Chancellor search – open for candidate recommendations

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Please note: This message is sent on behalf of the UBC Alumni Association (alumni UBC).

Earlier this year, UBC launched its search for a new Chancellor. A search committee was established with representatives from our student, faculty, staff and alumni community as well as members of the Board of Governors.

In April, the committee sought input related to the experience and qualities you wish to see in UBC’s next Chancellor. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback as part of this process.

A candidate profile has now been created, which includes input provided by the UBC community. It can be viewed at: https://alumni.ubc.ca/chancellorsearch. If you have any recommendations for potential candidates, please email ubcchancellor@boyden.com by June 7.

We will provide further updates as they become available.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Ross Langford
Chair, Chancellor Search Committee

Fred Withers
Chair, alumni UBC Board of Directors


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Launching the search for a new UBC Chancellor

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Launching the search for a new UBC Chancellor

Please note: This message is sent on behalf of the UBC Alumni Association (alumni UBC).

As you are aware, UBC is searching for a new Chancellor as the Honourable Steven Point is stepping down from his role this year.

The Chancellor is the senior statesperson of the university and serves as the titular head. This role advocates for the vision of the university, and plays an essential ambassadorial role in strengthening UBC’s relationship with key stakeholders, alumni and the community the university serves. The Chancellor is the chair of the convocation, confers degrees granted by UBC, and is a member, ex officio, of the Board of Governors, Vancouver Senate, Okanagan Senate, Council of Senates and the alumni UBC Board of Directors. The position is voluntary.

At this stage of the process, we are seeking input from students, faculty and staff. A search committee has been established which comprises:

  • Ross Langford, Chair, Chancellor Search Committee
  • Debra Doucette, alumni UBC Board of Directors
  • Miranda Huron, alumni UBC Board of Directors
  • hagwil hayetsk (Charles R. Menzies), UBC Board of Governors
  • Byron Thom, UBC Board of Governors
  • Heather McCaw, Vice-President, Development and Alumni Engagement, UBC Vancouver
  • Dr. Ingrid Price, UBC Council of Senates
  • Rickey Yada, Dean, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, UBC Vancouver
  • Nemkumar Banthia, professor, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC Vancouver
  • Tamara Ebl, lecturer, Faculty of Management, UBC Okanagan
  • Ray Hua, undergraduate student, Faculty of Science, UBC Vancouver
  • Saami Hafeez, undergraduate student, Faculty of Science, UBC Okanagan
  • Norma Biln, graduate student, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Vancouver
  • Lauren (Ilaanaay) Casey, Educational Consultant: Anti-Racist and Indigenous Initiatives, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology, UBC Vancouver
  • Steve Brodrick, Associate Director, Residence Life, Student Housing and Community Services, UBC Okanagan

Natalie Cook Zywicki, Associate Vice-President/Executive Director, alumni UBC will act as non-voting secretary to the committee.

To assist the search committee in their efforts, we would appreciate your input on the following questions:

  • What do you see as some of the key opportunities and challenges ahead for the Chancellor in the coming years?
  • What experience and personal qualities would you want an ideal candidate to bring to this role?
  • Any other comments that might be useful to the committee?
  • Any suggestions of potential candidates for this role?

Please email your comments by April 26 to Boyden Executive Search at ubcchancellor@boyden.com. All responses will be kept confidential.

We strongly encourage you to participate in this important process. Additional information can be found at: https://bog.ubc.ca/board-members/key-personnel/chancellor/.

Ross Langford
Chair, Chancellor Search Committee

Fred Withers
Chair, alumni UBC Board of Directors


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Trans, Two-Spirit and Gender Diversity Task Force recommendations

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In 2020, UBC established the Trans, Two-Spirit and Gender Diversity (T2SGD) Task Force to help provide the university with clear and strategic direction to address gaps in systems, policies, procedures and practices in the area of gender diversity.

The task force was formed in response to a long-standing call for members of trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary student, faculty and staff communities to be included in the strategic planning of the university. Since its formation, the task force has engaged with students, faculty and staff across both campuses. In 2021, members of the UBC community were also invited to take part in a university-wide Gender Diversity Audit.

After carrying out this work, the task force has released a final report outlining four key recommendations to the university. They are to:

  • Expand and sustain training and education around gender diversity, with a focus on faculty and staff capacity-building.
  • Increase recruitment and retention of trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary faculty and staff.
  • Improve the implementation of gender data standards and centralized systems and principles for the collection of gendered records, such as names and pronouns, and reporting of gender data, such as identity markers.
  • Support the mental health and holistic wellness of trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary students, faculty and staff.

You can read the full report, including the findings of the Gender Diversity Audit, at: equity.ubc.ca/T2SGDTF_Final_Report

We wish to thank all the students, faculty and staff who sat on the task force. Their invaluable contributions and experiences were, and remain, essential to ensuring that the university is working to enhance equity and inclusion and create conditions that allow trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people to thrive.

We now look forward to implementing these recommendations as part of the Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism (StEAR) framework that provides UBC with a coordinated implementation approach for all equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. We will provide further updates as this work progresses.

Lesley Cormack
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal, UBC Okanagan

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

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

Arig al Shaibah
Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion


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UBC’s search for a new President and Vice-Chancellor

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Last year UBC launched its search for a new President and Vice-Chancellor, with the creation of a search committee with representatives from our student, faculty, staff and alumni community as well as members of the Board of Governors.

In February, the university also sought input related to the experience and qualities you would wish to see in the successful candidate. Thank you to everyone who submitted comments or attended one of the virtual forums.

The search committee has received input from all areas of the university, as well as alumni and key stakeholders. On behalf of the committee, I would like to express gratitude for the thoughtful feedback which reflects a deep commitment to finding the right candidate to take on this important role.

We are now at the point of sharing that the position has been posted online athttps://boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/1929. If you have suggestions for potential candidates, please email ubcpresident@boyden.com. You can also stay up-to-date on the process by visiting https://bog.ubc.ca/board-committees/presidential-search-committee.

As you know, this is a crucial role for UBC and it is vital that we find the right candidate to take the university forward – continuing to support its vision of inspiring people, ideas and actions for a better world.

We will provide further updates as they become available. In the meantime, thank you once again for supporting this process.

The Honourable Steven Point
Chancellor and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee


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Consideration of the extension of the Vice-President, Development and Alumni Engagement

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Heather McCaw joined UBC as the Vice-President, Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) in 2018. As she approaches the end of her first term, Ms. McCaw is standing for consideration for a second term in this role.

As part of the process, an advisory committee has been established, and the university is seeking feedback from students, faculty and staff regarding Ms. McCaw’s extension. During her first term, Ms. McCaw has provided strategic leadership to the DAE portfolio, including the launch of FORWARD, the campaign for UBC, which aims to raise $3 billion for the university.

An advisory committee has been established to consider feedback and make a recommendation to the President concerning Ms. McCaw’s extension. In accordance with Board Policy AP14, membership is as follows:

  • Deborah Buszard, Chair
  • Nicole Udzenija, member, Board of Governors
  • Marcia Buchholz, Vice-President, Human Resources
  • Ngai Pindell, Dean, Peter A. Allard School of Law
  • Julian Dierkes, UBC Vancouver Senate
  • Karen Hodges, UBC Okanagan Senate
  • Anisha Sandhills, Interim Vice-President, Academic & University Affairs, Alma Mater Society
  • Jakson Pashelka, President, UBC Students’ Union Okanagan
  • Hillary Gosselin, Associate Vice-President, Development
  • Natalie Cook Zywicki, Associate Vice-President, alumni UBC
  • Julie Wagemakers, Secretary (non-voting)

The committee is now seeking feedback regarding Ms. McCaw’s performance in relation to the duties and responsibilities, as outlined in the original job description, which can be found at https://president3.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2023/02/VP-DAE-Profile-2018.pdf.

All UBC students, faculty and staff are invited to share their views by March 16, 2023. Please email comments to president.staff@ubc.ca. All communications will be held in strict confidence.

Thank you for supporting this process.

Deborah Buszard
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor


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Call for elections and additional nominations: Chancellor Search Committee

If you are a manager of staff whose work is not computer-based, please print this email and display it in a common work area for them to review.

Please note: This message is sent on behalf of the UBC Alumni Association (alumni UBC).

Earlier this month, we invited nominations from students, faculty and staff to serve on the Chancellor Search Committee. We are now opening elections for certain positions, as well as putting an additional call out for nominations for open positions.

Chancellor search committee – Elections

Faculty members from UBC Okanagan and undergraduate students from UBC Vancouver are invited to vote for their representatives on the search committee. Elections are open for the following positions:

  • One faculty member from UBC Okanagan
  • One undergraduate student from UBC Vancouver

For candidate information and instructions on how to vote, visit:https://facultystaff.students.ubc.ca/2023-chancellor-search-committee-elections.

The deadline to vote in this election is 4pm on March 3.

Chancellor search committee – Nominations

We are still seeking nominations for the search committee for the following positions:

  • Two faculty members from UBC Vancouver
  • One staff member from UBC Okanagan

For nomination forms and eligibility information, visit:https://facultystaff.students.ubc.ca/2023-chancellor-search-committee-elections.

Nominations will close at 4pm on March 6.

Fred Withers
Chair, alumni UBC Board of Directors

Rella Ng
Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services and Registrar


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2023 President’s awards for staff: Call for nominations

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Each year through the President’s staff awards, we recognize and celebrate staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement and excellence within the UBC community, and who enable us to shape the future of research, teaching, and work.

I invite you to nominate your staff colleagues for the 2023 awards. Nominations may be submitted by faculty, staff, and students. The deadline for nominations is 4pm on April 7.

There are two award programs currently open, each with distinct criteria and eligibility.

President’s Service Awards for Excellence

This is the premier staff award at UBC, and honours staff with sustained exceptional contribution. All UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan staff with five or more years of continuous service are eligible for this award. Up to five recipients receive a medal and $5,000 each.

To download the 2023 nomination package, visit:https://focusonpeople.ubc.ca/awards/presidents-awards-for-staff/.

To view past recipients, visit: https://focusonpeople.ubc.ca/awards/presidents-service-award-for-excellence-recipients/

President’s Staff Awards for UBC Vancouver staff

The President’s Staff Awards for UBC Vancouver staff honour exceptional contribution in specific areas that are important to UBC. All staff at UBC Vancouver with two or more years of continuous service, and who are actively employed by UBC at the time of the award presentation, are eligible. This year, a new category, Collaborative Excellence, has been introduced to recognize collaborative achievements. This category is open for nominations of groups of two or more staff, whereas the other five categories are open for nominations of individuals. Up to 12 recipients/groups are selected (two per category), and recipients receive $2,000 each (the prize is split for Collaborative Excellence group recipients).

The six categories of the President’s Staff Awards include:

  • Leadership
  • Enhancing the UBC Experience
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Advancing Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence
  • Wellbeing
  • Collaborative Excellence

To download the 2023 nomination package, visit:https://focusonpeople.ubc.ca/awards/presidents-awards-for-staff/.

To read about past award recipients, visit:https://focusonpeople.ubc.ca/2022/08/29/2022-presidents-awards-for-staff-recipients/.

Staff Awards of Excellence for UBC Okanagan staff

Every year, the Staff Awards of Excellence for UBC Okanagan staff celebrate outstanding contribution in specific areas that are crucial to UBC. Nominations to the award program will open later this year. To learn more about the Staff Awards of Excellence, visit: https://hr.ok.ubc.ca/learning/awards-and-recognition/staffexcellence/.

For more information about the award programs that are currently open, visit:https://focusonpeople.ubc.ca/awards/presidents-awards-for-staff/.

I encourage you to take the time to nominate your colleagues and help demonstrate the excellent work of our staff at UBC.

