Register for the New to UBC Connections Program 2024 Summer cohort

What is the New to UBC Connections Program?  

The New to UBC Connections Program is a self-directed, cohort-based program for new faculty and staff who are within their first year of employment at UBC. The 2024 Summer cohort will run from June to November 2024.  

Based on your responses to an intake survey form, you will be matched into groups of 3-4 people. This is a great way to get connected to people outside of your team or department who are interested in exploring similar activities and events at UBC.   

Program participants will have access to the New to UBC Connections Canvas course, which provides suggestions for activities and events to participate in as a group based on areas of interest, such as arts and culture; nature and wellbeing; recreation and health, etc.  

Throughout the six months, group members will have the flexibility to decide how often to meet (typically once every 4-8 weeks) and the type of activities you engage in. 

The program will launch and conclude with networking events for all participants.  

Who is this program for?   

This program is open to the following faculty and staff:  

• who are within their first year of being hired at UBC 
• must be in roles with a term length of at least six months in order to participate in the full duration of the program   
• their primary work location is associated with the Vancouver campus or other learning sites associated with the Vancouver campus; cohorts will be matched based on location.  

What are the program expectations? 

This program is self-directed, but we do expect participants to engage meaningfully with their group throughout the cohort by: 

• Attending the June launch and November conclusion events 
• Setting aside approximately 2 hours per month to connect with your group (virtually or in person) 

What will you get out of this program?  

After engaging with the program, you will:  

• Build connections and community with new faculty and staff across campus 
• Expand your network at UBC to foster potential collaborations at work 
• Experience UBC's culture, events, activities and places of interest 
• Recognize the value of the diverse skills, experiences and perspectives of UBC’s community  

What are the key dates?   

The 2024 Summer cohort will take place between June and November 2024.  

• April 30 - May 17, 2024— program intake form open for UBC Vancouver faculty and staff. The cohort has limited spots available and enrollment may close earlier if capacity is reached.  
• June 14, 2024 — cohort groups announced on or before this date 
• June 19, 2024 – Combined 2024 Summer Cohort Launch & Pilot Cohort Closing event  
• June – November 2024 — groups are expected to meet a minimum of three times (once every 6-8 weeks); groups have flexibility in when, where, and how often to meet. We recommend you set aside 2 hours per month to achieve this.  
• November 2024 — program concludes with cohort networking event (date TBA)