COVID-19 Archive

Important emails sent to Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Students

March 2020 – December 2020

Sent to all students registered in courses offered by the following Faculties:
IKB Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies (FCCS)
IKB Faculty of Science (FOS)

With final exams starting on Monday, December 7, 2020, we thought we would remind you about the university policies on examinations and some relevant academic accommodations.

You can review the Senate Policy on Examinations here: http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,41,89,1008

In particular, you should review the policy on student conduct during examinations:http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,41,89,1009.

Please listen or read the instructions provided by your professors and by invigilators carefully. Specifically, they may have information on academic integrity during your online exam, and you will want to ensure you read and understand that information.

As part of your exam preparation, ensure your technology is set up and working effectively (you don’t need added stress during the exam period). The Student Learning Hub is offering several“Prep your Tech” workshops, which you can register for here:https://events.ok.ubc.ca/event/prep-your-tech-for-finals-workshop/2020-11-26/

Ensure that you are clear on what platform (Proctorio, Canvas, other) each exam will be in and ask your professor if you are unsure.

Bring picture ID to all exams.  It is important that you have your physical UBCcard, a printed copy of our virtual UBCcard, or any form of government-issued ID containing your photo with you for all of your final examinations. The student online application form and other relevant information can be found at: https://ubccard.ubc.ca/obtaining-a-ubccard/students

Check your exam schedule, and ensure you have recorded the correct day, time, and location for each of your exams. Here is the link to the exam schedule: SSC (Student Service Centre)https://cas.id.ubc.ca/ubc-cas/login?TARGET=https%3A%2F%2Fssc.adm.ubc.ca%2Fsscportal%2Fservlets%2FSRVSSCFramework

All times are Pacific Standard Time (local Kelowna time). Please set your alarm carefully for early morning exams and double check the time if you are in a different time zone:https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

Academic Concessions: Out of Time Final Exam and Standing Deferred

If you are unable to write an exam, you must submit the appropriate documentation for an Academic Concession to the appropriate Dean’s Office; follow the instructions on the forms. If you are able to complete the exam within the exam period (on or before December 22, 2020), please complete the Out of Time Final Exam form. If you are unable to complete the exam within the exam period (after December 22, 2020) please complete the Standing Deferred form:

Irving K Barber Faculty of Arts & Sciences (FASS): https://fass.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/undergrad/student-forms/

  • For courses in: ANTH, ECON, Human GEOG, GWST, HIST, INDG, PHIL, POLI, PSYO, SOCI

Faculty of Creative & Critical Studies (FCCS): https://fccs.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/forms/

  • For courses in: ARTH, CCS, CHIN, CORH, CRWR, CULT, DIHU, ENGL, FILM, FREN, GERM, JPST, KORN, MDST, SPAN, THTR, VISA, WRLD

Irving K Barber Faculty of Science (FOS): https://science.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/undergrad/student-forms/

  • For courses in: ASTR, BIOC, BIOL, CHEM, COSC, DATA, EESC, GISC, MATH, Physical GEOG, PHYS, STAT, SUST

All academic concession requests require supporting documentation. Normally, when medical documentation is provided to support an academic concession request, it must meet the following requirements:

  • Original document required (no photocopies, scans, or photos taken by your cell phone).
  • Signature of the medical professional must be in ink; digital signatures are not accepted unless stamped in ink by the clinic.
  • Since most students are not in Kelowna, FCCS, FASS and FOS will accept medical notes and supporting documents if they are faxed directly from the practitioner’s office to the secure fax machine in the Dean’s office (FASS / FOS 250-807-8001) (FCCS 250-807-8543). Please see the list above to identify which Faculty your course is in. The fax must include a cover page from the practitioner’s office, and the students name in full (e.g. see the contact information required on the individual concession request forms).

Courses offered by other Faculties may have different Academic concession procedures. Please consult their Faculty pages for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact us at:

I.K.B. Faculty of Science (FOS): fos.students.ubco@ubc.ca
I.K.B. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS): fass.students.ubco@ubc.ca
Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies (FCCS): fccs.ubco@ubc.ca

Remember to take care of yourself, and get plenty of sleep.

Best wishes with your final exams!

Dr. Jordan Stouck
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies
FCCS

Dr. Donna Senese
Associate Dean, Students
FASS

Dr. Scott Reid
Associate Dean, Students
FOS

**Sent to all IKB Faculty of Arts & Social Science Majors, and all 1st year BA students in IKB Faculty of Arts & Social Science AND Faculty of Creative & Critical Studies**

We hope that term 1 is progressing smoothly for all of our students in this unique time.

Please consider carefully and honestly how you are managing your online courses this year. You may wish to consult with your instructors, a learning specialist in the Hub, an Academic Advisor, International and Aboriginal Program Advisors, and/or a health practitioner to determine whether you need to make changes to your term 1 registration or to get help in completing your courses successfully.

The last day to self-withdraw from most courses with a W standing isFriday, November 13, 2020 at 11:59pm PST. After this date SSC will not be available to students to drop their courses.

For 2-term courses the self-withdrawal date may be different. Please consult the online course schedule or ask for help in determining the withdrawal date.

For any courses you may be taking through Distance Education or at UBC Vancouver campus please be aware that the self-withdrawal dates for these courses may be different and not determined by UBC Okanagan.

Withdrawal after November 13

Requests to withdraw from Term 1 Faculty of Arts & Social Science courses will need to go through the Dean’s Office by submitting a Late Withdrawal form.

Requests to withdraw from Term 1 Faculty of Creative & Critical Studies courses will this Late Withdrawal form.

All requests must be accompanied by supporting documentation. Requests must be submitted as close to the date when class attendance was adversely effected, and before the end of term (Friday December 4, 2020).

Courses offered by other Faculties may have different late withdrawal procedures. Please consult their Faculty pages for more information.

Campus resources

If you require academic assistance or other forms of support for the remainder of the term, please consider the following resources:

The Learning Hub
If you need help with time management, study skills, or any other Academic supports we strongly recommend students make use of the Student Learning Hub, a resource for free math, science, writing, and language learning support. For more information, please visit the Hub’s website, learn more about Study Skills support, or email learning.hub@ubc.ca.

Academic Advising
Academic Advising has a new system for virtual drop-in appointments: Request a drop-in appointment here by selecting “Join the virtual line”. You can also email advising.ubco@ubc.ca to make an appointment.

Wellbeing Support
As always, if you feel you need some extra personal support, you can explore resources provided by Health and Wellness. You can make an appointment to talk with a counsellor by emailing: healthwellness.okanagan@ubc.ca

UBC now provides students with access to Aspiria, a new Student Assistance program that provides 24/7 multilingual professional mental health counselling and coaching to all UBC students located anywhere in the world.

Your student id code is: UBCO
Your password code is: UBCO

There are several ways students can access counselling, coaching or any of their other Aspiria services such as groups and student life services.

  • You can click on “LIVE CONNECT ONLINE” button on the top right corner of the webpage.
  • You can also scroll down and click on “Contact a counsellor” (on the right, middle of the page) to request for a counsellor to contact you directly.
  • If outside of North America, you can reverse charges and call collect when asking the operator to connect you to their number at 604-757-9734.
  • If calling from within North America, the toll free number is 1-833-590-1328.

All Aspiria services are free and confidential and they operate 24/7. Some services are multilingual and you can indicate your preference re: face-to-face session, by phone or by video (online) when requesting counselling and/or coaching.

We know this year has been challenging for everyone. The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts & Social Science Dean’s Office as well as the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, will support you as best we can or we will try to connect you with those who can help.

Our best wishes to you,

Dr. Donna Senese
FASS Associate Dean – Students

Terry Becker
FASS Student Support Assistant
fass.students.ubco@ubc.ca

Do not make travel plans or let others make travel plans on your behalf until you have consulted the schedule and identified when your exams are. We will not consider out-of-time exam requests based on travel plans.

Final Exam Schedule:

All times are Pacific Standard Time (local Kelowna time).

Academic Concessions for Final Exams: Out of Time Final Exams and Standing Deferred Requests

Requests for academic concessions must be submitted as close as possible to the time that the class attendance is adversely affected. In the case of requests for Out-of-Time Final Exams and Standing Deferred, requests must be made as soon as possible, and before the end of final exams.   The Dean’s office (FASS, FCCS, and FOS) will not normally accept untimely submissions. Initiating a request for an academic concession does not ensure that the concession will be approved.

All concession requests require supporting documentation. Normally, when medical documentation is provided to support an academic concession request, it must meet the following requirements:

  • Original document required (no photocopies, scans, or photos taken by your cell phone).
  • Signature of the medical professional must be in ink; digital signatures are not accepted unless stamped in ink by the clinic.
  • Since most students are not in Kelowna, FCCS, FASS and FOS will accept medical notes and supporting documents if they are faxed directly from the practitioner’s office to the secure fax machine in the Dean’s office (FASS/ FOS 250-807-8001) (FCCS 250-807-8543). Please see list below to identify which Faculty your course is in. The fax must include a cover page from the practitioner’s office, and the student name in full (e.g. see the contact information required on the individual concession request forms).

