Fallen leaves

What is UBCO Life?
UBCO Life is a newsletter delivered twice per month to continuing undergraduate students, featuring academic and social events, upcoming deadlines, university news, and other issues relevant to student life and success at UBC Okanagan.

Oct 21, 2020

In this issue:

Note: Anchor links may not function in all email applications. Scroll to view items below.

New from the blog

Connecting outside the classroom

What's new at UBC Recreation

Upcoming webinars

News and updates

 
5 peer mentor tips

5 Peer Mentor approved tips to manage virtual classes (and still have a life)

If you're experiencing new challenges or feeling overwhelmed in the online learning environment — you're not alone!

We asked the Peer Mentors — our upper-year campus experts — for their top tips for addressing some of the most common challenges students are finding with the online learning environment, including:

  • Making friends in an online environment
  • Managing email and Canvas notification overload
  • Learning all the new apps and technologies
  • How to prioritize your assignments
  • How and when to get help with course work 
     

Read the tips here!

 
AVP Students, Dale Mullings

Building community and school spirit at UBCO: share your thoughts

What does community at UBCO look like to you? How does school spirit impact your UBCO experience?

UBCO is committed to making your student experience the best it can be. To do that, we need to hear from you — what you care about, what your challenges are, and how the university can help you get the most out of your time with us.

Throughout his first year, UBCO’s new AVP for Students Dale Mullings is holding a series of listening sessions with students on a variety of themes. This month’s theme is Building Community and School Spirit, and will be co-hosted by Ahmed Fayed, VP Campus Life with the SUO.

Join Dale and Ahmed on Wednesday, November 4 for an informal conversation to share your thoughts and experiences. Choose the session that fits best with your schedule:

Register: 10 a.m. session

Register: 5 p.m. session


Your input is critical to help Dale learn about your student culture, how UBCO student services are meeting your needs (or not), and, most importantly, how he can help identify opportunities to support student success. Hope to see you there!
 

 
Now Hiring Student Ambassadors

UBC Okanagan is now hiring Student Ambassadors

We are looking for storytellers who are passionate about sharing their experiences at UBC Okanagan to join our Student Ambassador team. Our campus has thousands of different stories to be told and we can’t wait to hear yours. Student Ambassadors play an important role in introducing the beauty and endless opportunities that our campus has to offer, to prospective students and their families. Applications for the Student Ambassador role are open until November 1st. Join our team as we continue to represent UBC Okanagan through campus tours, student panels, recruitment presentations and more!

 

Apply here (job ID #821374)

 
A student on exchange

Need to get away in 2021/22? Go Global can help! Study in Germany, South Korea, or one of 77 other countries!

Are you interested in finding out more about how to incorporate an exchange or international learning experience into your degree? Go Global has a video series, Go Global 101, available and will be hosting Q&A sessions (including a weekly one from 7–8 p.m. PT) throughout October and November to answer your questions as they come up! Check out Go Global 101 on YouTube and sign up for a Q&A session.

 

We also have an exciting new series from our returned students — the Ambassador’s Desk. Hear what our Ambassadors have to say about their time abroad on YouTube.

 
Student getting virtual support

Have questions about drugs and alcohol?

As of October 8, Campus Health is offering individual online support sessions to answer substance use related questions. The drop-in sessions are held over Zoom on Thursdays from 12 – 2 p.m. PT. Students are welcome to remain anonymous. Come ask any of your substance-use related questions!

For more information, and to access the zoom link for these sessions, register for the Wellness Centre: Online canvas shell.

Register here

 
#Connect: A Zoom Social

The Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy Club (MHAAC) hosts #Connect: A Zoom Social

The Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy Club (MHAAC) is hosting a virtual meet on Tuesday, October 27 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. PT. Come get to know your peers from different programs around the world and enter to win a digital card giveaway!

Visit MHAAC on Facebook or Instagram to learn more.

 
Men don't show emotion

It’s time to re-define manhood

Be a part of the conversation.

Join a group of masculine-identified people talking about issues that matter: social expectations, mental health, suicide, dating, consent, and sex.

Occurs online every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. (PST) starting October 20, 2020 for seven weeks.

Supported by the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO) and Health & Wellness.

Learn more

To register for the Healthy Masculinities group, please contact rob.giardino@ubc.ca.

 
students on a scavenger hunt

Upcoming events for first-years

Games Night: Every Thursday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. PST

Welcome to a night of games, fun, and adventure. It’s the online games night every Thursday from 1 – 3 and 6 – 8 p.m. Whether you like strategy ♟ or are feeling lucky, play some games with fellow first-year students and stay for as long as you like!


Indoor Picnic: Tuesdays: 5 p.m. PST and Fridays: 11 a.m. PST

A first-year student-only space, to meet and share a snack with peers from across the globe!


Virtual Bingo: Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. PST

Test your luck and meet new friends with virtual bingo.


Horror Movie Night: Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. PST

If you aren't too scared come check out a horror movie. Bring popcorn, a costume and some Halloween spirit.


