The COVID-19 outbreak has changed a lot of things in many of our lives, and we know many of you are curious how it will change your student experience at UBC. We’ve heard your concerns, which is why we wanted to share our five core commitments to students this year.
Even if you’ve never heard of us, the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Students (AVPS) has a big part to play in shaping your student experience at UBC. We do this through programs, services, and engagement opportunities which are all designed to support you in a successful transition into university, through your academic program, and on to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
This has been a year like no other, and there’s no question UBC is going to look a little different this year compared with most. Some of you will face new challenges, many of you will discover new opportunities — but rest assured that in the face of so much change and uncertainty, one thing still holds very true: we’re here for you.
As the office of the AVPS, we are committed to the following:
Student-centred service
What this means
- Students will always be our first consideration and top priority
How we’re doing it
- Enhancing and expanding opportunities for peer-to-peer support from other students in your program who can relate to your specific needs and concerns
- Providing additional connection points for new students in the form of a bigger, better peer mentor program
- Ensuring safe access to study spaces on campus for local students
Equitable access
What this means
- Our full range of supports are available to all students, near and far
How we’re doing it
- Extending service hours with flexible appointment times to accommodate a variety of time zones
- Services are offered virtually wherever possible to support students in all locations
- Adding flexible options that can be accessed anytime, such as discussion boards and pre-recorded workshops and tutoring sessions
Enhanced support for online learning
What this means
- We’re responding to your evolving needs
How we’re doing it
- Introducing new online learning coaches to provide discipline-specific support in the virtual environment
- Providing technical support with learning technologies, remote access to on-campus workstations, discounts for purchasing technology, and new tools for digital collaboration
- Introducing a comprehensive guide to online learning at UBC: ubc.ca
Providing high-value service
What this means
- You’ve signed up for a UBC-quality experience, and that’s what we’re going to deliver
How we’re doing it
- Continuing to offer all our regular supports and services while adding additional remote access options
- Investing in new technologies and programs to offer more robust support in the online environment
- Extending service hours to provide flexibility for your schedule and time zone
- Ofering virtual events, workshops, and fitness classes at no cost to promote student development and well-being
Listening and responding to your needs
What this means
- We are listening to you; we want to know what’s working and where we can do better
How we’re doing it
- Making note of your feedback at every point of connection, whether it’s with an academic advisor, peer mentor, or on social media
- Using student survey data to help us make decisions around programming updates or additions
- Hosting regular listening sessions where the AVP, Students, Dale Mullings, can hear student concerns and suggestions directly from you
Look to see these five commitments in action all year and let us know where we’ve been successful and if you see opportunities where we can do better to support you.
As UBC Okanagan students, you are resilient. You are exceptional. You’ve got this.
If you are struggling with feelings of isolation, remember that we are all in this together — students, staff, and faculty alike. Take care of yourself, take care of each other, and remember UBC’s motto, tuum est. It is yours.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.