Events

Understanding Your Staff Pension Plan workshops this spring

By Breeonne Baxter on January 9, 2020

The Pension Administration Office is hosting several spring sessions of the Understanding Your Staff Pension Plan workshop, an informative  session designed for both potential and current members of the UBC Staff Pension Plan. All ages are welcome to attend.  Below are a list of upcoming dates and times.

  • Jan. 16, 2020, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
  • Jan. 29, 2020, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
  • Feb. 13, 2020, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
  • Feb. 25, 2020, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
  • March 12, 2020, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
  • March 24, 2020, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Learn more and register at the SPP Workshops page: https://staff.pensions.ubc.ca/news/workshops/

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Participate in Data Privacy Week at UBC: Jan. 27-31, 2020

Participate in Data Privacy Week at UBC: Jan. 27-31, 2020

By Breeonne Baxter on January 9, 2020


International Data Privacy Day is Jan. 28, and is an international effort to empower individuals and institutions to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable trust.

To highlight the significance of data privacy at UBC, a week of programming has been developed to provide faculty and staff with more insight on recent work by the Office of University Counsel, Safety and Risk Services, and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) covering the impact technology is having on our privacy rights while underlining the importance of valuing and protecting personal information at UBC.

Events are free to attend, and will occur at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan over the week of Jan. 27-31. RSVP is required by Jan. 24 due to limited seating. Visit https://privacymatters.ubc.ca/dpw2020 for the full line-up of events.

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Move UBC! partner registration now open

Move UBC! partner registration now open

By Breeonne Baxter on January 9, 2020

Move UBC! Partner registration is officially open. Organizations and individuals can register to be a promotional partner, event partner, or both. Move UBC calendar events can be pre-existing events and programs or brand new initiatives for the campaign.

Move UBC grants of up to $300 are also available. Applications for grants are due Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Register at move.ubc.ca.

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Upcoming workplace wellbeing workshops

By Breeonne Baxter on January 9, 2020

Our Workplace Wellbeing team is hosting three upcoming workshops:

Jan. 20: QPR Suicide Intervention Training is an internationally recognized suicide intervention program designed to help you question, persuade, and refer.

Jan. 22 & 29: Mental Health First Aid training is to improve mental health literacy. This workshop provides participants with the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.

Jan. 28-29: Search Inside Yourself is a training that uses emotional intelligence and mindfulness to optimize performance, build leadership skills and increase wellbeing. This two-day workshop has a cost of $50, which is eligible for PD funding.

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Coaching internship applications open; information session: Nov. 18

By Breeonne Baxter on November 14, 2019

Coaching@UBC is accepting applications for the 2020-21 Coaching Internship Program.  Successful applicants will receive funding towards the completion of an ICF Accredited Coach Training Program. Funding for this round of Coach Intern recipients is for the fiscal year April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021.

Information session: Nov. 18

Learn about the program and what it mean to become a coach through the Coaching Internship Program at the noon-hour information session on Nov. 18, 2019. Register online.

Please visit the Coaching Internship Program for full details and application documents.  The application deadline is Feb. 2, 2020.

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Mental Health First Aid training: Nov. 21 & 28

By Breeonne Baxter on November 14, 2019

Mental Health First Aid training aims to improve mental health literacy. This workshop provides participants with the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.

By the end of the training, participants will recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, be able to provide initial support to a person who may be developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis, and be prepared to guide a person towards appropriate professional help.

Course information

Mental Health First Aid Training
Date: Nov. 21 & 28, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (both days)
Location: Rm 1505 – Life Building, 6138 Student Union Boulevard
Register online

Please note that you must attend the full training in order to receive the course completion certificate.

Mental Health First Aid Training is an evidence-based internationally recognized program through the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

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Wellbeing workshop: Relaxation techniques to help you thrive: Dec. 3

By Breeonne Baxter on November 14, 2019

On Dec. 3, we are hosting a free noon-hour session on relaxation techniques to help you thrive.

