fall 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.

Sep 2, 2020

In this issue:

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

 

Upcoming dates and deadlines

  • Sep 8: Create
    Kick off the new year at UBC with Create new student orientation. Most classes are cancelled Sep 8 to ensure everyone can attend!

  • Sep 21: Last day to drop your course without a W standing (Term 1 courses)
    This is the final day you can drop a course and still get a full refund.

  • Nov 13: Last day to drop your course with a W standing
    This is the final day you can drop a course in the SSC. However, you will have to pay up to 100% of the course fees and you'll receive a permanent "W" on your academic record for that course.

    If you need to drop a course, do so early. If in doubt, contact an Academic Advisor to discuss your options.

    Refer to the Academic Calendar for all upcoming dates and deadlines.

 

Dates and deadlines

 
virtual study space

Introducing online learning coaches

We hear you — adjusting to online learning can be a big change. That’s why #UBCO is launching a brand new program to help you with all your online learning needs this year.

Online learning coaches (OLCs) are here to help you adapt to the requirements and demands of learning online and connect you with the tools and strategies you need to succeed — whether you’re looking for help getting the most out of your online courses, developing your study skills, or assistance finding a particular learning resource or support.

An OLC works with you to build on your personal strengths to improve your studying and learning practices, create a schedule to de-stress your term, or plan ahead for assignments and projects.

If you are not sure where to go for help, an OLC can help guide you to the support you need.

Learn more


Digital drop-ins with Online Learning Coaches

Have questions about learning online? Looking for an opportunity to connect? Want to know more about the Student Learning Hub and how to access support? Online learning coaches are hosting digital drop-in sessions during orientation and the first week of class to get you started on the right path. Drop in during any of the session times below.


Learn more

 
connection through technology

Textbook purchase options for Term 1

Students who will be located outside of the Okanagan during Winter Session are strongly encouraged to order digital materials if available, as the bookstore is predicting a large number of online orders that may result in shipping delays. The bookstore has sourced digital options wherever possible, which will be available to you immediately.

You have three options to order printed textbooks (starting mid-August):

1. Order online and have them delivered
2. Order online and pick up on campus
3. Shop safely in store (in accordance with recommended health guidelines)

As always, you can check your course syllabus (provided by your instructor) for your course list, or you can enter your student number on the bookstore course materials page to view course requirements.

 

Learn more

 
connection through technology

Tech discounts available for students

With remote learning a focus for the fall 2020 term, a variety of different technology suppliers have banded together to offer discounts to students. From computers to webcams to monitors to headsets – or if you’re looking for a deal on Internet or cell service –chances are good you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for.

While the offers aren’t indefinite, information on discounts available and their expiration dates are available online.

 

Learn more

 
Welcome from your library

A welcome from your Library

From our remote work environments to wherever you are remote learning — welcome to UBC Okanagan! We understand that this will be an academic term like no other, and we want you to know that your Library is here to support you online.

Although most in-person Library spaces remain closed, we have shifted our services to support you through a variety of flexible online formats: instant AskAway chat for assistance with using the Library’s resources, virtual consultations with Subject Librarians for your in-depth research questions, and local curbside pickup for borrowing books.

Learn more


 

Register for our upcoming Sip + Study orientation sessions, part of Welcome Week:

 

 
peer tutors

Free tutoring and academic support at the Student Learning Hub is now fully virtual

The Student Learning Hub is now fully virtual with free and flexible academic support for remote learners like you—math, science, writing, languages, online learning coaching, and more!
 

Learn more

 
Scorch at orientation

Join us for virtual Create orientation day Sep 8

Create is UBCO’s introduction to all things UBCO, and this year, we're going virtual! Traditionally, Create has been for students who are new to UBC Okanagan, but this year, we encourage all new and returning students to participate in Create Day activities.

For new students, Create is your opportunity to meet new people, find out what resources are here to support you during this unprecedented time, and to get ready for the semester ahead.

Returning students — get together virtually with UBCO friends for a Create Kick-off watch party, attend an online learning coach meet and greet, and join your Faculty’s welcome session for returning students (if offered in your Faculty).

Many of this year’s sessions and activities are designed with flexible scheduling so you can participate during regular waking hours in your home time zone. To access all that Create Day has to offer, self-enrol into the Create Canvas portal.


Join Create

 
You're invited to the 2020 UBC Create Kick-off

Join us Sep 8 for our first ever campus-wide Create Kick-off

Create Kick-off has always been a distinctive moment at UBCO — a tradition bringing together our incoming class since 2005. This year, virtual delivery has provided an exciting opportunity for us to deliver our signature Kick-off event to all students, both new and returning, as UBCO’s official welcome back for the 2020-21 academic year.

