As I approach the end of my first month as President, I would like to thank you for making my family and I feel welcome. I have been impressed by everything I’ve encountered at UBC, and I feel privileged to lead such a wonderful institution.
Looking ahead, I am focused on working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to develop a new vision and strategic plan for UBC. In addition, we will embark on searches for key strategic roles at the university. They are as follows:
Provost and Vice-President Academic (VPA)
The process governing this search is determined by Board and Senate policies. As things progress, I will make every effort to keep you updated. The search process will begin very soon, and the Vancouver Senate will be inviting nominations of faculty members and students to be selected for the President’s Advisory Committee. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with suggestions and comments related to skills and qualities you wish to see reflected in this position. Please email comments to presidents.office@ubc.ca.
Vice-President Research and International (VPRI)
As with the recruitment of a new VPA, the Vice-President Research and International search will follow Board and Senate policies, and begin very soon. There will be opportunities for faculty and students from Vancouver and the Okanagan to be nominated to the President’s Advisory Committee through their respective Senates. I welcome any thoughts on the skills and qualities you wish to see reflected in this position. Further updates will be provided in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please send comments to presidents.office@ubc.ca.
Senior Advisor to the President
In addition to the strategic planning process, we have many ongoing projects that require thoughtful decision-making and consultation. In light of these demands, I feel it is important that I recruit a Senior Advisor from within UBC’s community of faculty members. This individual will be instrumental in assisting me as President, as well as acting as my representative, where required. The successful applicant will advise me on a variety of issues, prepare detailed briefing notes, and work collaboratively with all our key stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, senior administrators and government representatives. They will also be expected to exercise strong judgment, confidentiality, and discretion.
This particular search process has already begun. I invite interest from any faculty members who fulfill the following criteria:
- The rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor, with a PhD and a minimum of five years’ UBC experience
- Familiarity with UBC’s history, structure and practices, in both Vancouver and the Okanagan
- Excellent writing, speaking, and listening skills
- Some administrative experience is an advantage
The successful candidate will be appointed initially for a two-year term (with potential for renewal). Letters of application, together with a CV and the names of two referees, should be sent to Dr. H. J. Rosengarten, Executive Director, Office of the President, herbert.rosengarten@ubc.ca by Friday, September 23, 2016.
With regard to all three positions, I would value your suggestions and insights, regarding skills and qualities you believe will strengthen our university. Please feel free to connect with me, whether through email at presidents.office@ubc.ca or via Twitter @ubcprez.
I look forward to providing further updates in due course.
Professor Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor