New UBC Ambassadors website launched
Conferences and Accommodation and SHCS Marcom are thrilled to announce the launch of the refreshed UBC Ambassadors website. The new design brings a fresh, contemporary look, feel and structure to the site, which now also features profiles of more than 40 distinguished ambassadors from across UBC’s faculties—celebrating these academic leaders who bring world-class conferences and events to our campus. Visit the site today to check out the new design and learn more about the unique UBC Ambassadors program.
Celebrating Lunar New Year at UBC Bookstore
This year, UBC Bookstore is celebrating the Year of the Horse with a unique red envelope campaign. Customers shopping in-store from February 4 to 14 will receive a red envelope at checkout, containing a discount card with savings of 10%, 20% or even 40% off—to be used on a future purchase between February 9 and 28.
This year also marks a first for the UBC Bookstore, with the launch of its first Lunar New Year merchandise item: the Year of the Horse Hoodie, a limited-edition design in a vibrant red, featuring beautiful gold and navy embroidery. Available for $68.88, the hoodie was available for sale in-store only, and it sold out within three hours on February 6, the day it was released.
Congratulations to our 2026 PACURH RBC award recipients!
In February 2026, we sent several delegates to the Pacific Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (PACURH) 2026 Regional Business Conference (RBC), hosted by Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington.
As a testament to the quality of leadership and depth of engagement of our student and staff leaders, we took home a tremendous nine awards at this conference that represents the entire PACURH region (BC, Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii).
Student recipients
- NRHH President of the Year: Alina Wang
- RA of the Year: Maya Taylor
- Student of the Year: Maya Casey-Yang
- First Year Experience: Sarah Masse
Staff recipients
- Kenrick Ali Advisor of the Year: Gillian Wallis, Manager, Residence Transition and Community Engagement
- NRHH Advisor of the Year: Sajia Ebrahimi, Manager, Residence Education
- Alumni and Friends Service award: Rohit Elias
Plus, thanks to our collective leadership, UBC was awarded NRHH Block Chapter of the Year and the Commitment to Empowerment award.
Additionally, we were selected to host the next PACURH RBC in early 2027!
It’s Footwear February!
Announcing the first Footwear February in SHCS, a friendly reminder to check your shoes and make sure they’re appropriate for your work environment. Proper footwear helps prevent slips, trips and falls, which are some of the top causes of employee injuries.
How to participate
- Check the soles of your work shoes to see if they’re still in good condition.
- If the tread is wearing out, make a plan to get some new shoes.
- Review your collective agreement to see if you’re eligible for a footwear allowance.
- Check out our Shoes for Crews program for great discounts on shoes from the leading North American supplier of slip-resistant footwear.
- Enter to win one of three free pairs of Shoes for Crews!
Don’t forget to check the tread on any shoes you wear outside of work and for commuting. Slips, trips and falls can happen anytime, anywhere!
Update: Lower Mall Precinct Project
As many of you know, work has now begun around the Lower Mall Precinct project site, with the construction of South Street, between Marine Drive Building 2 and St. John’s College, and underground infrastructure work on Lower Mall.
This milestone is an exciting one for this significant project, and everyone’s patience and understanding about the work required to advance the project is greatly appreciated—especially when it comes to traffic disruptions on Lower Mall and University Boulevard.
Learn more about the project, construction details and timeline and road closures in the Lower Mall Precinct between now and November 2026.
Child Care Vancouver hosts delegates from BCACCS annual conference
On February 14, 2026, UBC Child Care Vancouver is hosting 50 delegates from the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society’s (BCACCS) annual conference. In addition to leading delegates on a tour of our child care settings, UBC Child Care staff are presenting on their work and pedagogical commitments.
New mural at Feast dining hall celebrates local food partnerships
This fall, SHCS Marketing and Communications partnered with the Food Services leadership team to create a unique, food-focused mural in the entry stairwell at Feast, the dining hall at Totem Park. The mural celebrates the great partnerships Food Services has fostered with local farmers, ranchers, fishers and suppliers—all resulting in nutritious food for our campus that also support sustainable food systems—and features information about several local businesses that feed our All Access Dining students. Swing by Feast for lunch to check out the mural and learn more.
UBCO Child Care: story time at UBCO Library
January began on a delightful note with the launch of story time sessions at the UBC Okanagan Library for children in UBC Okanagan Child Care. These sessions will take place monthly until June—and will hopefully continue after that!
