April 2026

AI in Action: AI and M365

Curious about where AI already shows up in the tools you use every day? This month’s AI in Action session will spotlight AI features already embedded in UBC’s Microsoft 365 tools—with practical, real‑world examples of how staff are using them to save time, reduce cognitive load, and work more effectively. Join the event and Teams Channel.

Zoom AI Meeting Summary 

Zoom Meeting Summary helps hosts capture key discussion points, action items, and next steps—reducing the need for manual note-taking and improving follow-up. Available starting April 13, this feature is off by default and can be enabled by hosts during their meetings. For questions, contact av.helpdesk@ubc.ca

UBCO Printer Updates

UBCO IT is working with our vendor Ricoh, on a contract renewal this summer which will include a refresh of the multi-function printing devices across the campus. Planning is underway and your Client Service Manager will be reaching out in the next few weeks to discuss any contemplated changes. Stay tuned!

Educloud Service Updates

UBC IT is working on changes to the Educloud service. This includes a change in technology from VMware to Openstack, and enabling access to public cloud services such as AWS. UBCO departments running servers managed by UBCO IT on Educloud will receive more information soon on any expected disruption to their specific services from their Client Service Managers. 

Privacy Matters - April

In this month's newsletter:  Privacy and cybersecurity aren’t just technical issues—they’re shared responsibilities. When each of us takes small, consistent actions, we help protect the entire UBC community.

LEARN MORE...

Meet UBC's New CISO

As UBC’s recently appointed Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and more than 25 years of experience, Larry Carson brings a long history of service to UBC and a deep understanding of our community. Larry will lead the cybersecurity team in advancing UBC’s cybersecurity maturity and risk profile to ensure UBC’s data and infrastructure remain secure. LEARN MORE...

Book time with an IT Tech

Are you UBCO Staff or Faculty? Have an IT issue but don't want to wait in line?

You can now book a 15 or 30 min appointment at the Service Desk for up to 1 week in advance to discuss tech issues you are having. Note: This service is only available to staff/faculty at this time. Students can visit the Library desk Mon-Fri 9-5 or use Student Tech Support online.

Dell UBC Employee Deals

Need a new laptop for home or a family member? Start your holiday season with Dell's Holiday Sale with up to $500 off laptops and desktops. UBC employees get a 10% discount with the Member Purchase Program coupon and can shop online using the link in the coupon email. 

Get IT News in MS Teams

Join the UBCO IT Engagement MS Team for the latest news, advice and support on technology at UBCO. We share upcoming training, notifications of outages, and details on known issues that may disrupt your work. To join CLICK HERE.

Upcoming Maintenance

Please visit the Status Page for the most up-to-date information on planned upgrades and outages at UBC IT Status Page

Upcoming Events

  • AI-in-Action: AI You Already Have - Practical M365 & Zoom Tips for UBCO
    Wednesday May 6 | 14:00 - 15:00 PT

    • Curious about where AI already shows up in the tools you use every day?

      This month’s AI in Action session will spotlight AI features already embedded in UBC’s Microsoft 365 tools—with practical, real‑world examples of how staff are using them to save time, reduce cognitive load, and work more effectively. We’ll also explore the new Zoom AI Meeting Companion and talk through how it can support note‑taking and meeting follow‑ups.

      JOIN TEAM & ADD TO CALENDAR

  • M365 Training: Productivity Tips for CoPilot, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive and more!
    Various dates & times

    • Learn about Microsoft 365’s new features for Co-Pilot, Outlook (Exchange Online), Teams, OneDrive and more. Learn tips and tricks to enhance your collaboration and productivity.

    • REGISTER

  • Information Security Standards: 2026 Refresh & Review
    April 29 & May 5, 2026 | 11:00-12:00 PT ONLINE

    • UBC’s Information Security Standards (ISS) have been updated and it's time for the annual review. These annual updates play a critical role in protecting sensitive information and defending against evolving cyber threats. Whether you handle data, manage IT systems, or simply use email in your day-to-day work, UBC's Information Security Standards impact all of us.

    • REGISTER

  • Privacy Matters Monthly Phishing Workshop

    • During each session, the Privacy Matters team provides insight into our featured privacy & information security topic while reviewing recent phishing campaigns that have targeted the university and individuals within our community. We aim to increase privacy and information security awareness through education, training, and hands-on learning.

      Visit the On Demand page to stream recordings of select events (CWL login required).

    • May 2026 Phishing Workshop
      May 13, 2026 | 11:00-11:30 am, ONLINE

  • AI-cademy 2026 - Canada Summit for Post-Secondary Education
    November 9-10, 2026 | The Nest, UBC Vancouver

    • Higher Education Strategy Associates, in partnership with UBC, presents AI-cademy 2026, a two-day national conference, November 9–10, at UBC Vancouver. Explore how to make AI work in higher-ed with evidence-based, and grounded ways. Join leaders across Canada to share best practices and advance the ethical adoption of AI on our campuses.

    • REGISTER

  • Generative AI in Teaching and Learning Series

    • This year, AI has emerged as a significant tool in education, and faculty at UBC are grappling with its integration in the classroom. The UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) has introduced a new educational series, GenAI in Teaching and Learning. This series aims to help educators transition from concerns to understanding to seeing the opportunities generative AI presents.This series offers:

      • Weekly GenAI Support Clinics: One-hour drop-in clinics on teaching and learning topics to do with the use of tools such as ChatGPT, Stability AI, Google Bard and others, every Wednesday.
      • Integrating GenAI in Education at UBC 30+30 Workshops: 30-minute interactive presentations followed by 30-minutes of discussion designed to assist faculty and staff in navigating this new landscape.
      • AI in Teaching and Learning website: A hub for ongoing support and up-to-date tools and resources for leveraging Generative AI for teaching and learning.
    • View all sessions and register HERE
  • UBC Extended Learning Courses in Artificial Intelligence
    Various Dates & Times
    • UBC Extended Learning Artificial Intelligence courses and programs are designed to provide the in-demand skills and expertise to plan, integrate and optimize AI technologies within cloud solutions and digital media. Through relevant content and expert instruction, gain key competencies to make critical decisions and consider the ethical implications of incorporating AI to position your organization for success.

      The courses offered in this area can be taken separately or taken in succession to complete a credential. Plus eligible UBC employees can use Tuition Waivers towards the cost. 
      LEARN MORE...

QUESTIONS?

UBCO IT Engagement Services offers a single point of contact for departments and faculties at the Okanagan campus to access the information technology support and services they need to enable exceptional learning and research. 

Learn more about our team HERE or send us an email or submit a ticket via the UBC Self-Service Portal.