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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.

Aug 19, 2020

In this issue:

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

 
Lesley Cormack

Welcome from UBC Okanagan Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Hello students,

I am Lesley Cormack. Like some of you, I am new to UBC Okanagan as I started as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal in July.

So, welcome from someone who will be learning about this extraordinary university right along with you this year — and what a year it will be!

We know the coming academic term will be quite different from what many of us have known in our university lives. Your professors and instructors have been working since last spring to make your upcoming learning experience outstanding, whether you are across town or in another country.

We have embraced the technologies that will bring us together virtually, and support your educational goals.

As we prepare for classes this September, I want to encourage you to join clubs and create the extraordinary university community you want to be a part of. Reach out to others if you have questions, make use of the excellent advisors, peer mentors and services available to you.

You’ll find the information about these resources — and so much more — at students.ok.ubc.ca.

Our motto at UBC is Tuum Est — it is yours. This is your university. I look forward to getting to know many of you as the year progresses, and I am committed to working closely with your student government on initiatives that enhance your experience and promote the success of all students.

Be well, stay connected, and I wish you all the best for the coming academic year.

Watch Prof. Cormack's welcome video

 
Students walking

The U-PASS will be opt-in this fall

The UBC Students’ Union Okanagan and Kelowna Transit have agreed to remove the 2020 Winter Term 1 U-Pass fee assessment of $63.00 due to COVID-19. If you wish to opt-in to U-Pass benefits, stickers will be available for purchase at the Green Text bookstore beginning the last week of August for $63 per term.

The changes in your fees will be reflected in your Student Service Centre (SSC) over the coming weeks. If you’ve already paid the fee, you will be able to use the credit for the following term.

Learn more

 
Technology discount available for students

Technology 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

 
Student studying

New program area in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

Communications and Rhetoric (CORH) is a new program area offered in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies (FCCS) at UBC Okanagan. The courses offered in this area are designed to prepare students for the vital role of written, oral, and digital communications in their academic discipline and in their chosen professions.

Undergraduate students can take any of three CORH courses as electives within their programs in the BA, or as credits to fulfill the English or Communications requirement for students in the BSc.

Communication and rhetoric is not just about composition, but about a broad range of skills that are valuable in any field of study - the sciences, social sciences, business and management, arts and humanities, engineering, health sciences, and media studies.
 

Read more

 
smiling student

Career confidence starts with Co-op

Co-op is a paid opportunity for you to gain employable skills, explore career options, and build a professional network—all before graduation.

Undergraduate students entering their third year of studies with an academic average of 70% or higher that are enrolled in Bachelor of Arts, Science, Management, Human Kinetics, Fine Arts or Media Studies are eligible to apply.

If you have questions about your eligibility or how co-op can fit into your degree, chat with a Co-op Coordinator during virtual office hours at the corresponding links:

Applications open at the end of August and will be accepted online until Sept. 30, 2020

Learn more

 
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

 
staying socially connected virtually

How to stay socially connected during isolation

UBC Okanagan’s Health and Wellness counselors share tips on how to create meaningful connections while we’re physically separated.

Learn more

 
tips for maximizing your virtual job search

How to maximize your virtual job search

Looking for a new job online? Now’s a great time to brush up on your virtual job skills! UBCO’s Career Advisors share tips on how to get the most out of your job-search.

Learn more

 
Student at a computer

Apply for a digital UBCcard

No matter where you’re located in the world, you can now apply for your digital UBCcard.

Apply online and upload your photo before midnight September 2 in order to activate your card prior to the start of the academic year. After your application is processed (which takes around 3 business days), you’ll be able to access your digital UBCcard by logging into your UBCcard account

The default name on your card will be your given name. If your preferred name is different from your given name, email cardservices.okanagan@ubc.ca with your student number and preferred name so that we can make a manual change to your card.

New students are only eligible to receive a standard physical version of your UBCcard if you will be living in residence, or you’re registered in in-person classes. Returning students who already have a physical UBCcardwill automatically have a digital card populated.

Learn more

 
Student at computer

Create new student orientation

Kick off your first year at UBC with Create new student orientation, your introduction to all things UBCO. With an emphasis on building connections to the people, places, and resources that will support and shape your university experience, our free flagship orientation program is strongly recommended for all students who are new to UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Learn more

 
Events

Welcome Week

Virtual Welcome Week activities will be open to all new and returning undergraduate and graduate students. Welcome Week festivities will be virtual, and can be found on the events calendar. We encourage you to explore the UBC Okanagan events calendar to see which activities and info-sessions interest you.

Check it out!

Find us on social media @ubcostudents:

Not sure why you are recieving this email? Contact us at student.news@ubc.ca.

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