“Our children brought smiles and a touch of joy to the library, brightening the day for students and staff alike,” says Kamini Kishore, Program Manager, UBCO Child Care Services. “We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership and making many more story-filled visits, sparking the children’s curiosity and inspiring their love for books, in the months ahead.”
Successful model for diverting food scraps waste in Year Round residence
After a year and a half of researching and implementing different strategies to improve waste sorting at Marine Drive, the project team, led by UBC PhD student and SHCS staff member Lucy Binfield, have determined the most effective and achievable model to increase the amount of food waste diverted from the landfill and reduce contamination of other waste streams.
Last winter, the team trialed a food scraps pickup program where staff picked up food scraps inside units. While this system was highly effective, it was less feasible for long-term implementation. So this fall, the team launched a new phase of the program, this time asking residents to place compost pails outside their units on a rotating schedule.
While in-unit pickups ultimately produced the strongest diversion rate, this updated approach addressed student discomfort with staff entering units regularly (even with advance notice), significantly reduced labour costs and still resulted in a significant diversion rate over students disposing of food scraps in central waste sorting areas.
Based on this success, the new system will continue at Marine Drive and, over the summer, will be expanded to another Year Round residence area.
Additionally, the team has started introduced two new donation bins into residence waste sorting areas, a donation bin, for clothing and other goods and pizza box bins, which they have found to fully eliminate contamination in the paper stream (down from 18%). They are also working with a local non-profit who collects refundable beverage containers from residence in support of unhoused Downtown Eastside residents.
SHCS Marketing Communications: 2025 year in review
In 2025, the SHCS Marketing and Communications teams partnered with colleagues across SHCS on projects that kept staff informed, drove revenue growth, supported digital innovation and more. Check out the 2025 Year in Review for the highlights of a year of strategic storytelling.
Yoga with lululemon at UBC Bookstore
On Tuesday, February 3, the UBC Bookstore hosted its second lunch hour yoga session with lululemon, bringing 25 students together for a restorative midday pause, inviting them to step away from their studies, recharge and reconnect in a welcoming campus space.
This free, instructor-led class, held on the Bookstore’s mezzanine level, was hosted by lululemon and led by local instructor Malina Dawn. With this second class, the Bookstore has now welcomed over 50 students for lunch hour yoga, creating space for movement, mindfulness and connection on campus. We hope to offer more of these popular sessions in the near future!
Acadia Park Highrise sprinkler system replacement: summer 2026
From May to August 2026, we are performing a sprinkler system replacement throughout the entire Acadia Park Highrise, a 14-storey building with 104 units.
The sprinkler system in the Acadia Park Highrise (built in 1967) is fully functional but is reaching the end of its serviceable life. The building remains safe for every resident, and this project is a proactive and required step to ensure the continued safety of residents and modernize the system.
Thank you to everyone involved in setting this project up for success and a smooth relocation process for those residents who either need to move elsewhere at Acadia Park or within the building for work to take place.
Congratulations to Selina Bancroft!
Please join us in congratulating Selina Bancroft, Financial Manager, Food Services. Selina and her husband welcomed baby Tanner, who was born on December 18, 2025, weighing 3.6 kg. Both baby and mom are doing well!
View more baby announcements!
Update: RA recruitment in Vancouver
This year, the Student Residence team received over 800 completed applications for new student Residence Advisor (RA) positions for 2026/27. With only 50 to 80 new RA positions available, landing one of these popular positions is a very competitive process. This year, they also received a record number of Senior RA applications, which highlights the depth of commitment among current RAs to deepening their leadership and impact.
Led by Sajia Ebrahimi, Manager, Residence Education, in February and March, the hiring team grades the applications and conducts almost 300 interviews. Similar to last year, to help streamline the application review process, they employ a custom-coded program, which includes a detailed rubric and sentiment analysis, to much more quickly assess all 800 applications. Learn more about our recruitment campaign and meet this year’s student representatives.
Residence textile workshop series: Slow Fashion Season 2026
As part of Slow Fashion Season 2026 at UBC (January to March), Student Residence Vancouver is hosting a unique series of textile workshops in collaboration with the UBC Slow Fashion Cluster and students from Emily Carr University. Held in the ballrooms at Place Vanier (Jan 16), Totem Park (Feb 6) and Walter Gage (March 6), these workshops bring students from residence and across UBC together to learn how to repair, construct and upcycle clothing and textiles—a creative way to engage students in sustainability and climate action and contribute to CAP 2030. Learn more.