Halloween Virtual Trick-or-Treat: Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. PST

Children shouldn't have all the fun! Come check out our virtual trick-or-treat with a costume and an open mind.


Halloween Cooking Event: Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. PST

Get all the tips and tricks for how to cook a delicious pumpkin pie!


If you have any questions about these events or need more information, contact your peer mentor.

Not sure how to contact your peer mentor? Email us at orientation.ok@ubc.ca for assistance.

Learn more

 
Understanding the perceptions and attitudes of young adults of the coronavirus pandemic

Call for study participants: understanding the perceptions and attitudes of young adults of the coronavirus pandemic

UBC Okanagan has teamed up with Simon Fraser University and other partner organizations to study young people’s thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it’s affecting them. If you’re 18-40 years old, have resided in British Columbia since March 1, 2020, and are interested in participating, please contact Rochelle at pure@sfu.ca.

Participants will earn a $100 honorarium.

Register here

 
Students taking a survey

Tell us about your experience with online courses so far and you could win a $30 GC!

We are looking for 30 students (undergraduate and graduate) to tell us about their experiences with online courses this term. The focus group discussions will be facilitated online and will require no more than an hour of your time.

To thank you for your participation, you will be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of five $30 Bookstore gift cards! The information gathered will be shared anonymously with instructors and staff in order to enhance the online learning environment for all. Please register by Friday October 23rd at noon.

 

Register here

 
November is Thrive Month

November kicks off Thrive Month

Thrive is a time where we come together as a UBC community to learn about, talk about, and explore ways to support our mental health. Check out the Thrive calendar for lots of events throughout November to help support and maintain your mental health or go online.

Learn more

Additional student mental health resources are also available.

 
student doing yoga

Get active with UBC Recreation’s free virtual activities and resources

Have fun and enjoy being physically active while participating in free low barrier activities suitable for all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels.

Get active!

 
Minecraft Minigame Exrtavaganza

Minecraft Minigame Extravaganza

UBCO Recreation has partnered with the UBCO Esports Club to bring you this Minecraft Minigame Extravaganza.

October 23 at 5 p.m. PT

Join on Discord

 
UBCO Gymnasium

Register & Play now available – play badminton, basketball or pickleball in the gym!

UBCO Recreation is here to help you stay active and healthy on campus. Our Register & Play opportunities will get you into the gymnasium where you can borrow sports equipment for recreation during scheduled supervised times. Participants must have a valid membership for the Hangar Fitness Centre to access the gymnasium.

Due to COVID-19, we will not be allowing any ‘drop-ins’ — all activities in the gymnasium must be pre-booked.

Learn more

 
student creating art

Upcoming webinar: being creative for health and wellbeing

This webinar focuses on the synergies between cultural, creative, and mindfulness practices. It integrates the perspectives of Indigenous scholars and artists to explore the cultural, spiritual, and environmental dimensions of health and well-being. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday October 22, 2020 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PST

Learn more and register

 
The potential for Black Studies programs in Canada

The potential for Black Studies programs in Canada

Join us for a talk with Professor Andrea A. Davis of York University and Professor Handel Kashope Wright of UBC Vancouver as they examine the landscape of Black Studies programs in Canada and what is needed to create meaningful change. The talk will be followed by a moderated Q&A.

Friday October 23, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST

Learn more and register

 
student on the internet

Upcoming webinar: internet access is not a luxury, it’s a necessity: Rural communities speak about challenges and technology use during COVID-19

This webinar focuses on the top priorities and frequently described challenges rural living people are facing during COVID-19. Everyone is welcome.

Thursday November 5, 2020 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. PST

Register here

 
Learn more about Grad School at FCCS info session

Thinking about Graduate School?

Join us for a virtual info session to learn more about our Masters of Fine Arts, Masters of Arts in English, and Digital Arts & Humanities theme in the IGS program. The graduate programs in FCCS build on the skills and knowledge of faculty members who will challenge you to explore critical and creative approaches to contemporary cultural issues.

Our graduate program coordinators will give advice on the application process, funding opportunities and research pathways.

Thursday, November 5, 2020 10 – 11 a.m. PST

Register here

 
Transportation system

Transportation Plan Public Consultation kicks off next month

UBC Okanagan Campus Planning is excited to launch the Transportation Plan Phase 1 consultation on Nov 3, which will run until November 24. During this time, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the plan and provide your input into the plan’s vision and emerging strategies through an online survey.

On Nov 17 there will be an online, Virtual Open House, an opportunity for the public to ask questions to the planning team.

We hope you will join us.

Visit the Transportation Plan website starting Nov 3.

Learn more

 
Who wants a hug from a bug?

Protect yourself from the nasty flu

UBC Okanagan is once again offering free, voluntary flu immunization clinics for students the week of Nov 3–6. Sign up for an appointment to receive your annual flu vaccine.

All COVID-19 safety and physical distancing rules will be followed, and those interested in participating in the clinic are asked to pre-register online, as drop-in spots will not be available. Access more information about COVID-19 and what UBC is doing as a result of the pandemic.

Learn more and register

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