students

Arig al Shaibah
Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion

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It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the academic year. Whether you’re a new or returning student, a faculty or staff member, I hope the coming year is a successful one.

UBC is such a special place to learn, teach and work, and I feel privileged to have had the chance to lead as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor over the last several months.

I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to welcome our thousands of students, from across British Columbia, Canada and the world. Thank you also to our community of faculty and staff who play such a key role in providing a vibrant student experience. To those at UBC Okanagan who were impacted by the wildfires, we are grateful for your resilience.

As we approach fall, it is important to protect yourself and those around you to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. You can find useful resources at:

• UBC Vancouver: https://srs.ubc.ca/communicable-disease
• UBC Okanagan: https://hse.ok.ubc.ca/health/communicable-disease-control/

Looking ahead, this coming year will be yet another important one for UBC, as we welcome Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon as the 17th President and Vice-Chancellor, starting November 1. Students, faculty and staff will be invited to welcome events for Dr. Bacon on both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses in the fall, with more details to come.

I hope you all get the chance to embrace this special time of year – whether it’s through attending the Create student orientation event at UBC Okanagan, Imagine UBC day at UBC Vancouver or UBC Homecoming.

Wishing you every success for the year ahead.

Deborah Buszard
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

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Last week, many of us watched as the wildfire situation in the Okanagan evolved into more and more evacuation orders. It was very difficult to see people leaving their homes, some of whom were UBC students, faculty and staff.

On Friday August 18, we were informed that the UBC Okanagan campus was under an evacuation order. Our UBCO leadership and campus operations teams then embarked on an exercise to ensure the safe evacuation of the campus. It was a difficult time for everyone, but we are thankful that the campus was not affected and was downgraded to an evacuation alert on Sunday.

On behalf of the university, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all first responders and wildfire personnel on the front lines. I also want to acknowledge the hard work and resilience of those who managed this situation while also evacuating themselves, or housing evacuated family and friends.

UBCO is currently in the process of assessing the situation which continues to evolve on a daily basis. I encourage you to stay updated at https://ok.ubc.ca.

Members of the UBC community wishing to support students who have been displaced by these events, can donate to the UBC Okanagan Student Emergency Assistance Fund at https://give.ubc.ca/projects/ubc-okanagan-student-emergency-assistance-fund/. A message was also issued to UBCO faculty and staff, detailing support available, which can be found at https://news.ok.ubc.ca/2023/08/20/kelowna-wildfires-guidance-for-faculty-and-staff.

Crises like this remind us of the need to support one another and I encourage you to connect with colleagues who may have been impacted. Our thoughts are with those who are displaced as well as the first responders and wildfire personnel who are continuing to work to keep people safe.

Deborah Buszard
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

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I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon as the 17th President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC. Dr. Bacon is an accomplished and transformational leader who will continue to build on UBC’s excellence in teaching, learning and research.

Dr. Bacon joins us from Carleton University in Ottawa, where he has served as President and Vice-Chancellor since 2018. He brings tremendous experience as a senior administrative leader at major Canadian research universities including Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) at Queen’s University and Provost and Vice-President (Academic Affairs) at Concordia University in Montreal.

He is an award-winning teacher and active researcher working on the neurophysiological and cognitive bases of visual and multisensory perception. Sharing his own lived experience, he also advocates nationally for open conversations about mental health and substance use. More details, including his biography, can be found at https://news.ubc.ca/2023/07/20/ubc-announces-17th-president-and-vice-chancellor/.

Dr. Bacon will commence his five-year appointment effective November 1, 2023.

There will be an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to welcome Dr. Bacon to UBC at events being planned for the fall, after the start of the academic year.

On behalf of the UBC Board of Governors, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the search committee, which comprised faculty, staff, students, alumni, senate and board members from UBC’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses and was advised throughout the process by Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Arig al Shaibah.

Professor Deborah Buszard has served as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC since October 2022 and will continue her service in this role until Dr. Bacon’s arrival. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Buszard for her service and commitment to UBC. The Board has appreciated her counsel and leadership of the university during this period of transition. We wish her well in all her future endeavours.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Bacon to UBC.

Nancy McKenzie
Chair, UBC Board of Governors

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