Message from the Provost for Winter 2018
Hello everyone. The winter term for 2018 is now well underway, and it’s been a busy start to the year for us in the Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic!
One of my main priorities in the past few months, and in my first months as Provost and Vice-President Academic, has been supporting the development of the new strategic plan, Shaping UBC’s Next Century. I am happy to say that, after many hours and with many incredible minds coming together, the plan is now being finalized and will be considered by both Senates in February. Once approved by the Senates, it will be presented at a forthcoming meeting of the Board of Governors. Stay tuned!
Another key priority for me has been getting to know our Faculties and units. I have had the pleasure of visiting almost all of the Faculties and many units individually, and have had a wonderful time listening and learning about each of them. From sitting in on a class in the Faculty of Medicine, to visiting a lab in the Faculty of Forestry, and joining in on a Library executive meeting, I have met so many engaged and passionate faculty members, staff, and students in all areas at the university. I have enjoyed meeting all of them and learning about their aspirations and challenges, and commend them for the wonderful work they do that is integral to the university.
As we make our way into 2018, I would like to highlight a few other initiatives that my team and I in the Office of the Provost and VP Academic have been working on:
Research and Excellence Chair Searches
I am happy to report that several major research and excellence chair searches are underway, or nearing successful conclusions.
UBC’s performance in the federal Canada 150 Research Chairs program has been stellar. In celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, this program provides Canadian institutions with a one-time investment to attract top-tier, internationally based scholars and researchers to enhance Canada's reputation as a global centre for science, research and innovation excellence. UBC has secured the Chairs that were received in the first round of nominations, including Harvard computer scientist Margo Seltzer. Further Chairs will be announced in the coming weeks!
Additionally, UBC has been invited to nominate world-leading researchers for two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs, out of a national total of 11, in Bioproducts and Precision Cancer Drug Design. The searches for these two positions are underway.
And finally, searches are well underway for the six new President’s Excellence Chairs, which have been created to attract outstanding faculty members who will enable cutting-edge research and excellent student learning experiences. The six chairs will be in the following areas: Biodiversity Studies, Brain Health, Forest Bio-Products, Global Development Policy, Media Studies, and Precision Oncology. To learn more about each of these Chairs, visit the President's Excellence Chairs page.
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Expression continues to be a topic of major discussion at universities around North America. It is indeed a complex and multi-faceted issue encompassing many varying points of view that must be given equal consideration and weight. Professor Neil Guppy, Senior Advisor to the Provosts on Academic Freedom, and his internal working group published a draft Freedom of Expression Statement for UBC early last November. Following its release, Dr. Guppy and the working group consulted with the larger university community to ask for feedback on the statement. They are currently working on making revisions to the statement based on the varied and thoughtful feedback they received. I would like to thank Dr. Guppy for his work in shepherding this complex process.
Leadership Searches & Appointments
I’m delighted to announce that the Board of Governors has accepted the president's recommendation to appoint Dr. James Olson as the new Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science for a five-year term, commencing March 1, 2018. Dr. Olson, has been serving as Interim Dean since July 1, 2017 and I’m confident that the Faculty of Applied Science will continue to build on its strengths under his leadership.
A search is also underway for the Dean of Science and I am optimistic for a successful conclusion soon. I want to thank both the search committees for their diligent work and commitment of extensive time and energy throughout these searches.
Senior Advisors
I would like to commend Dr. Neil Guppy on the extension of his role as Senior Advisor to the Provosts on Academic Freedom. As well, Dr. Jennifer Love, Senior Advisor to the Provost on Women Faculty, has also been reappointed to her position for a second term. Congratulations to both!
Later this year, Dr. Linc Kesler will be stepping down as Senior Advisor to the President on Indigenous Affairs, and Director of the First Nations House of Learning, so we are embarking on a search for his successor. We are extremely grateful to Dr. Kesler for his strong leadership in these roles, and we sincerely thank him for his service to our communities.
Talent for Tech
In early January, the Province of British Columbia very generously provided UBC with funding for 720 new seats – across both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses – in biomedical engineering, computer science, and manufacturing engineering programs. These seats will help meet growing demand for talent in B.C.’s technology sector.
IT Transformation Initiative
UBC is embarking on a major, multi-year information technology transformation initiative that will integrate Student, Finance, and Human Resources IT systems. The three renewal projects are now aligned and proceeding with pre-implementation planning. Further updates will be forthcoming.
It has indeed been an exciting and busy time for my first months as Provost and Vice-President Academic, and I look forward to sharing further announcements and updates with you over the coming months!
If you have any questions or comment on these initiatives, please write to me at provost.vpa@ubc.ca.
Andrew