Irving K Barber Faculty of Arts & Sciences: https://fass.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/undergrad/student-forms/

  • ANTH, ECON, GEOG, GWST, HIST, INDG, PHIL, POLI, PSYO, SOCI

Faculty of Creative & Critical Studies: https://fccs.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/forms/

  • ARTH, CCS, CHIN, CORH, CRWR, CULT, DIHU, ENGL, FILM, FREN, GERM, JPST, KORN, MDST,  SPAN, THTR,  VISA, WRLD

Irving K Barber Faculty of Science: https://science.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/undergrad/student-forms/

  • ASTR, BIOC, BIOL, CHEM, COSC, DATA, EESC, GISC, MATH, PHYS, STAT, SUST

Withdrawal Deadlines

Please be aware of Course Withdrawal deadlines: http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?go=deadlines

Friday November 13, 2020 @ 11:59pm – Last day to withdraw with a W on your record (no tuition refund)

If you are taking a 2-semester course, please consult this calendar link for withdrawal dates.

The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at UBC’s Okanagan campus values student input on matters that pertain to and effect student education and success on our campus. The Faculty is calling for undergraduate and graduate students who are interesting in filling vacancies for student members on the Faculty Council. Student members have voting powers and serve a one-year term. Selected student members are expected to begin their term on Faculty Council in October 2020.

About the Faculty Council
The Faculty Council is the governance body responsible for the direction of the affairs and business of the Faculty. The Council meets once per Winter Term and is tasked with establishing and revising policies, practices, and the general direction for the teaching and research activities of the Faculty, and for making recommendations to the Okanagan Senate, or others as appropriate.

Student members are sought from the following categories:

  1. At least two representatives from the undergraduate student body, one representing years 1 and 2, and one representing years 3 and 4.
  2. Two graduate student members (IGS graduate students are eligible provided that their supervisor is from the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences).

Student Membership Eligibility

  • Must be a currently registered undergraduate student or graduate student in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Students are asked to submit their expression of interest in becoming a student member of Faculty Council to fass.reception.ubco@ubc.ca for consideration and decision.

The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will notify students selected for membership on the Faculty Council by Monday, September 28.

Sincerely,

Donna Senese
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Recruitment, Services, and Success

All students must have a UBCcard that they must provide when requested by their instructors, typically during tests and exams. Student can apply for both a physical and a virtual UBCCard.

To all students new to UBC’s Okanagan Campus – welcome!

To all students returning to UBC’s Okanagan Campus – welcome back!

You are receiving this email because you are registered in at least one course that is offered by the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, or the Irving K Barber Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences.

To keep you on track this year, we want to share some helpful information as a reminder for all students taking courses in our Faculties.

  1. Check your email daily, including your SPAM folder. Please read any email from UBC carefully, and act on requests immediately. The University will not accept the excuse that the student did not read the email, or misunderstood the information provided. If you are uncertain, please do not hesitate to contact our offices.
  2. Whenever you email a member of the UBC community, please include your student number. If you are writing about a specific course, please provide all details (e.g. course name and number, course instructor).
  3. Consult the FCCS and FASS websites regularly for resources and updates related to Covid 19: https://fass.ok.ubc.ca/about/covid-19/ or  https://fccs.ok.ubc.ca/covid-19/
  4. Login to Canvas to attend your first classes, meet your professors, and keep up with course material: https://canvas.ubc.ca/.
  5. Please read the student Declaration and Responsibility, which you agreed to when you registered for classes at UBC: http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,293,861,0.You should also review your rights as a member of the UBC Communityhttp://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,293,875,0.
  1. Do not make travel plans or let others make travel plans on your behalf until the exam schedule is released in early October. We cannot schedule out-of-time exams based on travel plans.
  2. Carefully check the final exam schedule when it is released in early October. Please note that you will need to write your exam at the scheduled Pacific Standard Time.
  3. Please review the policy on Academic Misconduct: http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/Okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,958. Review carefully all instructions provided by your instructors about assignments and exams; if you are uncertain about anything, check with your instructor.
  4. Please be aware of Course Withdrawal deadlines: http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?go=deadlinesFor Term 1 CoursesTuesday September 21, 2020 @ 11:59pm Last day to withdraw without a W on your record (full tuition refund)Friday November 13, 2020 @ 11:59pm        Last day to withdraw with a W on your record (no tuition refund)If you are taking a 2-semester course, please consult this calendar link for withdrawal dates.If you wish to withdraw from a Term 1 class after November 13, 2020 you must request a Late Withdrawal from the Dean’s Office. Note that the fact that a student is failing a course is not an adequate reason for a Late Withdrawal. All requests must be accompanied by acceptable supporting documentation.
  5. Academic Concessions:Requests for academic concessions must be submitted as close as possible to the time that the class attendance is adversely affected. In the case of requests for Late Withdrawal, request must be made before the end of term (note that the term ends on the last day of classes, not the last day of final exams). In the case of requests for Out-of-Time Final Exams and Standing Deferred, requests must be made as soon as possible, and before the end of final exams.  When considering requests, or any appeals of decisions on academic concessions, the dean’s office will not normally accept untimely submissions. Initiating a request for an academic concession does not ensure that the concession will be approved.

Submit forms to the appropriate Faculty based on the course for which you are requesting an academic concession.

Faculty of Creative & Critical Studies: https://fccs.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/forms/

  • ENGL, FREN, SPAN, ARTH, CCS, CHIN, CORH, CRWR, CULT, DIHU, FILM, GERM, JPST, KORN, MDST, THTR, VISA, WRLD

Irving K Barber Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences: https://fass.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/undergrad/student-forms/

  • ANTH, ECON, GEOG, GWST, HIST, INDG, PHIL, POLI, PSYO, SOCI

Irving K Barber Faculty of Science: https://science.ok.ubc.ca/student-resources/undergrad/student-forms/

  • BIOL, BIOC, CHEM, COSC, DATA, EESC, GISC, MATH, PHYS, STAT, SUST

Note that requests must be submitted as close as possible to the date of the incident, and normally within the term that the course was taken.

Normally, when medical documentation is provided to support an academic concession request, it must meet the following requirements:

  • Original document required (no photocopies, scans, or photos taken by your cell phone).
  • Signature of the medical professional must be in ink; digital signatures are not accepted unless stamped in ink by the clinic.

Since most students are not in Kelowna, the IK Barber Faculty of Arts & Sciences and the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies will accept medical notes and supporting documents if they are faxed directly from the practitioner’s office to the secure fax machine in either the FASS Dean’s office (250-807-8001) or the FCCS Dean’s office (250-807-8543) (please see list above to identify which faculty your course is in). The fax must include a cover page from the practitioner’s office, and the student name in full (e.g. see the contact information required on the individual concession request forms).

  1. Expectations and advice: Teaching and learning in the online environment is new to us all. Many of you are in very different time zones. Please be aware that the university will operate during normal working hours in Kelowna, BC. While many instructors are accommodating students by offering asynchronous class activities, some activities, such as exams, are scheduled and must be taken at the scheduled time in Kelowna BC. Instructors are not obligated to accommodate students in different time zones. Please review your course syllabi carefully to see which, if any, activities require you to participate at local Kelowna time. If you feel unable to participate in those activities, please withdraw from those courses by the Add/Drop deadline on September 21, 2020.

Learning in an online environment requires considerable self-discipline and time-management skills. Practice good learning skills in the first two weeks of classes to see whether you are able to manage the online learning environment. If you are struggling, consider withdrawing from courses by the Add/Drop deadline on September 21, 2020.

  1. STUDIO SPACE IN THE CCS BUILDING: Any student who would like to book studio space in the CCS building must complete this FCCS COVID-19 Badge Course and sign up for the Gearspace Booking System to book studio space and gear needed for coursework. Note that students must be registered in a course in FCCS where the use of studio space or equipment is needed for a class project.

Please review course syllabi to ensure you have the technology required to complete the course. Instructors are not obligated to accommodate students if they do not have the minimum technology needs to complete their course. If you do not, please withdraw from those courses by the Add/Drop deadline on September 21, 2020.

Ask for help! 
Here are some links to helpful student services:

UBC Okanagan Disability Resource Centre
The Disability Resource Centre determines academic accommodations and supports disabled students or those with chronic medical conditions.  If you are a student with a disability or a chronic medical condition and require academic accommodations to participate equitably in your course, program, or other UBC related activities please, contact the DRC at 250-807-8053 or drc.questions@ubc.ca. Web: www.students.ok.ubc.ca/drc

UBC Okanagan Equity and Inclusion Office
Through leadership, vision, and collaborative action, the Equity & Inclusion Office (EIO) develops action strategies in support of efforts to embed equity and inclusion in the daily operations across the campus. The EIO provides education and training from cultivating respectful, inclusive spaces and communities to understanding unconscious/implicit bias and its operation within in campus environments. UBC Policy 3 prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of BC’s Human Rights Code. If you require assistance related to an issue of equity, educational programs, discrimination or harassment please contact the EIO.

UNC 216        250.807.9291

email: equity.ubco@ubc.ca

Web: www.equity.ok.ubc.ca

Health & Wellness
At UBC Okanagan health services to students are provided by Health and Wellness.  Nurses, physicians and counsellors provide health care and counselling related to physical health, emotional/mental health and sexual/reproductive health concerns. As well, health promotion, education and research activities are provided to the campus community.  If you require assistance with your health, please contact Health and Wellness for more information or to book an appointment.

UNC 337        250.807.9270

email: healthwellness.okanagan@ubc.ca

Web: www.students.ok.ubc.ca/health-wellness

Student Learning Hub
The Student Learning Hub is your go-to resource for free learning support—now online and flexible to meet your remote learning needs! The Hub welcomes undergraduate students from all disciplines and years to access a range of supports that include tutoring in math, sciences, languages, and writing, as well as dedicated learning support to help you develop skills and strategies for academic success. Don’t wait—successful learners access support early and often. For more information, visit students.ok.ubc.ca/hub or contact learning.hub@ubc.ca.

Need some assistance with registration? Contact an Academic Advisor.

Need help declaring your major? Contact an Academic Advisor.

Courses and programs offered in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies: https://fccs.ok.ubc.ca/degrees-programs/undergraduate-programs/

Courses and programs offered in IK Barber FASS: https://fass.ok.ubc.ca/programs/

We want you to succeed! Please use the many resources available to you on our campus.

If you have any questions, you can send us an email or contact us anytime!
Location: CCS 323B (please note availability will depend on university guidelines)

Email:            fccs.ubco@ubc.ca
Twitter:          twitter.com/ubcfccs
Facebook:      www.facebook.com/UBCFCCS
Website:         fccs.ok.ubc.ca/
Instagram:     instagram.com/fccs.ubco

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:
Location: ASC 413 (please note availability will depend on university guidelines)

Email:            FASS.students.ubco@ubc.ca

Twitter:          https://twitter.com/fass_ubco
Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/fass.ubco
Website:         https://fass.ok.ubc.ca/

Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/fass.ubco

Our very best wishes to you for a successful academic year!

Donna Senese, PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services & Success
Irving K Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
FASS.students.ubco@ubc.ca

Jordan Stouck, PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies
Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
fccs.ubco@ubc.ca

REGISTER NOW

Are you wondering what online classes will be like and how you will participate? What about exams, quizzes and labs? Are you looking to find out what academic supports will be available?

We understand that you have questions and we welcome you to join the second UBC Okanagan Student Town Hall on September 2nd to get a better sense of what learning online will look like and to get more information.

A panel of UBC students and faculty members will each speak towards a different facet of the online learning experience before the floor is opened to your questions. Please note that while we will do our best to answer all questions the focus of this webinar will be the student learning experience.

Topics & Speakers

What will assessment look like in an online environment?

  • Nina Langton, Associate Professor, Faculty of Critical and Creative Studies
  • Deanna Gibson, Associate Professor, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

What will class participation be like in an online environment?

  • Ray Taheri, Associate Professor, School of Engineering

What will labs be like in an online environment?

  • Tamara Freeman, Associate Professor, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

What online learning supports are available for students?

  • Harshita Chopra, Senior Online Learning Coach in the Student Learning Hub & 3rd year Philosophy, Political Science and Economics student
  • Eloise Espel, Peer Mentor & 4th year Computer Science student
  • Sajni Lacey, Learning and Curriculum Support Librarian

What structural supports are in place for online learning?

  • Bryce Traister, Dean, Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies & Dean pro tem, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
  • Scott Reid, Associate Dean, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Opening Remarks

Ananya Mukherjee Reed – Provost and Vice President Academic

Moderator

Heather Berringer – Associate Provost, Learning Services

REGISTER NOW

Dear student,

We understand that you may have questions about what will it be like to learn online at UBC Okanagan in September. We encourage you to watch a virtual UBC Okanagan Student Town Hall, hosted by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic on June 26, 2020, to get a better sense of what learning online will look like. The virtual town hall showcased a panel of UBC faculty members and a student discussing different facets of the online learning experience, as well as a Q&A session. As the focus of the webinar was on the student learning experience, we encourage you to watch the video in its entirety.

Bryce Traister
Dean
Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
Kelowna, BC V1V1V7
Unceded Syilx Territory

Gino DiLabio
Dean pro tem
Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science and Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
The University of British Columbia | Okanagan Campus | Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory
3187 University Way | Kelowna BC | V1V 1V7 Canada

Dear student,

You are receiving this email because you are enrolled in at least one course offered by the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences during Summer Session Term 2. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to explore courses they might not otherwise have the chance to experience; however, since courses are online this summer, you should be aware of the expectations associated with them. Also included below, for your information, are the deadlines associated with courses in Summer Session Term 2.

1. Technology needs and expectations

  • Please note that it is your responsibility to develop a clear understanding of course expectations (e.g. attendance at live lectures, scheduled exams) and have access to the technology required to complete the course successfully. Every course is different, so be sure to check with your instructor and the course syllabus.
  • At minimum, you will need stable internet access and a computer to participate in online courses.
  • Additional technological requirements may include a computer with a microphone and a camera; please check with your instructor. We strongly recommend you test your technology before the add/drop deadline.
  • Please be kind to your instructor and use the office hours provided; it takes much longer to answer questions in emails than to answer questions in a live online session.
  • Carefully consider whether the online format works for you; if it does not, please withdraw by the add/drop deadline.

2. Add/drop deadline

  • The last day to add a course or drop a course without a W (and tuition refund) is 11:59 PM PDT Friday, July 10, 2020.
  • The last day to drop a course with a W standing is 11:59 PM PDT Friday, August 7, 2020.
  • Courses that run in a compressed time period have different deadlines. Please email us for those deadlines: students.ubco@ubc.ca.

3. Credit/D/Fail option

  • Students can request Credit/D/Fail standing for select courses until 11:59 PM PDT Friday, July 10, 2020.
  • Please review the list of courses that are eligible for Credit/D/Fail in the IK Barber Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences.
  • You can find the link for the Credit/D/Fail application here for Summer Session Term 2 courses.
  • Opting for Credit/D/Fail may have substantial impacts on student loans and scholarships. If you have questions, please email ubco@ubc.ca.

4. Academic concessions

  • Late Withdrawal: If you wish to withdraw from a course after August 7, 2020, your request must accompanied with acceptable supporting documentation. Note that we will not approve any requests that claim problems with technology.
  • Out-of-Time Final Exam: Students must write their exams as stated in the course syllabus, regardless of the time of day at their home. All requests must be accompanied with acceptable supporting documentation.
  • Standing Deferred: Requests for standing deferred will be considered if the student has completed a minimum of 60% of the course evaluation, has achieved an average of at least 60% in the course work to date, has attended classes regularly, and has provided acceptable supporting documentation.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your instructor, and you are always welcome to contact us at: FASS.students.ubco@ubc.ca.

Best wishes for a safe and successful summer.

Trudy

Trudy Kavanagh PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success
Chair, Women in Science & Engineering (WiSE) Mentoring Program

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
The University of British Columbia | Okanagan Campus
3187 University Way | Kelowna , BC  Canada V1V 1V7
Phone:  250-807-8754
trudy.kavanagh@ubc.ca
http://wise.ok.ubc.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/fass.ubco
https://www.instagram.com/fass.ubco
https://twitter.com/fass_ubco

Dear student,

We hope you and your family are safe and healthy during this challenging period.

First, we would like to thank you for your patience and understanding in March and April when the university moved very quickly to online teaching and exams. The sudden transition was a challenge for everyone, and we are impressed by how everyone, faculty and students, met that challenge and did their best.

As you know, in the interest of the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty, UBC has decided that most courses will be delivered online for the fall term (September to December 2020). You do not need to be on campus, in Kelowna or even in Canada, to participate in online courses.

The only courses in the BA and BSc degrees that require on-campus participation are BIOC 494, PSYO 372 and PSYO 440.

We want to assure you that while courses have moved online, your professors are committed to delivering the same high-quality instruction and education you received when you were on campus and in the classroom.

The course schedule is being adjusted, and will be made available no later than June 16, 2020. We appreciate your patience.

We are preparing additional information and resources for you, and we will send another email next week.

We look forward to seeing you online in September 2020.

Bryce Traister                                                             Gino DiLabio
Dean                                                                             Dean pro tem
Faculty of Creative & Critical Studies                    Irving K. Barber School of Arts &
Sciences

We hope this email finds you safe and well.

The IPS team is here for you during this challenging time. We’re sharing these important immigration updates so that you can feel confident about your options and make informed choices.

Traveling to Canada
In addition to having valid documents, you must also have proof you are traveling to study in Canada and should not travel for any other purpose. There are additional considerations if all your studies have moved online due to COVID-19.

Learn about the latest updates on travel restrictions.

Online studies due to COVID-19
As you know, many classes at UBC in Winter Term 1 will be moved online due to COVID-19 to prioritize the health and safety of students, faculty and staff. Here are some things you’ll need to consider.

Studying online from inside of Canada
You can continue studying and working in Canada (if eligible) as usual.

Courses moved online due to COVID-19 will not impact your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after you complete your studies.

Make sure you always have a valid study permit (or have implied status) and apply to extend your study permit about 4 months before it expires.

It is very important that you have health insurance and are always enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). If you are extending your study permit, be sure to maintain your health insurance.

Studying online from outside of Canada
You can study online outside of Canada, even if your study permit has expired.

However, if you intend to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after you complete your studies, there might be an impact on your PGWP if the in-Canada portion of your program is less than 2 years or if you will complete less than 50% of your program in Canada.

If your study permit will expire while you are outside of Canada, apply for a new study permit as soon as possible.

Learn about the impact of online studies outside of Canada to your PGWP.

If you will not return to Canada for some time, learn about the impact on your health insurance and make sure you have sufficient coverage wherever you are.

Part-time studies or taking time away from studies
If you are considering part-time studies or taking a break from studies – even if you will be outside of Canada – this might impact your future ability to stay in Canada, work in Canada, or apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Learn about studying part-time or taking time away from studies in Winter Term 1.

Questions?
Your go-to resource as an international student at UBC’s Okanagan campus is International Programs & Services.

The situation regarding COVID-19 is rapidly changing. The guidance offered here is based on the information currently available. Please keep updated on the situation as it evolves by checking IRCC’s updates and our COVID-19 FAQs for international students, which we will continue to keep current.

If you have questions, reach out to us directly:

  • ips.ubco@ubc.ca – make sure to include your student number in the subject line.
  • Our advisors are available for Zoom appointments – Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm (PST). Learn how to use Zoom.

Take care, stay safe, and we hope to see you soon!

All the best,

Philipp Reichert and the team at International Programs & Services (IPS)
The University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus

May 11 student email update: IKBSAS courses in Summer Session Term 1: important information

** Sent to all students taking an undergraduate course in IKBSAS in 2020 Summer Term 1 **

Dear student,

You are receiving this email because you are enrolled in at least one course offered by the Irving K Barber School of Arts & Sciences during summer session 1. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to explore courses they might not otherwise have the chance to experience; however, since courses are online this summer, you should be aware of the expectations associated with them. Also included below, for your information, are the deadlines associated with courses in Summer Session Term 1.

1. Technology needs and expectations

  • Please note that it is your responsibility to develop a clear understanding of course expectations (e.g. attendance at live lectures, scheduled exams) and have access to the technology required to complete the course successfully. Every course is different, so be sure to check with your instructor and the course syllabus.
  • At minimum, you will need stable internet access and a computer to participate in online courses.
  • Additional technological requirements may include a computer with a microphone and a camera; please check with your instructor. We strongly recommend you test your technology before the add/drop deadline.
  • Please be kind to your instructor and use the office hours provided; it takes much longer to answer questions in emails than to answer questions in a live online session.
  • Carefully consider whether the online format works for you; if it does not, please withdraw by the add/drop deadline.

2. Add/drop deadline

  • The last day to add a course or drop a course without a W (and tuition refund) is 11:59 PM PDT Friday, May 15, 2020.
  • The last day to drop a course with a W standing is 11:59 PM PDT Friday, June 12, 2020.
  • Courses that run in a compressed time period (e.g. May 11 to May 29, 2020) have different deadlines. Please email us for those deadlines: bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca.

3. Credit/D/Fail option

  • CRDF is not available to ACEO, UNCO, UNCL, and VISO students.
  •  Students can request Credit/D/Fail standing for select courses until 11:59 PM PDT Friday, May 15, 2020.

4. Academic concessions

  • Late Withdrawal: If you wish to withdraw from a course after June 12, 2020, your request must accompanied with acceptable supporting documentation. Note that we will not approve any requests that claim problems with technology.
  • Out of Time Final Exam: Students must write their exams as stated in the course syllabus, regardless of the time of day at their home. All requests must be accompanied with acceptable supporting documentation.
  • Standing Deferred: Requests for standing deferred will be considered if the student has completed a minimum of 60% of the course evaluation, has achieved an average of at least 60% in the course work to date, has attended classes regularly, and has provided acceptable supporting documentation.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your instructor, and you are always welcome to contact us at: bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca.

Best wishes for a safe and successful summer.

Scott D. Reid, Ph.D.
Associate Dean – Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success – Science
Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences

Trudy Kavanagh, PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success – Arts
Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences

  • Please note that it is your responsibility to develop a clear understanding of course expectations (e.g. attendance at live lectures, scheduled exams) and have access to the technology required to complete the course successfully. Every course is different, so be sure to check with your instructor and the course syllabus.
  • At minimum, you will need stable internet access and a computer to participate in online courses.
  • Additional technological requirements may include a computer with a microphone and a camera; please check with your instructor. We strongly recommend you test your technology before the add/drop deadline.
  • Please be kind to your instructor and use the office hours provided; it takes much longer to answer questions in emails than to answer questions in a live online session.
  • Carefully consider whether the online format works for you; if it does not, please withdraw by the add/drop deadline.
  • The last day to add a course or drop a course without a W (and tuition refund) is 11:59 PM PDT Friday, May 15, 2020.
  • The last day to drop a course with a W standing is 11:59 PM PDT Friday, June 12, 2020.
  • Courses that run in a compressed time period (e.g. May 11 to May 29, 2020) have different deadlines. Please email us for those deadlines: bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca.
  • CRDF is not available to ACEO, UNCO, UNCL, and VISO students.
  •  Students can request Credit/D/Fail standing for select courses until 11:59 PM PDT Friday, May 15, 2020.
  • Please review the list of courses that are eligible for Credit/D/Fail in IKBSAS.
  • You can find the link for the Credit/D/Fail application here for Summer Session Term 1 courses.
  • Opting for Credit/D/Fail may have substantial impacts on student loans and scholarships. If you have questions, please email sis.ubco@ubc.ca.
  • Courses that run in a compressed time period (e.g. May 11 to May 29, 2020) have a different deadline: 11:59 PM PDT Wednesday, May 15, 2020.
  • Late Withdrawal: If you wish to withdraw from a course after June 12, 2020, your request must accompanied with acceptable supporting documentation. Note that we will not approve any requests that claim problems with technology.
  • Out of Time Final Exam: Students must write their exams as stated in the course syllabus, regardless of the time of day at their home. All requests must be accompanied with acceptable supporting documentation.
  • Standing Deferred: Requests for standing deferred will be considered if the student has completed a minimum of 60% of the course evaluation, has achieved an average of at least 60% in the course work to date, has attended classes regularly, and has provided acceptable supporting documentation.

April 30 student email update: Cr/D/F form now available

Dear student,

You are receiving this email because you are a BA, BFA, BMS or BSc student.

Students can now see final grades for many courses. Some instructors are still marking assignments and final exams, with the goal of submitting final grades by May 4.

At this time, you may wish to review your grades and determine whether Cr/D/F standing or Late Withdrawal is an option.

Credit/D/Fail option:

Please carefully consider the implications of opting for Cr/D/F standing by reviewing these Frequently Asked Questions. In making any decisions, you may wish to consult with Academic Advising: advising.ubco@ubc.ca.

If you have concerns about the implications of Cr/D/F on financial assistance or awards, please email: sis.ubco@ubc.ca

For Faculty-specific information about courses excluded from the Cr/D/F option, consult these pages:

Irving K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences (do scroll down and review course exceptions for specific programs).

Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

You can find the form for Cr/D/F here.

You can submit the request form for Cr/D/F until 11:59 pm PDT on Wednesday May 6, 2020.

Late Withdrawal:

Please carefully consider the implications of requesting Late Withdrawal, especially for some student loans.

If you wish to withdraw from courses offered in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies (e.g. ENGL, FREN, CULT) complete this form and submit it to wendy.white@ubc.ca

If you wish to withdraw from courses offered in the Irving K Barber School of Arts & Sciences (e.g. ANTH, ECON, PSYO, BIOL, MATH) complete this form and submit it to bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca

You can submit the request form for Late Withdrawal until 11:59 pm PDT on Wednesday May 6, 2020.

Best wishes for a safe summer.

Jordan Stouck, PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies
Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

Scott D. Reid, Ph.D.
Associate Dean – Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success – Science
Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences

Trudy Kavanagh, PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success – Arts
Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences

 

Please carefully consider the implications of opting for Cr/D/F standing by reviewing these Frequently Asked Questions. In making any decisions, you may wish to consult with Academic Advising: advising.ubco@ubc.ca.

If you have concerns about the implications of Cr/D/F on financial assistance or awards, please email: sis.ubco@ubc.ca

For Faculty-specific information about courses excluded from the Cr/D/F option, consult these pages:

Irving K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences (do scroll down and review course exceptions for specific programs).

Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

You can find the form for Cr/D/F here.

You can submit the request form for Cr/D/F until 11:59 pm PDT on Wednesday May 6, 2020.

Please carefully consider the implications of requesting Late Withdrawal, especially for some student loans.

If you wish to withdraw from courses offered in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies (e.g. ENGL, FREN, CULT) complete this form and submit it to wendy.white@ubc.ca

If you wish to withdraw from courses offered in the Irving K Barber School of Arts & Sciences (e.g. ANTH, ECON, PSYO, BIOL, MATH) complete this form and submit it to bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca

You can submit the request form for Late Withdrawal until 11:59 pm PDT on Wednesday May 6, 2020.

April 14 student email update on Credit/D/Fail option

Credit/D/Fail Standing for courses offered by the Irving K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences.

Students may apply for Credit/D/Fail (Cr/D/F) standing in courses offered by the IKBSAS that were taken either as full-session (T1 and T2) courses, or taken during Term 2, of the 2019/20 (W2019) academic year; note that Cr/D/F standing is available ONLY for courses during this academic year, and does not apply to future academic sessions.   

Not all courses offered by the Faculty are eligible for Cr/D/F standing, and these are listed below by department and course acronym; the exceptions are courses where a minimum grade is required as a prerequisite for another course or admission to the Major or Honours, as well as independent study courses including some Directed Studies courses, Honours Thesis, and Capstone Project. If you are interested in pursuing a Major or Honours degree, please review the information for each program carefully.

We recommend that you complete your courses and wait until grades are released in late April before considering requesting Cr/D/F standing for any of your courses. The Cr/D/F request form will be made available late in the exam period. The deadline to submit the request is 11:59 PM PDT May 6, 2020.

NOTE: IKBSAS will NOT approve future requests from students to convert a Cr/D/F standing for a course to the originally-assigned percentage grade. When you request Cr/D/F standing for a course, it is a final decision.

Should a student change their program of study (including adding a declared specialization), and a course previously taken as Credit/D/Fail would not normally be acceptable to their new program of study, the new program of study may accept a Cr/D standing in place of a percentage grade. In such cases where a Credit or D standing is unacceptable to the new program of study, the Irving K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences will NOT consent to convert the Cr/D/F standing back to the original percentage grade. In such cases, the Faculty, at its discretion, may require the student to:

  • take the course again under its normal percentage basis (credit shall still be granted only once for the course under these circumstances);
  • take another comparable course in its place; or
  • not register in that program of study.
  • ANTHROPOLOGY (ANTH)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all ANTH courses.

    BIOLOGY (BIOL) INCLUDING BIOCHEMISTRY (BIOC)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all BIOL courses, EXCEPT for BIOL 440 and BIOC 449.

    CHEMISTRY (CHEM)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all CHEM courses.

    COMPUTER SCIENCE (COSC)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for most COSC courses, EXCEPT for:

    • COSC 111 and COSC 121. A minimum grade in these courses is a pre-requisite for subsequent COSC courses, and Cr/D standing is insufficient for admission to those courses.
    • COSC 310 (Software Engineering) and COSC 499 (Capstone Project). Both courses have a major team component, and are central to the degree.
    • COSC 449 (Honours Thesis) and COSC 499 (Capstone Project)

    Students who wish to complete Honours COSC should consider the following:

    • Students are encouraged to maintain percentage grades in all COSC courses, but the Computer Science program will allow Cr/D standing in up to one of the following courses: COSC 221, COSC 315, COSC 320, COSC 341, COSC 360, COSC 405, COSC 406, COSC 407 or COSC 421.

    DATA SCIENCE (DATA)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all DATA courses; however, students who wish to complete Honours in Data Science should consider the following:

    • Students who wish to complete Honours in Data Science are encouraged to maintain percentage grades in all DATA, COSC and STAT courses, but the Data Science Program will allow Cr/D standing in up to one of the following courses for admission to Honours: DATA 301, DATA 311, DATA 405, DATA 410, DATA 421, STAT 230, STAT 401, COSC 322 or COSC 360.

    EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (EESC)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all EESC courses, except EESC 449 (Honours Thesis); however, students who wish to complete Honours EESC should consider the following:

    • Students will continue to be admitted to Honours EESC based upon the required minimum grades of 76% from courses for which grades are available, but all other courses must have at least Credit (Cr) standing.
    • The Cr/D/F option is NOT available for EESC 449; field work and lab work should have been completed by March 2020, before the COVID-19 restrictions were initiated. Students who require more time to complete the thesis can apply for Standing Deferred, which are automatically approved this term.
    • Students who are currently enrolled in Honours EESC may apply for Cr/D/F in upper-level EESC courses, but require (i) a 76% minimum overall GPA for grades to the end of Term 1, W2019 plus the grade in EESC 449, and (ii) a minimum average of 70% in all upper-level EESC courses to the end of Term 1, W2019 plus the grade in EESC 449.

    The EEGS Department Awards Committee will base recommendations on available data. Students who elect the Credit (Cr) standing option may be at a disadvantage for awards that rely upon course grades as part of the adjudication criteria.

    ECONOMICS (ECON)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all ECON courses; however, students who wish to complete an Honours in Economics should consider the following:

    • Students who intend to complete a BA or a BSc Honours in Economics should NOT apply for Cr/D/F standing for ECON 204, ECON 205, MATH 100, MATH 116, MATH 101 or MATH 142; a minimum grade of 76% is required in these courses for admission to the BA or BSc Honours in Economics.
    • Students who are currently enrolled in the BA or BSc Honours in Economics, and who expect to graduate in June 2020, should NOT apply for Cr/D/F standing in any ECON courses; a minimum overall average of 76% in all ECON courses is a graduation requirement for Honours in Economics. Students may have Cr/D standing in a maximum of two courses that are not ECON courses; however, a minimum overall average of 76% is a graduation requirement for Honours in Economics.

    FRESHWATER SCIENCE (FWSC)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all FWSC courses, except FWSC 449; however, students who wish to complete Honours Freshwater Science should consider the following:

    • Students will continue to be admitted to Honours FWSC based upon the required minimum grades of 76% from courses for which grades are available, but all other courses must have at least Credit (Cr) standing.

    The EEGS Department Awards Committee will base recommendations on available data. Students who elect the Credit (Cr) standing option may be at a disadvantage for awards that rely upon course grades as part of the adjudication criteria.

    GENDER AND WOMEN’S STUDIES (GWST)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all GWST courses.

    GEOGRAPHY (GEOG)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all GEOG courses.

    GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCES (GISC)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all GISC courses.

    HISTORY (HIST)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all HIST courses; however, students who wish to complete an Honours in History should consider the following:

    • Students seeking admission to the Honours History Program are allowed Credit (Cr) standing for up to two courses, including HIST courses.
    • Students who are currently enrolled in the Honours History Program and seeking graduation with Honours History are allowed Credit (Cr) standing for up to two courses, including HIST courses.
    • Students seeking to graduate with Honours in History must take HIST 492 and HIST 499. Credit (Cr) standing will be accepted for both courses.

    INDIGENOUS STUDIES (INDG)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all INDG courses.

    INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS PROGRAM

    Admission into the International Relations Program is conditional on maintaining an average of 70% in either: (a) the last three terms as a full-time student; or (b) the last 30 credits as a part-time student. Courses with Cr/D standing will not be included in the calculation of the minimum average, though they contribute to the total number of courses taken.

    MATHEMATICS (MATH)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all MATH courses with the exception of MATH 125 and MATH 126 (a minimum 60% or higher is required in this course as a prerequisite for subsequent MATH courses); however, students who wish to complete Honours MATH should consider the following:

    • Students who wish to complete Honours Mathemmatics are encouraged to maintain percentage grades in all STAT and MATH courses, but the Mathematics program will allow Cr/D standing in up to one of the following courses: STAT 230, STAT 401, DATA 311, DATA 405, DATA 410 or MATH 307.

    PHILOSOPHY (PHIL)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all PHIL courses; however, students who wish to complete PHIL 491 (Directed Studies), or those who wish to complete a Major in Philosophy, should consider the following:

    • Approval of PHIL 491 (Directed Studies) requires a minimum grade average of 72% in all PHIL courses. Students with Cr/D standing in one or more PHIL courses must have a minimum grade average of at least 72% in at least two completed PHIL courses.
    • Admission into the Major in Philosophy requires an overall average of at least 70% in the PHIL courses completed. Students with Cr/D standing in one or more PHIL courses must have a minimum grade average of at least 70% in at least two completed PHIL courses.

    PHYSICS (PHYS)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all PHYS courses EXCEPT PHYS 122 (a minimum 68% is required in this course for subsequent courses); however, students who wish to complete Honours PHYS should consider the following:

    • Students who wish to complete Honours Physics are encouraged to maintain percentage grades in all PHYS courses, but the Physics Program will allow Cr/D standing in up to one PHYS course.

    POLITICAL SCIENCE (POLI)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all POLI courses.

    PPE PROGRAM

    Students who wish to apply for the Major in PPE, or are currently enrolled in the PPE program, should consider the following:

    • Students who intend to apply for but are NOT currently enrolled in the PPE major should not apply for Cr/D standing more than once for each of ECON, POLI and PHIL courses. A minimum average of 70% in each of the three disciplines is required for admission to the PPE program.
    • Students who are currently enrolled in the PPE major cannot have Cr/D standing in the thesis course: e.g. ECON 497, PHIL 497 and POLI 497.

    PSYCHOLOGY (PSYO)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all PSYO courses, EXCEPT for PSYO 372 and PSYO 373; the grades in these two courses determine whether a student is eligible for Honours Psychology.

    SOCIOLOGY (SOCI)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all SOCI courses.

    When a student applies for the Major in Sociology, the Sociology Program will allow Cr/D standing in courses in any discipline, including SOCI courses.

    STATISTICS (STAT)

    Cr/D/F standing is available for all STAT/MATH courses EXCEPT MATH 125 and MATH 126 (a minimum 60% or higher is required in this course as a prerequisite for subsequent MATH courses); however, students who wish to complete Honours STAT should consider the following:

    • Students who wish to complete Honours Statistics are encouraged to maintain percentage grades in all courses, but the Statistics program will allow Cr/D standing in up to one of the following courses: STAT 230, STAT 401, DATA 311, DATA 405, DATA 410, MATH 307.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all ANTH courses.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all BIOL courses, EXCEPT for BIOL 440 and BIOC 449.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all CHEM courses.

Cr/D/F standing is available for most COSC courses, EXCEPT for:

  • COSC 111 and COSC 121. A minimum grade in these courses is a pre-requisite for subsequent COSC courses, and Cr/D standing is insufficient for admission to those courses.
  • COSC 310 (Software Engineering) and COSC 499 (Capstone Project). Both courses have a major team component, and are central to the degree.
  • COSC 449 (Honours Thesis) and COSC 499 (Capstone Project)

Students who wish to complete Honours COSC should consider the following:

  • Students are encouraged to maintain percentage grades in all COSC courses, but the Computer Science program will allow Cr/D standing in up to one of the following courses: COSC 221, COSC 315, COSC 320, COSC 341, COSC 360, COSC 405, COSC 406, COSC 407 or COSC 421.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all DATA courses; however, students who wish to complete Honours in Data Science should consider the following:

  • Students who wish to complete Honours in Data Science are encouraged to maintain percentage grades in all DATA, COSC and STAT courses, but the Data Science Program will allow Cr/D standing in up to one of the following courses for admission to Honours: DATA 301, DATA 311, DATA 405, DATA 410, DATA 421, STAT 230, STAT 401, COSC 322 or COSC 360.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all EESC courses, except EESC 449 (Honours Thesis); however, students who wish to complete Honours EESC should consider the following:

  • Students will continue to be admitted to Honours EESC based upon the required minimum grades of 76% from courses for which grades are available, but all other courses must have at least Credit (Cr) standing.
  • The Cr/D/F option is NOT available for EESC 449; field work and lab work should have been completed by March 2020, before the COVID-19 restrictions were initiated. Students who require more time to complete the thesis can apply for Standing Deferred, which are automatically approved this term.
  • Students who are currently enrolled in Honours EESC may apply for Cr/D/F in upper-level EESC courses, but require (i) a 76% minimum overall GPA for grades to the end of Term 1, W2019 plus the grade in EESC 449, and (ii) a minimum average of 70% in all upper-level EESC courses to the end of Term 1, W2019 plus the grade in EESC 449.

The EEGS Department Awards Committee will base recommendations on available data. Students who elect the Credit (Cr) standing option may be at a disadvantage for awards that rely upon course grades as part of the adjudication criteria.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all ECON courses; however, students who wish to complete an Honours in Economics should consider the following:

  • Students who intend to complete a BA or a BSc Honours in Economics should NOT apply for Cr/D/F standing for ECON 204, ECON 205, MATH 100, MATH 116, MATH 101 or MATH 142; a minimum grade of 76% is required in these courses for admission to the BA or BSc Honours in Economics.
  • Students who are currently enrolled in the BA or BSc Honours in Economics, and who expect to graduate in June 2020, should NOT apply for Cr/D/F standing in any ECON courses; a minimum overall average of 76% in all ECON courses is a graduation requirement for Honours in Economics. Students may have Cr/D standing in a maximum of two courses that are not ECON courses; however, a minimum overall average of 76% is a graduation requirement for Honours in Economics.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all FWSC courses, except FWSC 449; however, students who wish to complete Honours Freshwater Science should consider the following:

  • Students will continue to be admitted to Honours FWSC based upon the required minimum grades of 76% from courses for which grades are available, but all other courses must have at least Credit (Cr) standing.

The EEGS Department Awards Committee will base recommendations on available data. Students who elect the Credit (Cr) standing option may be at a disadvantage for awards that rely upon course grades as part of the adjudication criteria.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all GWST courses.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all GEOG courses.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all GISC courses.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all HIST courses; however, students who wish to complete an Honours in History should consider the following:

  • Students seeking admission to the Honours History Program are allowed Credit (Cr) standing for up to two courses, including HIST courses.
  • Students who are currently enrolled in the Honours History Program and seeking graduation with Honours History are allowed Credit (Cr) standing for up to two courses, including HIST courses.
  • Students seeking to graduate with Honours in History must take HIST 492 and HIST 499. Credit (Cr) standing will be accepted for both courses.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all INDG courses.

Admission into the International Relations Program is conditional on maintaining an average of 70% in either: (a) the last three terms as a full-time student; or (b) the last 30 credits as a part-time student. Courses with Cr/D standing will not be included in the calculation of the minimum average, though they contribute to the total number of courses taken.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all MATH courses with the exception of MATH 125 and MATH 126 (a minimum 60% or higher is required in this course as a prerequisite for subsequent MATH courses); however, students who wish to complete Honours MATH should consider the following:

  • Students who wish to complete Honours Mathematics are encouraged to maintain percentage grades in all STAT and MATH courses, but the Mathematics program will allow Cr/D standing in up to one of the following courses: STAT 230, STAT 401, DATA 311, DATA 405, DATA 410 or MATH 307.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all PHIL courses; however, students who wish to complete PHIL 491 (Directed Studies), or those who wish to complete a Major in Philosophy, should consider the following:

  • Approval of PHIL 491 (Directed Studies) requires a minimum grade average of 72% in all PHIL courses. Students with Cr/D standing in one or more PHIL courses must have a minimum grade average of at least 72% in at least two completed PHIL courses.
  • Admission into the Major in Philosophy requires an overall average of at least 70% in the PHIL courses completed. Students with Cr/D standing in one or more PHIL courses must have a minimum grade average of at least 70% in at least two completed PHIL courses.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all PHYS courses EXCEPT PHYS 122 (a minimum 68% is required in this course for subsequent courses); however, students who wish to complete Honours PHYS should consider the following:

  • Students who wish to complete Honours Physics are encouraged to maintain percentage grades in all PHYS courses, but the Physics Program will allow Cr/D standing in up to one PHYS course.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all POLI courses.

Students who wish to apply for the Major in PPE, or are currently enrolled in the PPE program, should consider the following:

  • Students who intend to apply for but are NOT currently enrolled in the PPE major should not apply for Cr/D standing more than once for each of ECON, POLI and PHIL courses. A minimum average of 70% in each of the three disciplines is required for admission to the PPE program.
  • Students who are currently enrolled in the PPE major cannot have Cr/D standing in the thesis course: e.g. ECON 497, PHIL 497 and POLI 497.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all PSYO courses, EXCEPT for PSYO 372 and PSYO 373; the grades in these two courses determine whether a student is eligible for Honours Psychology.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all SOCI courses.

When a student applies for the Major in Sociology, the Sociology Program will allow Cr/D standing in courses in any discipline, including SOCI courses.

Cr/D/F standing is available for all STAT/MATH courses EXCEPT MATH 125 and MATH 126 (a minimum 60% or higher is required in this course as a prerequisite for subsequent MATH courses); however, students who wish to complete Honours STAT should consider the following:

  • Students who wish to complete Honours Statistics are encouraged to maintain percentage grades in all courses, but the Statistics program will allow Cr/D standing in up to one of the following courses: STAT 230, STAT 401, DATA 311, DATA 405, DATA 410, MATH 307.

April 14 student email about final exams

** Sent to all students registered in undergraduate IKBSAS courses**

Dear students:

The exam experience will be a little different this year, and we thought you might find it helpful to have some information about how to deal with possible problems during exams.

Check your exam schedule now, and ensure you have recorded the correct day, time, and location for each of your exams. Please set your alarm carefully for early morning exams.

Instructors will provide you with information about your final exams. Please read them very carefully and follow all instructions.

Out of Time Final Exam requests are not available during this exam period. If you are unable to write your exam at the scheduled day and time, please submit a request for Standing Deferred immediately: https://ikbsas.cms.ok.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/104/2019/05/standingdeferred25291.pdf. You only have to complete PART A, and then send it to the IKBSAS Dean’s Office: bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca

If you have problems while writing an online exam, especially with technology, inform your instructor immediately. If you cannot resolve the problem easily or quickly, it may be best to abandon the exam and submit a request for Standing Deferred  (https://ikbsas.cms.ok.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/104/2019/05/standingdeferred25291.pdf). You only have to complete PART A, and then send it to the IKBSAS Dean’s Office: bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca

Students with Standing Deferred in courses will be able to write a new exam sometime after May 4, 2020, once instructors have time to develop new exams and organise all students in their courses with Deferred Standing. Please note that students with a Standing Deferred for courses will NOT be able to apply for Cr/D/F standing for those courses since they have not been completed by the May 6, 2020 deadline for requesting Cr/D/F standing.

Remember that the following courses are taught in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, and you should consult their website for information on academic concessions and grading options (https://fccs.ok.ubc.ca/covid-19/): Art History, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, Digital Humanities/ Media Studies, English, Film, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Theatre, Visual Art, and World Literature.

While exams are now online, the Senate Policy on Examinations still apply: http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,41,89,1008.

In particular, the policy on student conduct still applies: http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/okanagan/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,959.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: IKBSAS bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca.

Remember to eat well and get plenty of sleep. Best wishes with your final exams!

Trudy and Scott

Trudy Kavanagh PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success – Arts
Chair, Women in Science & Engineering (WiSE) Mentoring Program
Irving K Barber School of Arts and Sciences | ASC 449
The University of British Columbia | Okanagan Campus
wise.ok.ubc.ca

Scott Reid, PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success – Science
Irving K Barber School of Arts and Sciences | SCI 379
The University of British Columbia | Okanagan Campus
ikbsas.ok.ubc.ca | twitter.com/ikbsas | facebook.com | instagram.com/

March 31 student email update on Credit/D/Fail option

Dear student,

You are receiving this email because you are taking at least one course in the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences.

On Thursday March 26, 2020, you received an email from the Provost indicating that Credit/D/Fail (Cr/D/F) standing would be provided as an option for undergraduate students in either full-session 2019W or Term 2 2019W undergraduate courses. This email explains what we are doing to provide you with that option.

First, you should be aware that for a variety of reasons, not all courses may be taken for Cr/D/F. At this time, we are compiling a list of courses that are ineligible for the Cr/D/F option, as well as additional recommendations, which we will make available no later than April 14, 2020 (the first day of exams).

Second, before requesting a Late Withdrawal or Cr/D/F standing for a course, we recommend that you explore fully the consequences of these decisions on student loans, for admission into undergraduate programs (e.g. PPE), award consideration, admission to graduate and professional programs, and external scholarships. It is your responsibility to ensure that a course with Cr/D/F standing complies with all regulations set out for your program. Unfortunately, at this time we do not yet have answers to your questions, though we will provide you with more detailed information no later than April 14, 2020.

Third, you should understand the process of applying for Cr/D/F. To be eligible for Cr/D/F, you must complete all the graded components of the course as normal. The instructor will submit the grades as normal, and the grade will appear on your student record as normal. After you have seen your final grades, you can:

  • Do nothing. The percentage grade stands
  • Request Late Withdrawal using the IKBSAS Late Withdrawal Form (deadline 11:59 pm PDT, May 6, 2020). The percentage grade is replaced with W.
  • Request Cr/D/F for one or more courses (deadline 11:59 pm PDT, May 6, 2020). If the percentage grade is 55 or higher, it is replaced with “Cr”; if the percentage grade is between 50 and 54, it is replaced with “D”; if the percentage grade is less than 50, it is replaced with “F”. The form to request Cr/D/F is being developed, and will be made available to you on April 14, 2020.

It will take some time to process the requests for Late Withdrawal and Cr/D/F standing, but these should appear on student records by the end of May 2020.Please note that once a student has submitted a request for Cr/D/F, it is a final decision; therefore, it is important that you make an informed and considered decision.

We appreciate your patience as we sort out the details and a process for handling these requests. In the meantime, if you have questions, please email Academic Advising (advising.ubco@ubc.ca), who will collect them on our behalf. We plan to provide you with answers to common questions as soon as possible, and no later than April 14, 2020.

Please note, any questions related to finances should be directed to: sis.ubco@ubc.ca.

We wish you the best as you complete your courses and prepare for the upcoming final exams.

Trudy Kavanagh PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success – Arts
Chair, Women in Science & Engineering (WiSE) Mentoring Program
Irving K Barber School of Arts and Sciences | ASC 449
The University of British Columbia | Okanagan Campus

Scott Reid, PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success – Science
Irving K Barber School of Arts and Sciences | ASC 452
The University of British Columbia | Okanagan Campus

March 24 student email update

** Sent on behalf of Dr. Scott Reid and Dr. Trudy Kavanagh, Associate Deans for Undergraduate Students **

Dear student,

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

You will have received an email from the Provost yesterday, March 23, 2020. In this email we provide details for courses you are taking in the Irving K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences, specifically:

  • how to request a withdrawal until 11:59 PM PDT, March 27, 2020
  • how to request Standing Deferred
  • the Credit/D/Fail option
  • how to express your concerns about changes to course syllabi

Late Withdrawal
You can request Late Withdrawal from your courses until 11:59 PM PDT, Friday March 27, 2020, and the request will be approved. Please complete the Late Withdrawal Request form, including the “Reason for Withdrawal” on the form, or in the email. Please provide as much detail about the reason you wish to withdraw from the course(s) as you are willing to share. Your explanation does not affect the decision (your withdrawal will be approved), but instead provides us with information that will help us with future planning.

Save the form as a PDF file, include your name in the filename, and send to the Dean’s office:  bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca.

If you do not receive a response from the IKBSAS Dean’s office to your email/request within 24 hours, please resend.

If you are concerned about potential impacts of Late Withdrawal on Student Loans, please email: sis.ubco@ubc.ca.

Standing Deferred
Please review the Policy for Deferred Standing in the Academic Calendar. Deferred Standing (or SD) allows the student additional time to complete a course when they are unable to do so during the regular term and final exam period. Normally, all course work must be completed by August 23. That may not be possible this summer, and we will consider how to deal with this deadline later.

If you wish to defer completion of the course, please complete the Request for Standing Deferred form. Please complete ONLY Part A, including the “Reason for Request”. Please provide as much detail about the reason you request Standing Deferred as you are willing to share. Your explanation does not affect the decision (your request for Standing Deferred will be approved), but instead provides us with information that will help us with future planning. DO NOT send the form to your instructor.

Save the form as a PDF file, include your name in the filename, and send to the Dean’s office:  bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca.

If you are concerned about potential impacts of Standing Deferred on your Student Loans, please email: sis.ubco@ubc.ca

If you do not receive a response from the IKBSAS Dean’s office to your email/request within 24 hours, please resend.

Credit/D/Fail
Please be aware that UBC’s Vancouver campus has had a policy for Credit/D/Fail for some time; however, there is no Credit/D/Fail policy on the Okanagan campus at this time. Credit/D/Fail is being presented to the Okanagan Senate for approval on Thursday, March 26, 2020. Details on how this option will be administered can only be provided after that approval is in place. We plan to send details to you by email on Friday morning, March 27, 2020.

We have received some questions and feedback about Credit/D/Fail from students, and we have informed senior administrators; thank you very much for taking the time to write us, and please be assured your comments are being carefully considered.

Academic Advising
If you have questions regarding which option is best for you, please connect with Academic Advising at advising.ubco@ubc.ca.

Financial Advising
If you would like to discuss the impact of the options in relation to your bursary, award, or scholarship eligibility, please contact awards.ubco@ubc.ca.

Health & Wellness
Staff in Health & Wellness are available to support you. Please contact: healthwellness.okanagan@ubc.ca.

Student questions and concerns about changes to the course syllabus
If you have questions or concerns about changes to the course syllabus, you should first contact your course instructor, state your concerns, and make your request. If you are reluctant to contact your instructor, or you are not satisfied with the response from the instructor, then contact the Department Head and repeat your concerns and your request. If you are not satisfied with that response, you should complete your course with the new model of course assessment as provided by your instructor. If you feel that the new model of course assessment has had a negative impact on your final grade, you have the right to appeal the outcome, first to the Faculty for confirmation of its final decision, and if necessary through an “Appeal of Academic Standing” (more information here about the process). Appeals should be submitted to Gina DeVeaux, Academic Governance Officer, Senate and Curriculum Services, Office of the Senate (gina.deveaux@ubc.ca). We recommend you save all emails related to this situation, and we always hope for a mutual understanding without having to follow all these steps.

Please realize that instructors are doing their best to allow you to complete their courses successfully, and it may not be possible to accommodate your request.

Summer Session
The decision was made yesterday that there will be NO in-person classes offered during summer session. Courses that cannot be offered are being removed, and courses that are able to move to online delivery will be offered. This will take a few weeks to resolve.

Final note
Please be patient – it may take us a day or more to respond to your emails, but we are working hard to ensure your needs are being met and that you have the opportunity to complete your semester successfully.

 

Trudy Kavanagh PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success – Arts
Chair, Women in Science & Engineering (WiSE) Mentoring Program
Irving K Barber School of Arts and Sciences | ASC 449
The University of British Columbia | Okanagan Campus

Scott Reid, PhD
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Services and Success – Science
Irving K Barber School of Arts and Sciences | ASC 452
The University of British Columbia | Okanagan Campus

You can request Late Withdrawal from your courses until 11:59 PM PDT, Friday March 27, 2020, and the request will be approved. Please complete the Late Withdrawal Request form, including the “Reason for Withdrawal” on the form, or in the email. Please provide as much detail about the reason you wish to withdraw from the course(s) as you are willing to share. Your explanation does not affect the decision (your withdrawal will be approved), but instead provides us with information that will help us with future planning.

Save the form as a PDF file, include your name in the filename, and send to the Dean’s office:  bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca.

If you do not receive a response from the IKBSAS Dean’s office to your email/request within 24 hours, please resend.

If you are concerned about potential impacts of Late Withdrawal on Student Loans, please email: sis.ubco@ubc.ca.

Please review the Policy for Deferred Standing in the Academic Calendar. Deferred Standing (or SD) allows the student additional time to complete a course when they are unable to do so during the regular term and final exam period. Normally, all course work must be completed by August 23. That may not be possible this summer, and we will consider how to deal with this deadline later.

