FAQ: COVID-19
2021/22 Winter Session Term 2: As a transitional period, most UBC classes will be provided online until February 7, 2022. UBC Okanagan’s campus will remain open, including student housing, student services, and all libraries. For more information, see the January 12 UBC Broadcast.
Barring any unforeseen decisions by the PHO, all lectures and labs will be in-person as of February 7.
In the meantime, the School of Engineering wishes to update students on the following:
- All year 1 & 2 labs will be online until February 7.
- All year 3 & 4 labs will commence in-person as of January 24.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND UBC’S RESPONSE: For updates, FAQs and resources, visit ubc.ca. For UBC Okanagan-specific updates, visit ok.ubc.ca/covid19.
The School of Engineering would like to reassure the faculty community that the health and wellbeing of our UBC community is of paramount importance as we chart our plans for a full return to campus.
The Province of British Columbia released its “Returning to Post-Secondary: What You Need To Know” that outlines protocols for September 2021.
UBC will require COVID-19 testing for all students, faculty and staff, with exemptions provided for those who are vaccinated against COVID-19.
All faculty, staff, and graduate students must complete the UBC Go Forward COVID-19 Safety Training course prior to returning to campus.
- A daily self-health assessment is required before attending campus.
- Stay home if you are sick. Use the Thrive Health self-assessment tool for guidance and follow the advice from Public Health.
- Everyone must follow relevant signage when moving around UBC campuses or worksites.
- Masks are recommended in indoor common spaces to ensure the safety of our faculty, staff, and students.
For the latest return to campus information, please visit https://ok.ubc.ca/covid19/
What does this mean for students?
- If some students are unable to come to campus for reasons beyond their control, the School of Engineering will do its best to support their degree progress but there is no guarantee that the courses they need will be available online.
- A set of relevant FAQs that include information about housing, health and well-being and other services is available at ubc.ca/information-for-students.
Student and parent inquiries or concerns can be directed to avps.ok@ubc.ca .
UBC Okanagan has expanded its online resources for students. To review student support services, visit students.ok.ubc.ca/support. For information related to international students including a comprehensive immigration and health insurance FAQ visit students.ok.ubc.ca/international.
As a community we need to continue to uphold our individual responsibility to work together to navigate our safe return to on-campus activity – from maintaining health and safety practices to exercising kindness and empathy for each other.
Mandatory Masks:
- The Provincial Health Officer has issued new province-wide mandatory mask requirements for all indoor public areas effective August 25, 2021 including shopping centres, coffee shops, retail and grocery stores, pubs, and public transportation.
- To support the full return to in-person education, research and on-campus services for B.C.’s post-secondary institutions, the new mask order will apply to all indoor public areas on post-secondary campuses including classrooms, labs, lobbies, hallways, stairwells, and elevators.
- Further details will be available in the Provincial Health Officer Order currently under development, including mask exemption provisions.
- Local health authorities are working closely with post-secondary institutions to provide access to the COVID-19 vaccine for all students, faculty and staff.
Are the School of Engineering offices physically open?
- Offices are now open.
- If you need assistance from the School’s administrative team please email the person directly or use the general email (engineering.administration@ubc.ca).
How can I access an Academic Advisor, Co-op Coordinator, or a member of the Administrative teams?
- The School of Engineering Academic Advising, Engineering Co-op (Co-op), and Administrative teams are available for in-person and virtual meetings.
- Visit SOE Academic Advising for FAQ or contact information.
- Email an Advisor at soe.advising@ubc.ca
- Book an online appointment through the appointment portal
- Contact your co-op coordinator via email – UBC Co-op Website
- Okanagan Co-op coordinators Jennifer Eberle and Sarah Nhan
What are the hours of operations that I can expect to hear from staff?
- Regular hours of operations are Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Where can I find mental health support or resources?
How do I access emergency financial support?
- UBC Students’ Union (UBCSUO) is partnering with UBC to establish a COVID-19 Emergency Bursary Fund.
- Learn more at https://students.ok.ubc.ca/covid19/
- Applications are open to all students, whether domestic/international or undergraduate/graduate.
- Apply using this form
- Alternatively, you can email awards.ubco@ubc.ca and sis.ubco@ubc.ca
- Learn more about the Canada Emergency Student Benefit at canada.ca/coronavirus
- Learn more about UBC Okanagan 2021 housing bursaries at https://students.ok.ubc.ca/courses-money-enrolment/finances/financial-support/2021-22-one-time-financial-support/ or contact the Off-Campus Housing Ambassador
Are there still special protocols for graduate students and researchers?
- As part of UBC’s resumption plans, graduate students and researchers may once again work on campus.
- Learn more about resumption activities at https://ok.ubc.ca/covid19/
As an international student what plans should I make for September?
- We recommend students verify program adjustments with their academic advisors.
What about events or workshops that have been scheduled?
- Consult with your instructor or the event/workshop organizer for details
Where can I get additional information about UBC’s response to COVID-19?
- Refer to the FAQ on covid19.ubc.ca and ok.ubc.ca/covid19 for the most up to date information.
The School of Engineering held a special Undergraduate Town Hall on April 9, 2020.
Click here to watch the recording
The School of Engineering held a special Graduate Studies Town Hall on May 28, 2020.
Click here to watch the recording