HR News

HR memo: UBC Staff Pension Plan – Enrolment changes effective April 1, 2020: Oct. 9, 2019

By Breeonne Baxter on October 17, 2019

HR has issued a memo regarding the upcoming changes to enrolment in the Staff Pension Plan, effective April 1, 2020.

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Accommodation of religious observances

By Breeonne Baxter on October 3, 2019

Human Resources has information available on our website on the accommodation of religious observances in the workplace. Please visit hr.ubc.ca/administrators/managing-staff/accommodation-of-religious-observances/ to read more.

Background: On Sept. 24, 2019, the Board of Governors approved the repeal of Policy #65 (Religious Holidays). Former Policy #65 overlapped with Policy SC7 (Discrimination) (formerly numbered Policy #3) which sets out UBC’s commitment to maintain and respect human rights and prevent discrimination on all of the grounds prohibited by the Human Rights Code, including religion, and is also addressed in collective agreements, through the Senate Policy on Academic Concessions in both the UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan Academic Calendars, and information available on the website of the Equity & Inclusion Office. The repeal of Policy #65 removes the redundancy and furthers UBC’s goal of enhancing the consistency and cogency of the university’s governance. The information package that was provided to the Board of Governors is available here.

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Update on Non-Union TRA PD fund

By Breeonne Baxter on October 3, 2019

The 2019/20 Professional Development Fund for Non-Union Technicians & Research Assistants (TRA) has limited funding remaining and is expected to run out in the next week. When the funding pool balance reaches zero, all staff individual balances will expire and no further PD expense claims will be accepted for the current fund year.

On Oct. 1, a message was sent to all Non-Union Technicians and Research Assistants by Human Resources to inform them of the remaining availability.

If you receive any questions about this matter from staff in your unit, please direct them to the TRA PD webpage or contact our PD Funds team at pd.funds@ubc.ca.

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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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UBC Orientations website

UBC Orientations website

By Breeonne Baxter on September 5, 2019

It’s a new academic year, and many new staff and faculty have joined the university across our many sites and campuses. We invite you to share our Orientations portal with your new staff and faculty as part of helping them get set up for success.

Check out the site at https://www.hr.ubc.ca/orientation/. If you have any questions about staff orientation at UBC, please contact us at workplace.orientations@ubc.ca.

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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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Search for the new Vice President, Human Resources

Search for the new Vice President, Human Resources

By Breeonne Baxter on June 27, 2019

The search has been launched for the new Vice President, Human Resources.

UBC’s Vice President, Human Resources, reports to the President and oversees a human resources portfolio that includes equity and inclusion; human resources advisory partnerships; central operational services; total compensation; health & wellbeing; strategic workplace initiatives; learning & engagement; strategic faculty relations; housing and relocation services; and human resources management systems.

You can view the posting at executive search firm Caldwell Partner’s website, job ID 190525.

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Reminder: UBC Staff Pension Fair: June 20

Reminder: UBC Staff Pension Fair: June 20

By Breeonne Baxter on June 13, 2019

The Staff Pension Plan (SPP) Pension Fair will take place on Thursday, June 20,  11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre. This event is a great opportunity for members to learn more about the SPP and gain some pension knowledge. Similar to past years, we will have information tables hosted by UBC Retirement and Survivor Benefits, UBC Investment Management Trust, UBC Employee and Family Assistance Program, and more.

Registration is not required and you are encouraged to drop in at any time that is convenient for you. For more information, please visit https://staff.pensions.ubc.ca/pensionfair/

The Pension Board, management and staff look forward to meeting you and answering your questions.

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Call for input on search for new Vice-President, Human Resources

By Breeonne Baxter on May 30, 2019

This week, UBC launched the search for a new Vice-President, Human Resources. The announcement included a call for input from faculty, staff, students and alumni on the following questions:

  • What do you see as some of the key opportunities and challenges ahead of the Human Resources portfolio in the coming years?
  • What experience and personal qualities would you want an ideal candidate to bring to this role?
  • Any other comments that might be useful to the committee?
  • Any suggestions of potential candidates for this role?

You are invited to submit comments by June 7, 2019, to the search firm Caldwell at drailton@caldwellpartners.com or acotterall@caldwellpartners.com. All responses will be kept confidential.

Read the full announcement at https://faculty-staff.ubc.ca/2019/05/29/search-for-a-new-vice-president-human-resources/.

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2019 merit-based salary increases for AAPS, Executive Administrative, Farmworkers, and Non-Union Technicians & Research Assistants

By Breeonne Baxter on May 30, 2019

Compensation has distributed departmental spreadsheets to administrators who have staff eligible for this year’s merit-based salary increases in the following employment groups: AAPS, Executive Administrative, Farmworkers, and Non-union Technicians & Research Assistants. To be eligible, staff members must have passed their probationary period and be at or above the midpoint of their salary range as of June 30, 2018.

Please visit the merit web page for information on the following:

  • Instructions for completing your department spreadsheet
  • Step-by-step instructions for implementing merit
  • Merit FAQs

Inquiries about your spreadsheet can be directed to Sabrina Basra (604-827-2464 or sabrina.basra@ubc.ca).

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June 20: UBC Staff Pension Fair

By Breeonne Baxter on May 16, 2019

The Staff Pension Plan (SPP) Pension Fair will take place on Thursday, June 20,  11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre. This event is a great opportunity for members to learn more about the SPP and gain some pension knowledge. Similar to past years, we will have information tables hosted by UBC Retirement and Survivor Benefits, UBC Investment Management Trust, UBC Employee and Family Assistance Program, and more.

Registration is not required and you are encouraged to drop in at any time that is convenient for you. For more information, please visit https://staff.pensions.ubc.ca/pensionfair/

The Pension Board, management and staff look forward to meeting you and answering your questions.

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Reminder: HR Network News: User feedback survey

By Breeonne Baxter on May 16, 2019

HR Network News is produced by the Department of Human Resources for the purpose of delivering timely, relevant information to the Human Resources community of practice at UBC’s Vancouver campus.

It has been a while since we made any changes to the content/format of the newsletter, and we want to take this opportunity to ask for your feedback and if you have any suggestions for how we can improve communications on HR matters to you and your teams. The survey will be open until the end of day Friday, May 17.

You can access the survey at https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5jQa70WGlegC7m5.

If you have any questions or other comments on this matter, please feel free to email us at communications@hr.ubc.ca.

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Coaching@UBC: New coaches and coach interns

By Breeonne Baxter on May 16, 2019

Coaching@UBC has added a number of new coaches to their roster:

Internal Coaches 

  • Mina Phaisaltantiwongs – (2018 Coach Intern)
  • Shannon Remillong  (2018 Coach Intern)

External Coaches 

  • Rebekah Bansback
  • Jennifer Dowdeswell
  • Andrea Fruhling
  • Elizabeth Froese
  • Tomomi Iwashina – Tomomi is able to provide coaching in Japanese and English.
  • Carol Poon – Carol is able to provide coaching in Mandarin and English

Visit http://www.hr.ubc.ca/coaching/get-a-coach/community-of-coaches/ to learn more about all of UBC’s available coaches, and to sign up for coaching services at UBC.

The recipients of the 2019-2020 Coach Internship program are:

  • Dr. Lisa Loutzenheiser – Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP)
  • Allison Mander-Wionzek – Student Development & Services/Centre for Student Involvement and Careers
  • Catalina Policzer – Human Resources
  • Patrice Steinmann – UBC IT

Also congratulations to the following Coach Internship recipients who have recently become certified Coaches. You will be able to find them on our list of Internal Coaches in the very near future.

  • Deborah Chen – Centre for Teaching, Learning & Technology
  • Lily Gu – UBC Extended Learning
  • Sukhbir Kaur – Psychology

Thank you to everyone who had expressed interest in our Coach Internship Award. We will open applications for the next round of the Coaching Internship Awards in October. To learn more about the program, visit http://www.hr.ubc.ca/coaching/become-a-coach/coaching-internship/.

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PD workshop: Coaching for Personal and Professional Development: June 6

By Breeonne Baxter on May 16, 2019

Join us for an hour-long session on June 6 to learn about Coaching@UBC’s free professional coaching services for staff and faculty.

In this information session, you will learn:

  • What is Coaching?
  • How does Coaching work?
  • Why choose Coaching for personal or professional development?
  • How do I access Coaching at UBC?

Course information

Coaching For Personal and Professional Development
June 6, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610  [map]
Register online

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Staff Pension Plan: Opt out of a paper annual statement by May 3

Staff Pension Plan: Opt out of a paper annual statement by May 3

By Chelsey Maher on May 2, 2019

The 2018 annual statements for members of the UBC Staff Pension Plan will soon be available online through myPension; however, the UBC Staff Pension Plan is required to send you a paper copy of your annual statement unless you opt out of receiving paper. If you are interested in switching to online-only statements, visit the Staff Pension Plan website by the end of day tomorrow, May 3. Learn more.

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Faculty Pension Plan Forum: May 15

Faculty Pension Plan Forum: May 15

By Chelsey Maher on May 2, 2019

On Wednesday, May 15, the UBC Faculty Pension Plan (FPP) will host its Pension Forum at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre. This annual event is a great opportunity for members to hear the latest news about their pension plan and to meet the UBC FPP trustees, management and staff. There will be a presentation on the Plan’s 2018 investment performance and a review of the 2018/19 initiatives.

We will also offer a live webcast of the presentation for members who are unable to attend the event in person.

Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (doors open at 10 a.m.)
Location: Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre (Jack Poole Hall, second floor), Vancouver Campus [map]
Visit the following link for event details and registration: faculty.pensions.ubc.ca/pensionforum

Members who wish to attend in person are required to register by May 3. No registration is required for the webcast.

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Faculty Pension Plan 2018 annual report

By Chelsey Maher on May 2, 2019

The UBC Faculty Pension Plan’s annual report is now available online. The report includes plan highlights, membership and financial statistics, fund and investment managers’ rates of return, and an investment commentary. The Plan’s audited Financial statements as at Dec. 31, 2018, are also available online. Read the report.

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Understanding Your Travel Benefits Information Session: May 7, 12-1pm

Understanding Your Travel Benefits Information Session: May 7, 12-1pm

By Breeonne Baxter on May 2, 2019

UBC staff and faculty who are enrolled in the UBC extended health benefits plan are invited to attend this free, upcoming information session to understand your travel benefits. This session is an great opportunity to hear about such topics as:

  • Should I purchase additional travel insurance?
  • What is my UBC coverage while travelling?
  • What is the maximum amount I can claim?
  • Am I covered by other plans?
  • What if I am pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition?
  • What are the exclusions and limitations?

Date: May 7, 2019
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Vancouver: Centre for Brain Health, Room 101 (lower level), 2215 Wesbrook Mall. Register now.

Okanagan: Reichwald Health Sciences Centre (RHS), Room 257, 1088 Discovery Ave (via videoconference). Register now.

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Understanding Your Staff Pension Plan: new sessions this spring

By Breeonne Baxter on April 4, 2019

We have several upcoming 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, April 9, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 16, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 14, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
  • Tuesday, May 28, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 6, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, June 25, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

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

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Two free Health & Wellbeing workshops next week

By Breeonne Baxter on March 21, 2019

We have two health & wellbeing workshops coming up next week for UBC staff and faculty:

Welcoming Change into Your Life: March 27, 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Change is a natural part of life. While some changes can affect the very structure of your life, other changes can have subtle impacts on your day-to-day activities. Sometimes you may be aware that a change is imminent but are uncertain about what it will involve and how it will affect your life. Situations like these can create ambiguity, worry, or a sense of loss and sadness.

This session will address the emotional reactions that participants may experience when confronted with change, taking into account their personality and strength, and provide coping skills to enable them to manage change more effectively.

Effective Communication at Work: March 28, 9:15-10:15 a.m.

Note that this session will take place at VGH/DHCC.

In order to communicate effectively, individuals have to master the techniques of effective listening and self-expression. These skills involve verbal and non-verbal behaviours as well as the ability to speak with persuasion and confidence.

This session will look at both of these essential sides of the communication equation. It will address key communication elements such as active listening and show participants how to present messages in a way that is more compatible with the receiver’s style.

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