Congratulations Nicholas Dischiavi, New Professional of the Year award
Please join us in congratulating Nicholas Dischiavi, a Residence Life Manager at UBC Okanagan. In early February, Nicholas was recognized with the New Professional of the Year award by the Northwest Association of University and College Housing Officers (NWACUHO).
Since joining the field as a professional in 2023, Nicholas has made significant and lasting contributions to the UBC Okanagan Residence Life program, our students and to the profession. Highlights from his nomination include engagement with Student Housing professional associations, outstanding dedication to student wellbeing and exemplary service in crisis response situations. Congratulations, Nicholas!
Notably, this year is the third in a row that a UBCO RLM has received this award—and the fourth since 2022!
Self-order kiosks now at Triple O’s
In addition to the self-order kiosks installed this fall at Tim Hortons (Forest Sciences), Food Services recently launched self-service kiosks at Triple O’s in the David Lam Research Centre on Main Mall. Staff report that the new ordering method has already reduced lines and wait times for customers. With a successful launch at these locations, Food Services is keen to roll out self-order kiosks at additional locations in the near future. Stay tuned!
Residence clothing swap a big success!
Organized by Gillian Wallis, Manager, Residence Transition and Community Engagement, on January 8, 2026, we hosted a clothing swap for residents in the Walter Gage Ballroom.
With over 70 student attendees, the swap gave residents the opportunity to clean out their closets, contribute to UBC’s circular economy and hopefully help reduce waste during move out in April. “Winter coats and rain jackets were really popular items,” says Gillian, “and the swap also helped a number of exchange students who had just arrived and needed warmer clothes.”
Clothes left over from the swap were donated to Big Brothers, but also to Germaine Koh, an artist and Assistant Professor in UBC’s Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory, who makes use of textiles in her artistic practice.
HR update: Sarah Dixon seconded to VPS office
Please join us in congratulating Sarah Dixon from SHCS HR, who accepted a one-year secondment as Senior HR Manager in the Office of the Vice-President, Students. Sarah moved to her new role in late January, and we thank her for continuing to support the Bookstore and Campus Mail while recruitment for her replacement was underway.
Thunderbird residence repairs: summer 2026
This summer, we are once again proceeding with the repair project at Thunderbird Residence, which requires a number of repairs to the building envelope. Repairs were completed over the past two summers in the 2000 block (Monashee), 4000 block (Coast) and 5000 block (Hazelton). This summer, work will take place in the 1000 block (Cassiar) and 3000 block (Selkirk). Summer 2027 will see the final phase of the project, with follow-up work in the 2000 block (Monashee).
Xerox relocates to UBC Bookstore
Xerox, which provides dedicated services for UBC, has moved from its former location in Wesbrook Village to a more accessible location at the UBC Bookstore. This new, centralized location will better support UBC faculty and staff. Please continue to submit print orders online.
Congratulations to our 2025 PACURH Regional Leadership award recipients
In mid-November 2025, members of UBC Vancouver’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) sent six delegates to the Pacific Association of College and University Hall’s (PACURH) Regional Leadership Conference in San Diego, California. Many congratulations to the two student leaders and the Student Residence staff member who were recognized for their significant contributions to our residence communities:
- Samantha Smyth (student) was recognized with a three-year service pin for her contributions on the Totem Park Residence Association, RHA Executive and PACURH Board.
- Jason Basnyat (student) was recognized with a Silver Diamond pin for outstanding leadership to the PACURH region and a four-year service pin for his contributions on the Ponderosa Commons Residence Association, RHA Executive and PACURH Board.
- Gillian Wallis, Manager, Residence Transition and Community Engagement, who recently served as the acting RHA Advisor, was recognized with a Golden Frog Pin, awarded for exceptional service or significant contributions.
Bookstore discounts starting this month!
The UBC Bookstore is offering three fantastic discounts starting this month—including one just for SHCS staff (in addition to the existing 15% off red-ticketed items for SHCS staff).
- Passport photo discount: from Nov 10 to 30 get print passport photos for just $9.99. Learn more about the Bookstore’s passport photo service. Vancouver only.
