Your first days at UBC

Welcome to UBC, one of the world's top universities and one of Canada's top employers. We're here to support you as you settle into your new role at UBC.

The essentials to get started

Below are some guidelines to help you get oriented to your new role and to the UBC community. Your manager or local administrator may offer a more customized plan that will be relevant to you, your role, and your work arrangement.

You can also use the New Hire's Onboarding Checklist to guide you throughout the process.

View New Hire's Onboarding Checklist (PDF)

Tour UBC's campuses

Experience what makes UBC unique and learn what’s available to you on our two stunning campuses – all without leaving your home. Explore the Vancouver campus and Okanagan campus by taking a virtual guided tour. 

Your UBC employee orientation course

There’s a lot to learn and discover as you settle into your new role at UBC. The New to UBC Orientation Course is a self-directed resource and learning space filled with informative and interactive content curated specifically to support new faculty and staff as you navigate the university community during your first couple of months and beyond. 

Through a series of course modules, you will: 

  • Learn about the resources, services and support available to you as you navigate your career journey at UBC, now and beyond your onboarding.
  • Develop a foundational understanding of how we are shaping the future of research, teaching and work, and how you can contribute to UBC's mission and priorities.
  • Learn about the unique opportunities to explore and get involved in our community, and why we are consistently recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers. 

Faculty and Staff Orientation events offered by the university will expand on the content in this course and provide additional networking and engagement opportunities with the UBC community.

New to UBC Vancouver Orientation Course      New to UBC Okanagan Orientation Course

Campus-wide orientation events for faculty and staff

Welcome to UBC Staff Orientation
The Welcome to UBC Orientation event is hosted throughout the year to welcome and support new staff as they begin their journey at UBC. Everyone at UBC is part of our vibrant community, working together to shape the future of research, learning, and work. This interactive session will combine speakers and activities for new staff to learn more about UBC and our priorities, ways to be engaged in the campus community, and the opportunities available here for you. You will also have the opportunity to connect with fellow new colleagues and hear tips and advice from seasoned staff from all across campus.

Benefits@UBC Webinars for Faculty and Staff
The Benefits@UBC webinar is hosted throughout the year by the UBC Vancouver Benefits team to help new faculty and staff to better understand the wide range of benefits available to you. Join us to learn which benefits you are eligible for and how to access them including Extended Health and Dental Care, Life Insurance, Employee and Family Assistance Program, and Tuition Waivers. You will also have the opportunity to ask any specific questions directly to the Benefits team.

Register for a Welcome Orientation or Benefits Webinar  

New Faculty Teaching Orientation
UBC’s New Faculty Teaching Orientation is hosted annually in August by the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology to welcome and support new instructors as they navigate their roles and responsibilities at the institution. The orientation provides an opportunity for new faculty to learn about the academic culture, policies, and practices of the institution, as well as the resources available to support their teaching, research, and service. This event also presents a valuable opportunity to connect with new colleagues and foster professional networks.

Register for the 2023 New Faculty Teaching Orientation  

New to UBC Connections Program
The New to UBC Connections Program is a self-directed, cohort-based program designed to support new faculty and staff with building new connections within the UBC community and creating shared experiences as they navigate their onboarding journey. Program participants are matched into small groups and determine how frequently to meet with group members and what types of activities to engage in. Participants also 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, and more. The pilot program for 2023-2024 is at full capacity and is no longer receiving applications. Please check back in mid-2024 for information on the next cohort intake. 

Questions? 

If you have questions or need help in your first days and weeks at UBC, questions around your onboarding experience, or resources available to you, contact the Orientations & Onboarding team at workplace.orientations@ubc.ca

Who to contact for specific issues:


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