To: Faculty and staff in Vancouver
September is an exciting time of year for the University. Our new undergraduate and graduate students join our community and we welcome back our returning students to this extraordinary place of learning. I would like to extend my thanks for what you do to make UBC a welcoming community for our students.
An engaging and memorable orientations experience is the foundation of success. Through orientation and welcome back programming offered by the Faculties, the AMS and the entire university, students begin their preparation to be successful university scholars. They are encouraged to see their time at UBC as a journey, taking risks, being curious and asking for help along the way, and ultimately being transformed by what they learn. Everyone plays a role in supporting students as they embark on this period of transition and discovery.
A complete overview of planned orientation activities is available here: https://orientations.students.ubc.ca/welcome-students-our-campus-community/. However, there are a few key programs that might be of particular interest:
Imagine UBC
On Tuesday, September 8, over 8,000 new undergraduate students participate in Imagine UBC, a one-day orientation, while returning undergraduate students prepare for a new academic year through Faculty and departmental events.
Jump Start
On August 18, 1648 international students, including 300 Vantage College students, arrived on campus and began their UBC experience. This is the largest cohort of students to participate in the Jump Start program, an orientation program that supports international students academic, social and cultural transition to UBC.
Orientation for graduate students
Between September 2nd and 4th, approximately 800 new graduate students will join the UBC community and participate in a variety of orientation activities.
Student Residence
On September 5, many of the 10,000 new and continuing undergraduate and graduate students and student families living in one of UBC’s student residences will move into their new homes.
If you are already engaged in delivering orientations programs, perhaps as a Jump Start Faculty Fellow, an Imagine O-Prof or a staff volunteer, thank you for your contributions. For others, you can also contribute to an outstanding orientations experience for our new and returning students by:
- Being aware of the various activities on campus so you can serve as a resource to students: http://bit.ly/1O0iQRd
- Participating in campus and Faculty orientation events: http://bit.ly/1NcOYlp
- Volunteering for one of the orientation programs still looking for some extra help: http://bit.ly/1JQu7gF
Again this year, all student leaders involved in orienting new-to-UBC undergraduate students will prepare for their role as a campus leader by participating in training on building respectful and inclusive communities. Additionally, all Residence Life staff and selected groups of student leaders are participating in training on sexual assault prevention and responding to disclosures of sexual assault.
And finally – save the date of September 12 for Homecoming – featuring the annual Great Thunderbird Trek, a street party and an exciting football game at the legendary UBC Thunderbird Stadium. All UBC students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to attend.
For more information on what is available to support students at UBC, visit http://students.ubc.ca.
Thank you for your efforts in creating an outstanding experience for our students as they join our community.
Louise Cowin, Ph.D.
Vice-President, Students