About this workshop

Our minds and bodies need rest and recovery breaks to allow us to relax and reduce the effects of stress. While everyone has days that are hectic and unfocused, consistently feeling stressed out, rushed, or on-the-go can have a detrimental impact on a person, increasing their risk of experiencing a serious physical concern. This workshop will show participants how to make time to calm down and reduce stress, using both proactive and reactive relaxation techniques.

Course information

Relaxation techniques to help you thrive
Date: Dec. 3, 2019
Time: 12:00  – 1:00 p.m.
Location: TBA
Register online

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Remembrance Day: Nov. 11

By Breeonne Baxter on October 31, 2019

The 2019 Remembrance Day statutory holiday is Monday, Nov. 11. See all UBC statutory holidays.

This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at UBC Vancouver on Nov. 11.

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Staff Hot Lunch with Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot, Senior Advisor to the President on Indigenous Affairs: Nov. 27

By Breeonne Baxter on October 31, 2019

You are invited to attend Hot Lunch on Nov. 27 to meet and network with your colleagues across UBC, and to hear from Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot, Senior Advisor to the President on Indigenous Affairs; Associate Professor, First Nations & Indigenous Studies and Political Science. Tickets are $10. Please purchase your tickets by Nov. 25.

Hot Lunch is a cross-campus staff networking initiative hosted by St. John’s College and supported by Human Resources.

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10 years of Thrive and promoting mental health at UBC

10 years of Thrive and promoting mental health at UBC

By Marlene Dong on October 17, 2019

Supporting the mental health of faculty, staff and students has long been an important priority for UBC and Mental Health and Resilience was identified as one of the six priority areas for action in the Wellbeing Strategic Framework. Thrive is just one of the many mental health initiatives at UBC that support the health and wellbeing of community members.

Now in its 10th year, Thrive aims to help everyone at UBC explore their path to mental health. Throughout November, there will be a month-long series of events to help faculty, staff and students enhance their mental health literacy and boost their mental health.

As a manager/administrator, here are some ways you can champion mental health and wellbeing in your department in November and all year long:

Thrive (Nov. 1-30):

  • Use the Thrive 5 to build mental health in the workplace
  • Attend a Thrive event, including the free spin class, kick-off event at the Student Recreation Centre on Nov. 1. Saje Wellness will also be hosting wellness activities for those who prefer not to spin.
  • Access mental health resources

Not Myself Today (Nov. 1-30):

Many departments and units across the university will be taking part in Not Myself Today, a national workplace mental health initiative that helps to build greater awareness, reduce stigma and foster safe and supportive cultures. Learn more about the UBC-wide mental health resources available to help support your workplace conversations and initiatives and to promote wellbeing among colleagues and teams.

30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge (Nov. 1-30):

Encourage your workplace and colleagues to register for the next Mindfulness Challenge. The program is free and open to all UBC staff, faculty and postdoctoral fellows in Vancouver and the Okanagan. It is a great team-building activity and a simple way to introduce mindfulness as a way to help reduce stress, gain perspective and increase resilience at work and in life. Visit the 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge page to learn more and to download a printable poster for your department.

Thank you for supporting UBC’s efforts to help everyone thrive.

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PD workshop: CliftonStrengths® Discovery: Your Unique Strengths and Strategies for Your Success: Oct. 23

By Breeonne Baxter on October 3, 2019

We are hosting CliftonStrengths® Discovery: Your Unique Strengths and Strategies for Your Success, a one-day workshop designed for individuals who wish to identify what they do best and how to maximize their potential by using CliftonStrengths.

