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. | Note: Anchor links may not function in all email applications. Scroll to view items below. | Upcoming dates and deadlines - Sunday, Sep 5: Create orientation
- Monday, Sep 6: Re-Create orientation
- Tuesday Sep 7: First day of class*
*Note: classes are not cancelled on Sep 7, since Create is taking place on Sep 5. More important dates and deadlines | Preparing for a return to campus We’re here to welcome and support you as you come back to campus for the new academic year. We will continue to update our return to campus page with important resources and announcements regarding campus safety protocols. Keep an eye out for further updates! Returning to campus | Apply by Sep 30 for one-time financial support UBCO has put in place additional financial support this year for students experiencing financial distress because of wildfires, COVID-19 or other factors. Funds are available to support: -
Students whose financial circumstances have been affected by the pandemic, wildfires or other factors -
Students unable to cover cost-of-living expenses related to on- or off-campus housing or food purchases -
Students facing unexpected, urgent costs Students facing urgent financial need can also email Student Records & Financial Services at srfs@ubc.ca to inquire about short-term emergency funding. Learn more | In-person student services on campus In-person availability of student services will be increasing over the next several weeks, with most UBCO units resuming regular in-person service hours in time for the start of classes. You can find a full list of in-person student-facing services on our website. See what's open | New UNC service names and office locations If you’ve been to campus before, you’ll notice some pretty big changes next time you visit the University Centre (UNC) building. Several services have been updated with new names and new locations to serve you better. Here are some of the biggest changes you might want to make note of: - Student Services has been renamed Student Records & Financial Services, and has moved down the hall into UNC 214 (where the Disability Resource Centre was previously located)
- The Disability Resource Centre has moved into an expanded space next door in UNC 215.
- The Office of the Ombudsperson for Students has moved upstairs into UNC 328.
- The Spiritual & Multi-Faith Space has moved to an expanded space across the hall in UNC 316.
- The Equity & Inclusion Office has moved into UNC 325H.
- Aboriginal Programs & Services and the Aboriginal Centre have been renamed as Indigenous Programs & Services and the Indigenous Centre
Don’t worry if you continue to see some of the old unit names and locations over the next few months — it will take some time for us to make sure all of our UBC websites, building signage, brochures, and other materials are updated with these changes. If you have any questions about how to find or access one of our services, you can email student.connect@ubc.ca or refer to our contact information on our website. Contact student services | Find what you need and get connected on campus with Student Connect Have questions about the UBCO student experience, but aren’t sure who to ask? Student Connect is the right place to connect you with answers, resources, supports, and opportunities. This peer-facilitated space is designed to help students navigate campus and learn more about the opportunities that exist at UBCO. Student Connectors are happy to help with… - Student opportunities
- Getting involved on campus
- Resources and support
- Wayfinding
- And more!
Student Connect will also feature a rotation of different campus partners at the Hot Desk throughout the school year, who may share unique student opportunities, events, initiatives, or resources. Contact the Student Connect team to inquire about booking the Hot Desk for your event or initiative. Learn more | Create/Re-Create student orientation First time on campus? Whether you’re a brand new student, someone who’s studied strictly virtually, or a transfer student, UBCO has orientation programs in place to help you adjust to life on campus. For first-year students, check out Create. Happening September 5, this event will help you transition into university life. For second-year or transfer students, check out Re-Create. Happening September 6, this event is tailored towards returning students who are studying on campus at UBCO for the first time. Learn more | Learn to Lawn Bowl Lawn bowling is a fun game, and you can learn how to play this fall! Lessons will take place on Wednesdays from 6-8 pm on September 15, 22, and 29. Registration costs $45 a person and includes three lessons. Reserve your spot | Mini golf tourney Challenge your friends to an evening of fun on September 12! UBCO Recreation is hosting a mini-golf tournament at 19 Greens. Register as an individual and meet new people, or bring your friends and join as a team of 2-4 people. Registration costs $11 a person. Reserve your spot | Wood sign painting Spice up your space with a personalized wooden sign! Join UBCO Recreation at Rustic Chalk Decor on September 9 or 21 from 7-8:30 pm to paint your own sign. Choose from a wide selection of designs and paint colours to create a personalized sign you can use to decorate your living space. This event is a great way to meet new people! Find out more | UBCO Farmers' Market volunteers needed Every second Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (Starting in September). Great Student Volunteer Opportunities and Experience! Flexible Shifts & Positions! Want to take part in an amazing campus food security initiative? Come help out at the UBCO Farmers’ Market! Campus Health is looking for volunteers to work 2-4 hour shifts (we can customize if required). Positions include helping with traffic control, running an info booth, collecting market feedback, and helping with the set-up and take-down of the market. Social media and promotional based volunteer positions are also available. Get involved in your community, connect with new people and build relevant skills. Reference letters provided! Contact us at campushealth.ubco@ubc.ca for more information! Please include your availability on Tuesdays and why you would like to be a part of the UBCO Farmers’ Market. | Western Engineering Competition is hiring competition directors The Okanagan Campus is hosting the Western Engineering Competition (WEC) in 2022! WEC is a regional competition that provides the opportunity for undergraduate applied science students to develop their skills in fast-paced, hands-on engineering challenges and qualify for the national Canadian Engineering Competition. We are currently looking for volunteers to join our team as Competition Directors! As a Competition Director, you will be directly responsible for one of the eight event categories of the competition and in return, you will gain valuable experience planning and executing a major engineering conference. Apply and find further information through the linked form: Western Engineering Competition - Competition Directors Application - Google Forms All are welcome to apply! Learn more | Looking for a job? The UBCO Job Board has hundreds of paid and volunteer positions available for students all-year round! Whether you’re looking for a work study position, something on- or off-campus, or a co-op term, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. UBCO is currently hiring for the upcoming semester. Visit the Job Board to browse the available positions! VIew postings | New to Kelowna? Check out these spots! We talked to students and made a list of all the must-see and must-do activities, attractions, and places in Kelowna! We made a list of all our favourite (and student-friendly) coffee spots, things to do, places to eat, and areas to visit! Click below to read the full post. Read more | Photo of student Dylan DaSilva by Niall Pinder Photography No bike? No problem! Rent from UBCycles Our favourite cycling trails Looking for ways to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors? The pros at UBCycles have shared some of their favourite bike trails around the Okanagan. These recommendations are perfect for beginners who are looking to try out some trails, but aren’t sure where to start. Pro tip: don’t have a bike? No problem! UBCycles has bike loans available for as little as $20 for a 6-day rental. Read more | Incorporate ergonomics into your study set up today With in-campus learning returning, it’s time to assess your desk! Explore the DIY Ergo resources available from the Health, Safety and Environment team. Learn more | Apply for your UBCcard The UBCcard is the official Okanagan campus identification card for UBCO students, faculty, and staff. It provides access to a variety of services on campus including the library, gym, printing, health services, your meal plan, and more. This year, all students registered for on-campus, in-person classes and/or living on campus will have access to both their digital and physical UBCcards. If you are NOT registered for on-campus, in-person classes or living on campus you will have access to your digital UBCcard only. Digital Card A digital version of your UBCcard will be available once your application is processed. You can access it in the carding portal by logging in here and clicking on the “Student” tab. If you haven’t already applied for your student card you can access your application in the carding portal by logging in and clicking on the “Student” tab. Learn more | Find us on social media @ubcostudents: | | | | |