Deborah Buszard
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor


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Call for nominations for faculty representatives to the Senate

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As part of the 2023 – 2026 triennial election process, we would like to invite nominations for two representatives from each Faculty to serve on the Okanagan and Vancouver Senates.

For nomination forms and information about eligibility, please visit:https://facultystaff.students.ubc.ca/faculty-specific-and-professional-librarian-representatives-okanagan-and-vancouver-senates-2022-2023.

Nominations close at 4pm on February 27.

For general questions, please contact UBC Elections atelections.information@ubc.ca.

Rella Ng
Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services and Registrar


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Seeking nominations for the Chancellor Search Committee

If you are a manager of staff whose work is not computer-based, please print this email and display it in a common work area for them to review.

Please note: This message is sent on behalf of the UBC Alumni Association (alumni UBC).

As you are aware, UBC is searching for a new Chancellor as the Honourable Steven Point is stepping down from his role this year.

The Chancellor is the senior statesperson of the university and serves as the titular head. This role advocates for the vision of the university, and plays an essential ambassadorial role in strengthening UBC’s relationship with key stakeholders, alumni and the community the university serves. The Chancellor is the chair of the convocation, confers degrees granted by UBC and is a member, ex officio, of the Board of Governors, Vancouver Senate, Okanagan Senate, Council of Senates and the alumni UBC Board of Directors. The position is voluntary.

As part of the search process, the university is inviting nominations from students, faculty and staff to serve on an advisory committee, as follows:

  • Two faculty members from UBC Vancouver
  • One faculty member from UBC Okanagan
  • One undergraduate student from UBC Vancouver
  • One student from UBC Okanagan
  • One graduate student from UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan
  • One staff member from UBC Vancouver
  • One staff member from UBC Okanagan

To learn more about the process, visit: https://alumni.ubc.ca/about/chancellor-search/.

Nominations will close at 4pm on Friday, February 17. For nomination forms and eligibility information, please visit: https://facultystaff.students.ubc.ca/2023-chancellor-search-committee-elections.

Once the committee is established, there will be further updates regarding the process, including ways in which you can provide input.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Fred Withers
Chair, alumni UBC Board of Directors

Rella Ng
Associate Vice-President, Enrolment Services and Registrar


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Consideration of the extension of the Vice-President, Students

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Dr. Ainsley Carry is approaching the end of his first term as Vice-President, Students, and has asked to be considered for a second term. In light of this, the university is seeking feedback from students, faculty and staff regarding his reappointment.

Dr. Carry joined UBC in 2019. Reporting directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor, his role cultivates and coordinates institutional structures and programs to ensure UBC achieves its vision for an exceptional student experience, where all students achieve their full potential and contribute to a civil and sustainable society.

An advisory committee has been established to review Dr. Carry’s performance and make a recommendation to the president concerning his extension. In accordance with Board Policy AP14, membership of the committee is as follows:

  • Deborah Buszard, Chair
  • Tashia Kootenayoo, member, Board of Governors
  • Rehan Sadiq, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Okanagan
  • Darren Dahl, Dean, UBC Sauder School of Business
  • James Charbonneau, faculty member, UBC Vancouver
  • Jonathan Holzman, UBC Okanagan Senate
  • Eshana Bhangu, President, Alma Mater Society
  • Jakson Pashelka, President, UBC Students’ Union Okanagan
  • Andrew Parr, Associate Vice-President, Student Housing & Community Services
  • Noorjean Hassam, Associate Vice-President, Student Health
  • Julie Wagemakers, Secretary (non-voting)

The committee is now seeking feedback regarding Dr. Carry’s performance in relation to the duties and responsibilities, as outlined in the original job description which can be found at https://president3.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2023/01/UBC-VP-Students-EP.pdf.

All UBC students, faculty and staff are invited to share their views by February 15, 2023. Please email comments to president.staff@ubc.ca. All communications will be held in strict confidence.

Thank you for supporting this process.

Deborah Buszard
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor


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