In this workshop, you will learn:

  • Discover how to make a difference by doing more of what you naturally do best
  • Acquire tools and insights that will help you apply your strengths to achieve greater productivity, engagement and happiness
  • Understand how all of your CliftonStrengths themes, separately or together, influence your work and personal life
  • Develop strategies to help you use your strongest CliftonStrengths to accomplish specific targets, goals and aspirations
  • Think about how you can combine your talents with others to achieve greater success

Course information

Date: Oct. 23, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610 [map]
Cost: $375
Register online

If you are interested in this course, you may be able to use your professional development funding. Please visit the page for your employee group to learn more.

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Earthquake preparedness: Get ready to ShakeOut: Oct. 17, 10:17 a.m.

Earthquake preparedness: Get ready to ShakeOut: Oct. 17, 10:17 a.m.

By Breeonne Baxter on October 3, 2019

This October, practice the Great BC ShakeOut, an annual province-wide earthquake drill on Oct. 17 at 10:17 a.m. Emergency management experts and other official preparedness organizations agree that “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is the appropriate action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes.  It is a one-minute commitment for something that can save your life.

  • DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
  • HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

Earthquake Preparedness at UBC

Want to learn more about earthquake preparedness at UBC? Visit the Safety & Risk Services page at https://srs.ubc.ca/emergency/emergency-procedures/earthquake/.

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Volunteer at Fall Graduation

By Breeonne Baxter on October 3, 2019

UBC is seeking volunteers at the upcoming fall graduation ceremonies, Nov. 27-29, 2019. This is an opportunity to get involved in this special occasion honouring students’ achievements, and to make it a memorable day for students, their family and their friends. Learn more and sign up at https://graduation.ubc.ca/volunteer/.

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Spotlight on Coaching at UBC

By Breeonne Baxter on September 19, 2019

Coaching is a development opportunity to focus and move forward on your personal, professional or organizational goals through the exploration of ideas and candid dialogue with a confidential and unbiased thinking partner. UBC Coaching offers several ways for faculty and staff to engage with coaching, on an individual as well as a leadership basis.

One-on-one coaching

We have several coaches available to UBC staff and faculty. Both internal and external coaches offer coaching services at no cost for up to six sessions, for staff and faculty who register through the UBC Coaching portal. Visit coaching.hr.ubc.ca/app/coaching/ to login to our coaching portal with your CWL.

Coaching information session: Oct. 9

Would you like to learn more about coaching? We have a one-hour information session on Oct. 9, to provide interested staff and faculty with an overview on what coaching is, and how it can help you with your personal or professional development at UBC.

Course information:

Coaching For Personal and Professional Development
Date: Oct. 9, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610 [map]
Cost: Free
Register online

Foundations of Workplace Coaching Skills: Oct. 30

If you are interested in learning how to bring coaching to your work style, we invite you to join us for a one-day workshop, to gain a better understanding of coaching and put coaching skills into practice.

Learning outcomes:

  • Understand what a coach approach means, the key principles and what is a coaching mindset
  • Understand how coaching skills complement and strengthen your wider communication skills
  • Be able to distinguish between coaching and mentoring/counselling/consulting/advising
  • Understand the structure of a coaching conversation
  • Be able to engage in fundamental coaching skills
  • Be able to identify where, when and how you can use coaching in your work at UBC
  • Be able to discern coachable moments and identify when coaching is not the best form of communication

Course information:

Foundations of Workplace Coaching Skills
Date: Oct. 30, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610 [map]
Cost: $350
Register online

If you are interested in this workshop, you may be able to use your professional development funding. Please visit the page for your employee group to learn more.

Want to be a coach?

Our Coaching program will be accepting applications for the 2019-2020 Coaching Internship Program this fall. Successful candidates will receive funding towards the completion of an ICF Accredited Coach Training Program at an institution of their choice. If you are interested in learning more about this program, we encourage you to join us for our information session in November.

Course information:

Coaching Internship Program – Information Session
Date: Nov. 18, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610 [map]
Cost: Free
Register online

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Conflict Theatre fall performance: Oct. 8

By Breeonne Baxter on September 19, 2019

Conflict Theatre uses the situation and tools of the theatre to explore and constructively engage with workplace conflict. The fall performance, on Oct. 8, will present a play based on real-world, workplace conflict. After the play, there will be facilitated discussion and resource sharing for further support.

