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. | Keep scrolling for: Tons of volunteer opportunities 🖐️ Exciting upcoming events 🗓️ Resources to keep your term on track 📖 Opportunities to win cash prizes 💰 And more! | Happening TONIGHT: The annual Life Raft Debate 🗣️🛟🗣️ Imagine that an evil scientist has vaporized much of the earth. We must all sail off tonight to rebuild society. One final seat remains on the life raft. Watch as professors argue why their discipline is the one indispensable area of study that the new civilization will need to survive. The best part? You can influence the final decision by voting live at Wednesday’s debate. Save your seat on the life raft through the link below. Save your seat 🛟 | Defining healthy masculinities It’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate what it means to “be a man” nowadays. Join a group of masculine-identifying people and discuss issues that matter: social expectations, mental health, friendships and relationships. These weekly conversations are a supportive way to connect with others and challenge stereotypes. Conversations are held on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 pm. The first session is on January 29 and it runs for eight sessions. Refreshments are provided. Learn more | Jan. 31: Celebrate Lunar New Year on campus Join the Department of Languages and World Literature on January 31 from 4 to 7:30 pm to celebrate Lunar New Year! Participate in Games, watch special performances, and win prizes. This event is free to attend, and you can expect a dinner and snack bar. End the night with a lantern show to start the new year with good wishes! RSVP | Volunteer over Reading Break! Will you be staying in Kelowna over Reading Week in Term 2? Join other UBC students in making a difference in the community by volunteering! Opportunities are open to all current students, no previous experience required. Volunteering during reading week allows you to build connections, gain experience, and help strengthen your community. Spots are limited and are first-come, first-served. Sign-up here | Volunteer in the community | Volunteer with the Kelowna Art Gallery 🖼️ The Kelowna Art Gallery is looking for event volunteers to support opening receptions, community events, and fundraisers. Work alongside the Marketing & Events Coordinator and other volunteers while you learn the behind-the-scenes of event management. Learn more about some volunteer perks while applying. 👀 I volunteer! 🖐️ | Volunteer with S.H.A.R.E. Society 🪡 S.H.A.R.E. Society, one of our local thrift stores, is looking for student volunteers during store hours (i.e., Monday to Friday between 10 am to 4 pm). They’re looking for volunteers who can support with sewing, designing, and creating items like tote bags, dog beds, aprons, and more using various materials from jeans, t-shirts, tablecloths and more. Tell me more! 👕 | | Are you the leader of a student club or association? Join us at Leadership Launch! On January 30, enjoy a free dinner while connecting with other student leaders, discussing goal setting and succession planning, and learning how to successfully secure sponsorship for your events and initiatives. Save your seat | Share your feedback with Food Services for the chance to win a $100 gift card UBCO Food Services is launching a campus-wide survey to gain feedback about diner preferences and habits in order to determine what changes (if necessary) are required to better meet the needs of the entire campus community, with a particular need to gather insights from commuter students. The short 10-question survey will be live for two weeks, with a chance to win a $100 UBC Gift Card. Survey closes this Friday | Graduating? Apply for the Student Involvement & Leadership Award! Each year, UBCO recognizes and celebrates graduating students who have demonstrated leadership and involvement on campus or in their community. If this sounds like you or someone you know, click below to learn more! Nominations are due on Sunday, February 23. More details | Cash prize for Library Research Applications are open for the UBC Undergraduate Prize in Library Research. The prize is a way to showcase the effective and innovative uses of library services, information experts, and resources. One prize of $3,000, two prizes of $2,000 and two prizes of $1,500 are available. Apply by February 28 | | Beat procrastination with Eat the Frog Mondays 🐸 Procrastinating? Don’t worry, we’re all doing it. Drop-by the Nechako front desk on Mondays between 1 and 4 pm to cross things off your to-do list with fellow procrastinators! It’s the perfect way to start your week on the right foot and, honestly, to meet new people. See you there! Add to your calendar | | | Keep your term on track with the Student Learning Hub 🖊️ The Student Learning Hub is your one-stop-shop for free and flexible learning supports and resources. All services at the Student Learning Hub are now open for Term 2! Book your appointments early before things get busy. Get started | | | If you’re looking to boost your wellbeing this term, our Wellbeing & Accessibility Services team has you covered. | Community Markets Shop local goods in the EME Foyer every other Tuesday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and connect with your UBCO community. Browse upcoming dates | Free community meals 🍜 Fill your cup (literally and figuratively) with free community meals every Tuesday between 12 and 1:30 pm at Picnic. Learn more | | Food Skills Workshops 🧑🍳 Attend free, peer-led food skills workshops! Build your food skills while enjoying a meal with friends. Workshops are offered twice a week. See the schedule | Dietician drop in Learn how to fuel your body while balancing school, work, and life. Drop-in with the Dietician on Thursdays between 2:30 to 3:30 pm in Picnic. Learn more | | Student email migration 📨 Beginning February 4, UBC will migrate all student emails from the UBC Student Email system to Microsoft Exchange Online, part of the Microsoft 365 suite. This transition brings you a modernized, secure, and feature-rich email experience designed to support your academic journey. You’ll receive an email when action is required from you. Learn more | Follow UBCO Student Life on Instagram @ubcostudents is the number one source for tips, opportunities, stories, and events to help you shape your student experience at UBC Okanagan. DM us or tag us in your best student life photos for the chance to be featured. 📸 Follow @ubcostudents | Find us on social media @ubcostudents: | | | | |