Death of a Faculty Member

For the purposes of this website, “Faculty” includes both members and non-members of the faculty bargaining unit, including Librarians and Program Directors in Continuing Studies.

Notice of Death

In the event of the death of any member of faculty (or staff), the Administrative Head of Unit is required to inform the President’s Office and the Ceremonies Office (ceremonies.office@ubc.ca) as soon as possible (UBC Policy 39: Death Notices). The Head of Unit or the administrator should also contact Faculty Relations immediately.

Pension and Benefits

1. Basic Group Life Insurance

Please ensure that your beneficiary or executor knows to contact Human Resources in the event of your death. As Human Resources is only able to communicate directly with the nominated beneficiaries or trustees that are on file, they will be provided with the necessary claim forms and assistance in submitting the claim.

2. Optional Life & Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance Plan for Faculty Members

Please ensure that your beneficiary or executor knows to contact UBC Human Resources in the event of your accidental death. Human Resources will provide your beneficiary or executor with the necessary claim forms in the event of your death, or provide you with the forms in the event of an accidental loss of limb, sight or hearing. Human Resources will also assist with submitting the claim.

3. Retirement and Survivor Benefits Program

In the event of your own death, if you are the primary holder of the UBC benefits plan, your spouse and dependents may be eligible for benefits under UBC’s Retirement and Survivor Benefits Plan.

4. Faculty Pension Plan

Please refer to the UBC Faculty Pension Plan website for information on death benefits.

For Members of the Faculty Bargaining Unit only:

• Should a member of the faculty bargaining unit die during his or her term of appointment, his or her salary will be paid to his or her estate for one month from the date of death (“Some Regulations Governing Appointments Made by the Board of Governors”). The amount paid to the estate is not subject to CPP or EI but is subject to income tax (some exemptions may apply).
• Following the death of a Faculty Member in the faculty bargaining unit, extended health and dental benefits shall remain in effect for his or her dependents for a period of three months from the first of the month following his or her death. In addition, the Employee and Family Assistance Program shall continue as provided for in the Program (Collective Agreement).