Event details

Date: Oct. 8, 2019, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Location: Room 260, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, 1961 East Mall [map]
RSVP: conflicttheatrefall2019.eventbrite.ca

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Orange Shirt Day: Sept. 30

Orange Shirt Day: Sept. 30

By Breeonne Baxter on September 19, 2019

Sept. 30 is an annual day to recognize and raise awareness about the residential school system in Canada, join together in the spirit of reconciliation, and honour the experiences of Indigenous Peoples. Between the late 1800s and 1996, more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children attended Indian residential schools – Orange Shirt Day commemorates this legacy. Show your support of Orange Shirt Day by talking about the day, learning about its origins and residential schools, and honour Survivors by wearing orange on Sept. 30.

Learn more at irshdc.ubc.ca/orangeshirtday.

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The Working Mind for Managers: Oct. 8, 2019

By Breeonne Baxter on September 5, 2019

We are hosting a Working Mind for Managers session on Oct. 8, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. All  supervisors/managers/members of the distributed HR community of practice in Vancouver are invited to attend.

The Working Mind is a Mental Health Commission of Canada, evidence-based, workplace training program aimed at increasing mental health literacy for supervisors/managers.

Course information

Date: Oct. 8, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), Policy Room A&B
Cost: Free
Register online

At this training, you will learn:

  • the basic concepts, risk factors and causes of mental illness and mental disorders
  • the confidence, tools and resources to manage and support employees who may be experiencing mental health problems or illness
  • about the Mental Health Continuum Model, how to observe changes in employees along the continuum, and how to take appropriate action
  • about workplace accommodations and return to work services
  • how to communicate with employees about mental health illness in a workplace context
  • how to your mental health literacy to help recognize, manage and prevent mental health challenges in the workplace

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QPR Suicide Prevention Training: Oct. 15, 2019

By Breeonne Baxter on September 5, 2019

QPR Suicide Intervention Training is an internationally recognized suicide intervention program designed to help you question, persuade, and refer. UBC offers free QPR training for students, staff, and faculty to help them recognize suicide warning signs, approach someone who may be at risk, persuade the person to seek appropriate health services, and connect the person to resources that will help resolve crises. QPR acts as an emergency mental health intervention designed to save lives much like CPR or other methods of emergency medical intervention.

Course information

Date: Oct. 15, 2019, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610
Cost: Free
Register online

At this training, you will learn:

  • how to get help for yourself
  • common causes and warning signs of suicidal behaviour
  • tools and skills on how to intervene
  • how to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone at risk
  • how to get help for someone in crisis
  • familiarity with referral resources both on and off campus

For more information on QPR Suicide Intervention Training, please visit http://thrive.ubc.ca/prevent-suicide/qpr/.

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Understanding Your Staff Pension Plan: September sessions

By Breeonne Baxter on August 22, 2019

The Pensions Administration Office is hosting two upcoming September Understanding Your Staff Pension Plan sessions for members of the UBC Staff Pension Plan. If you are interested in attending, please register soon as these sessions fill up quickly.

These workshops help attendees learn about the plan, about pensions in general, and related retirement considerations.

  • Tuesday, Sept. 17, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 26: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Visit https://staff.pensions.ubc.ca/news/workshops/ to register.

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Wellbeing workshops: Fall stress & resilience series

By Breeonne Baxter on August 22, 2019

Join HR’s Health Promotions team and Dr. Thara Vayali in a three-part Stress & Resilience wellbeing series this fall, to explore the stress response, recognize your stress levels, build resilience, and discover the connection between empathy and stress.

These free workshops will be held 12:00-1:00 p.m., in Neville Scarfe (2125 Main Mall). Register for free in the HR events catalog.

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