Join all of UBCO as we offer a warm welcome to our new students and a white-hot welcome back to our returning classes in celebration of school spirit (UBC, what?) and pride in your campus community (O!). Hear what’s coming up this year and get to know your UBC leaders, including UBCSUO President, UBCO’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and UBC President Santa Ono.

Kick-off will air live on YouTube and Panopto on Tuesday, Sep 8 at 9:45 a.m. PDT

Check out our @ubcostudents Instagram story to set up a calendar reminder!
 

 
Student attending a virtual event

Attend virtual events during Welcome Week

Eager to learn more about the opportunities that await you while you study at UBC Okanagan? Explore the events taking place during Welcome Week — Sep 9 to 18.

These events, all listed on UBC Okanagan events calendar, are open to all new and returning students. Choose-your-own-adventure by attending an information session from Go Global or the Co-op Program, joining in an activity hosted by Campus Recreation, partaking in a Sip + Study, or Finding a Good Fit with the Student Experience Office, and so much more!

Be sure to check out the UBCSUO’s events calendar for additional events.

 

Check out what's happening!

 
student community

Science, Arts, and Social Science Students: connect with your community

Did you know… the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences transitioned from one Faculty into two autonomous faculties on July 1, 2020? Those faculties are now the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science. See what students and professors in your faculty are up to and connect with your community on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Instagram: @fass.ubco | Facebook: @fass.ubco | Twitter: @fass_ubco

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science
Instagram: @fos.ubco | Facebook: @fos.ubco | Twitter: @fos_ubco

 

 
student smiling on a treadmill

Hangar Fitness Centre is open

Students looking to get fit for fall are welcome to use the facility, but all workouts must now be pre-booked and there are currently no drop-in appointments. Membership purchases and workout appointment times can be booked online, and members are required to follow a new set of COVID-19 protocols.

Learn more


If you can't make it to campus, check out UBCO Recreation on Instagram for lots of great resources and tips for ways to stay active at home.

 
BC transit

Transit updates for fall 2020

This fall, there are new transit scheduling and route changes from BC Transit that may affect your travel to and from campus. Learn about the changes.

Also new this fall, the student U-Pass program is opt-in. Information on the changes are available at UBC Students’ Union Okanagan.

Learn more about the U-Pass

 
We believe you

We believe you

If you have been affected by sexualized violence, know it is not your fault. No matter the circumstances. SVPRO is here for you. We can help you think through all your options, connect you to resources and funding, coordinate academic and workplace accommodations. You don’t have to report to get help. We respect your decisions.

Learn more

 
Students studying abroad

Want to study in France, Australia, Singapore, or one of 77 other countries next year? Find out more with Go Global!

Are you interested in finding out more about how to incorporate an exchange or international learning experience into your degree? Go Global has a new video series, Go Global 101, available and will be hosting Q&A sessions throughout September and October to answer your questions! Check out Go Global 101 on YouTube.

Learn more

 
Student attending virtual homecoming

Save the date for Okanagan Homecoming, reimagined for 2020!

Save the date and join us for our third annual UBC Okanagan Homecoming from September 25–27, 2020, presented by RBC On Campus. While our events may look a little different than in the past, this year we reimagined Homecoming digitally as we celebrate our campus’ 15th anniversary.

To ensure you receive the latest Homecoming event updates, register here. UBC Okanagan alumni who sign up will receive a free Homecoming at Home celebration package, and will be entered to win a $250 gift certificate to a local business of the winner’s choice. We look forward to reconnecting with you at Homecoming 2020!

Register here

 
Wellness Centre Online

UBC Wellbeing launches new
Wellness Centre: Online

The Wellness Centre: Online is a Canvas course offered specifically for students at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

The Wellness Centre: Online provides access to self-care modules and resources that will be continually updated, including:

  • sessions with our nurses, counsellors and your peers
  • wellness tips
  • community connection and support

Access these resources and more in Canvas.

Enrol here

 
Student in an interview

Co-op: how to hack your degree

Wondering how your degree will transfer to a career? Unsure if your field is right for you? Looking to get work experience relevant to your career goals (before you even graduate)?

Our newest blog post addresses some common concerns about co-op and what you can actually expect from the program — all from the perspective of a student who’s experienced it.

Learn more

 
Student studying

A year of firsts, or how I learned to stop worrying and love university

In this special six-part blog series, second-year student Breckin Baillie shares some of the lessons he learned in his first year about studying, time management, making friends, and navigating online classes to help you make the most of your university experience.

Learn more

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