- Family and friend grad discount: from Nov 26 to 29 get 12% off clothing (including lululemon!), giftware and trade books.* Vancouver and Okanagan. In-store and online. Discount cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotional products.
- SHCS employee discount: from Nov 17, 2025, to March 31, 2026, SHCS employees get 10% off clothing (including lululemon!), giftware and trade books.* Vancouver and Okanagan. In-store only. Discount cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotional products. Use promo code “10SHCS” at the till.
*These offers do not include consignment items, graduation frames, computer products, stationery, residence supplies and textbooks.
Welcome Rayan Kanaan, RLM, Orchard Commons
Please join us in welcoming Rayan Kanaan, Residence Life Manager at Orchard Commons, who started in mid-November and will be overseeing Bartlett House, alongside current RLM, Calvin Cheung (Braeburn House). Most recently, Rayan was a Residence Life Coordinator at Thompson Rivers University, where she supported a dynamic community of over 600 students. Prior to that, Rayan worked for a non-profit organization as a Refugee Resettlement Counsellor, where she supported families arriving to Canada from around the world. Outside of work, Rayan enjoys travelling, playing sports and experimenting with culinary arts in the kitchen. Welcome, Rayan!
Professional development activities: Child Care Vancouver
In early October, senior leaders at UBC Child Care Vancouver participated in a half-day workshop, Building an Accountable Workplace, facilitated by Ablaze Services. The workshop, which our Child Care colleagues highly recommend, covered topics such as bystander training, calling people “in” and “out”, and consensual feedback.
Additionally, the Child Care management team continues to collaborate closely with the Early Childhood Pedagogy Network and deepen their engagement with their pedagogical commitment to a feminist ethics of care, which emphasizes caring for and about others, including human, non-human and non-living beings. To support this commitment, every Wednesday, senior leaders will gather to read and journal in relation to this topic. They held their first session in October and are energized by the journey ahead.
Welcome Shannon Chen, HR Manager
Please join us in welcoming Shannon Chen to SHCS HR team, who started in late October and is covering Sam Morrison’s maternity leave (congratulations Sam!). Shannon comes to UBC with over fifteen years of progressive HR experience across retail, distribution and corporate environments, including four years as a Senior Advisor, People and Culture at Belron Canada, and most recently at lululemon, where she has worked since 2019 as a People and Culture Business Partner and a Senior People and Culture Advisor. Welcome, Shannon!
Gillian Wallis receives OACUHO President’s Recognition Award
Please join us in congratulating Gillian Wallis, Manager, Residence Transition and Community Engagement, who received the President’s Recognition Award from the Ontario Association of College and University Housing Officers (OACUHO) at their fall 2025 conference at Toronto Metropolitan University.
This award is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding qualities within their role and go above and beyond expectations. Gillian was recognized for her incredible work enhancing residence life events and programming, implementing unique sustainability initiatives, and streamlining our move-in and move-out operations. Learn more.
Welcome Sajia Ebrahimi, Manager, Residence Education
Please join us in welcoming Sajia Ebrahimi, Manager, Residence Education, who started her new role in early November. In this role, Sajia will oversee Residence Advisor (RA) recruitment, the RA training program, the Program Resource Centre (PRC) and its staff, along with advising student leaders on the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH).
With well over a decade of experience in academic leadership and instructional roles at higher education institutions, Sajia joins UBC from LaSalle College Vancouver, where she served as Program Director for the Associate of Arts program since 2023. Welcome, Sajia!
Local Safety Team receives Safety Achievement Award
L–R: Ainsley Carry, Abigail Overduin, Sam Medeiros, Kate Allan, Gordon Mitchell, Celia McGrath, Rebecca Eng and Rob Harley
Congratulations to everyone on the Operational Services Local Safety Team (LST) on receiving a Safety Achievement Award at UBC Safety Day on October 8, 2025. The Operational Services LST was recognized for innovation and collaboration in recognition of their initiative to trial a powered stair climber (instead of a traditional, manual dolly) to move heavy appliances around the Vancouver campus and help keep injury rates low.
This initiative was also featured by WorkSafeBC in their Summer 2025 Newsletter and Musculoskeletal Prevention Handbook. Learn more about Safety Day 2025 and view a photo of the LST representatives accepting their award.
Join an LST! We’re looking for SHCS staff to join one of the safety committee and help make our workplace even safer. Learn more about LSTs and how to join.