To: Faculty and staff in Vancouver and the Okanagan
I would like to welcome everyone, new and returning students, faculty, and staff to the beginning of the academic year at UBC. This promises to be a year filled with exciting events and challenges as we celebrate a century of achievement and launch the university into the next 100 years.
While I already know many of you, I look forward to meeting and working with all of you in my role as interim president. I recognize that the last several weeks have been difficult for everyone in the university community, and that concerns have been expressed about matters of governance and transparency. For my part, I shall do all in my power to ensure that UBC meets the highest standards of governance, fairness, and academic integrity, principles we all share and hold in the highest regard.
UBC has weathered a good many storms in the past 100 years. History has shown that the key to overcoming the obstacles facing the university has always rested with its people — our students, staff, faculty, and alumni. I am certain this time is no different and am confident that, as a result of our collective strength and resiliency, we will move UBC forward to new levels of achievement. We are as committed to our core mission of learning and research as were our founders in 1915, and this centennial year will give us the opportunity to show that the spirit of intellectual inquiry is alive and well at UBC as we reach new heights in innovation and discovery.
Over the past several weeks, I have frequently been asked, “Why are you returning?”. The answer is simple: There is no institution for which I care more deeply. UBC is a magnificent university and deserves the support of us all. I know that by working together, honouring our past while envisioning our future, we will ensure that UBC secures its position as one of the world’s pre-eminent universities.
Martha C. Piper
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor