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UBC welcomes Dr. Santa Ono as 15th President and Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Ono joins UBC from the University of Cincinnati (UC) in Ohio, where he has served as President since 2012. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Provost at UC. Under his leadership, UC achieved its largest enrolment in its history and received numerous accolades, including being named Public University of the Year by the Washington Center.
Dr. Ono will become President on August 15 for a five-year term. He succeeds Dr. Martha C. Piper, who will end her term as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor on June 30. Dr. David Farrar, former UBC Provost and Senior Advisor to the President, has agreed to take on the role of Interim President after June 30 and prior to Dr. Ono’s arrival.
Dr. Ono is no stranger to UBC. Originally born in Vancouver, his father (Takashi Ono) was a mathematics professor at the university in the early 1960s. More details, including Dr. Ono’s biography, can be found at ubc.ca/newpresident.
No access to Hennings Level 100 basement this weekend
This weekend, June 18 and 19th, a contractor will be on site at Hennings and the entire basement will be off limits, including the mechanical room. If you need emergency access, contact Project Coordinator Kevin Phelan at 604-827-1569.
Custodial Floater pool to be created on night shift
As discussed in the town hall, a floater pool of 4 building service workers will be created on night shift to help us keep on top of daily emerging priorities.
Reporting of unsafe contractor activity
It’s in all of our interest that everyone works safely. Help make sure everyone gets home safe and that university assets are protected from unsafe work. If you see unsafe work, report it to the UBC Project Manager or to Tariq Din.
Leadership Development Program Final Staff Sessions
The leadership Development Program is wrapping up the initial phase of investigations this week. As part of this first phase, staff from all levels of the organization were asked to share their current experiences and desires with respect to leadership in our organization. The consultant team will be taking this information and developing training programs for us that will be launched in the fall. They will also identify any quick actions we can take to make improvements sooner.
When we develop our leadership skills we become better at supporting one another, it makes having tough but necessary conversations easier and it brings a level of consistency to our supervisor and managers as they approach our daily challenges of getting the work done.
Goal dates:
June 20th draft plan will be shared with HR and Karyn
June 22nd draft plan will be shared with BOLT
June 22nd draft plan shared with managers
June 22nd draft plan shared with heads and subheads
June 23rd draft plan will be shared with interested staff and anybody who missed the 22nd
Wesbrook Now Occupied
A reminder that building occupants from BioSciences North and Centre buildings are moving into Wesbrook this week. This is going to generate some new work for our teams to manage, including custodial care, building maintenance, and service requests.
Math sanitary connector found to be blocked, will be repaired
A repair of the Math sanitary connector will hopefully prevent more floods here. Thanks to the custodial team for many cleanups after multiple floods.
Some classrooms still in use during summer
Even though most classes aren’t in session, many rooms are still booked for a variety of reasons. If you’re planning a project and are not sure of the space availability, please ask your Head or FM.
Woodward Library kudos
It is always great to receive a note like this when we have done such a good job planning the work and executing in a timely fashion with the quality for which we are known. Well done all!
A note of thanks from the Department Head at Woodward Library:
“I’m so pleased with the light switches placed at the entrance to the room, and the spot lights above the tapestry are perfect, thank you to the electricians! The replacement wall where the closets were looks beautiful. Gorgeous white paint job and the colour is perfect! The carpet looks excellent (and will look even better when the glue and stain spots are attended to)! And thanks also to Joyce and Bob for their cleanup work too.”
Bus stops relocated for routes 44, 84, C18 and C20, starting June 17
Starting June 17th, 4 bus stops will be relocated during the construction of the new UBC Bus Exchange. This will change the pick-up and drop-off locations for routes 44, 84, C18 and C20. Signs and maps in the area will help direct transit users to moved bus stops. Learn more at transportation.ubc.ca/news-and-updates/ubc-bus-stop-relocations.