If you wish to defer completion of the course, please complete the Request for Standing Deferred form. Please complete ONLY Part A, including the “Reason for Request”. Please provide as much detail about the reason you request Standing Deferred as you are willing to share. Your explanation does not affect the decision (your request for Standing Deferred will be approved), but instead provides us with information that will help us with future planning. DO NOT send the form to your instructor.

Save the form as a PDF file, include your name in the filename, and send to the Dean’s office:  bsasdeansoffice.ubco@ubc.ca.

If you are concerned about potential impacts of Standing Deferred on your Student Loans, please email: sis.ubco@ubc.ca

If you do not receive a response from the IKBSAS Dean’s office to your email/request within 24 hours, please resend.

Please be aware that UBC’s Vancouver campus has had a policy for Credit/D/Fail for some time; however, there is no Credit/D/Fail policy on the Okanagan campus at this time. Credit/D/Fail is being presented to the Okanagan Senate for approval on Thursday, March 26, 2020. Details on how this option will be administered can only be provided after that approval is in place. We plan to send details to you by email on Friday morning, March 27, 2020.

We have received some questions and feedback about Credit/D/Fail from students, and we have informed senior administrators; thank you very much for taking the time to write us, and please be assured your comments are being carefully considered.

If you have questions regarding which option is best for you, please connect with Academic Advising at advising.ubco@ubc.ca.

If you would like to discuss the impact of the options in relation to your bursary, award, or scholarship eligibility, please contact awards.ubco@ubc.ca.

Staff in Health & Wellness are available to support you. Please contact: healthwellness.okanagan@ubc.ca.

If you have questions or concerns about changes to the course syllabus, you should first contact your course instructor, state your concerns, and make your request. If you are reluctant to contact your instructor, or you are not satisfied with the response from the instructor, then contact the Department Head and repeat your concerns and your request. If you are not satisfied with that response, you should complete your course with the new model of course assessment as provided by your instructor. If you feel that the new model of course assessment has had a negative impact on your final grade, you have the right to appeal the outcome, first to the Faculty for confirmation of its final decision, and if necessary through an “Appeal of Academic Standing” (more information here about the process). Appeals should be submitted to Gina DeVeaux, Academic Governance Officer, Senate and Curriculum Services, Office of the Senate (gina.deveaux@ubc.ca). We recommend you save all emails related to this situation, and we always hope for a mutual understanding without having to follow all these steps.

Please realize that instructors are doing their best to allow you to complete their courses successfully, and it may not be possible to accommodate your request.

The decision was made yesterday that there will be NO in-person classes offered during summer session. Courses that cannot be offered are being removed, and courses that are able to move to online delivery will be offered. This will take a few weeks to resolve.

Please be patient – it may take us a day or more to respond to your emails, but we are working hard to ensure your needs are being met and that you have the opportunity to complete your semester successfully.

March 15 student email update on IKBSAS courses

The email below was sent to IKBSAS students registered in ANTH, ECON, HIST, INDG, PHIL, POLI, SOCI courses on March 15, 2020

From Associate Deans, Trudy & Scott

Dear student,

We are aware that you may have questions about how you will complete your courses now that in-class instruction has moved to an on-line format. This email provides you with some answers about all undergraduate and graduate courses you are taking in the Irving K Barber School of Arts and Sciences (IKBSAS). Please ensure that you monitor your health and the health of those around you, and engage in best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  1. UBC communications and messages from your instructors. UBC’s responses to COVID-19 are guided by recommendations from the Provincial Health Authority. Please make sure that you check your email regularly to get the most up-to-date information. Your instructors will also be writing you about changes to their courses as a consequence of directives from the Provincial Health Authority.
  2. Classes have moved to an on-line format. The IKBSAS Dean’s office has decided that for all courses offered in the IKBSAS, all in-class lectures, tutorials and labs are cancelled. At this time, the university remains open to faculty, staff and students, but this may change. We will update you as the situation changes.
  3. Graduate students. Seek advice from your research supervisor about expectations related to research work that must be conducted on campus and/or work in the community. At this time, the campus is open to faculty, staff and students, but this may change.The College of Graduate Studies will be issuing additional messaging related to annual evaluations and thesis defenses. Please check your email regularly.
  4. GTAs and UTAs. Since all labs and tutorials are cancelled, you will not be TAing for the remainder of the term. Your TA salaries will not be impacted by the cancellations. Instead of regular TA duties, you may be asked to assist instructors with the transition of their courses to an on-line format, or assist with marking.
  5. Final exams are NOT cancelled. Information regarding final exams will be shared next week. UBC is working on the possibility of offering remote exams; however, until those plans are in place, assume that exams will take place as scheduled on campus. Some students have enquired whether they can go home since classes have moved to on-line instruction. At this time, please stay on campus if you intend to write final exams and complete your courses.
  6. Cancelled in-class assessment (e.g. mid-term exams, presentations, labs, lab exams). Please be patient and wait for your instructors to inform you about changes to course assessment. They will do so as soon as possible. Some mid-term exams may be delivered on-line next week.
  7. On-line teaching and learning. Your professors will require some time to move to on-line teaching. This will not be easy for certain disciplines. Bear in mind that your professors are excellent in-class teachers, and some have little to no experience with online teaching; please be patient and understanding.
  8. Office Hours. Your instructor will inform you how they plan to deliver office hours in a remote fashion.
  9. Students who are accommodated through the Disability Resource Centre (DRC). If you have any questions, please email your advisor.
  10. Withdraw deadline. Please remember that Friday March 20, 2020 is the withdraw deadline. Please review your grades in all your courses, and withdraw from courses if you are concerned about failing.
  11. What we don’t know at this time. The situation with COVID-19 is changing rapidly and there are a number of things we don’t know at this time. However, some common academic-related questions and answers are provided below:
  12. Are we cancelling graduation ceremonies?
    At this time, UBC congregation/convocation ceremonies are scheduled to proceed in May/June 2020 at UBC Vancouver/UBC Okanagan, though we are considering alternatives should that be required.
  13. Are we proceeding with spring and summer sessions?
    The announcement about transitioning to on-line applies only to the remainder of the current term. At this time, we are consulting with health agencies regarding spring and summer sessions. We will update the community if there is a change. For now, we are assuming that we will return to normal operations by the time of spring session.
  14. How about final exams? Doing it on-line too?
    We are working on the possibility of remote exams now. However, until we are directed by health agencies to change exam delivery, students should plan for on-campus exams. Information regarding exams will be shared next week.
  15. Will the library still be open if we need books for papers?
    Yes, all university operations, including the libraries, are open as normal. We will update the community if that changes.


We understand that this is a stressful time for everyone. Please be assured that your instructors, and our office, are doing all we can to support you and ensure your academic success.

Jennifer Janok
Student Support Assistant
to Associate Deans, Dr. Trudy Kavanagh, Dr Scott Reid

UBC’s responses to COVID-19 are guided by recommendations from the Provincial Health Authority. Please make sure that you check your email regularly to get the most up-to-date information. Your instructors will also be writing you about changes to their courses as a consequence of directives from the Provincial Health Authority.

The IKBSAS Dean’s office has decided that for all courses offered in the IKBSAS, all in-class lectures, tutorials and labs are cancelled. At this time, the university remains open to faculty, staff and students, but this may change. We will update you as the situation changes.

Seek advice from your research supervisor about expectations related to research work that must be conducted on campus and/or work in the community. At this time, the campus is open to faculty, staff and students, but this may change.The College of Graduate Studies will be issuing additional messaging related to annual evaluations and thesis defenses. Please check your email regularly.

Since all labs and tutorials are cancelled, you will not be TAing for the remainder of the term. Your TA salaries will not be impacted by the cancellations. Instead of regular TA duties, you may be asked to assist instructors with the transition of their courses to an on-line format, or assist with marking.

Information regarding final exams will be shared next week. UBC is working on the possibility of offering remote exams; however, until those plans are in place, assume that exams will take place as scheduled on campus. Some students have enquired whether they can go home since classes have moved to on-line instruction. At this time, please stay on campus if you intend to write final exams and complete your courses.

Please be patient and wait for your instructors to inform you about changes to course assessment. They will do so as soon as possible. Some mid-term exams may be delivered on-line next week.

Your professors will require some time to move to on-line teaching. This will not be easy for certain disciplines. Bear in mind that your professors are excellent in-class teachers, and some have little to no experience with online teaching; please be patient and understanding.

Your instructor will inform you how they plan to deliver office hours in a remote fashion.

Please remember that Friday March 20, 2020 is the withdraw deadline. Please review your grades in all your courses, and withdraw from courses if you are concerned about failing.

At this time, UBC congregation/convocation ceremonies are scheduled to proceed in May/June 2020 at UBC Vancouver/UBC Okanagan, though we are considering alternatives should that be required.

The announcement about transitioning to on-line applies only to the remainder of the current term. At this time, we are consulting with health agencies regarding spring and summer sessions. We will update the community if there is a change. For now, we are assuming that we will return to normal operations by the time of spring session.

We are working on the possibility of remote exams now. However, until we are directed by health agencies to change exam delivery, students should plan for on-campus exams. Information regarding exams will be shared next week.

Yes, all university operations, including the libraries, are open as normal. We will update the community if that changes.