University of British Columbia

About UBC

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC’s West Coast spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. Its entrepreneurial perspective encourages students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

Overview

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC’s West Coast spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. Its entrepreneurial perspective encourages students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

VISION & VALUES

As one of the world’s leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

  • Academic Freedom : The University is independent and cherishes and defends free inquiry and scholarly responsibility.
  • Advancing and Sharing Knowledge : The University supports scholarly pursuits that contribute to knowledge and understanding within and across disciplines, and seeks every opportunity to share them broadly.
  • Excellence : The University, through its students, faculty, staff, and alumni, strives for excellence and educates students to the highest standards.
  • Integrity : The University acts with integrity, fulfilling promises and ensuring open, respectful relationships.
  • Mutual Respect and Equity : The University values and respects all members of its communities, each of whom individually and collaboratively makes a contribution to create, strengthen, and enrich our learning environment.
  • Public Interest : The University embodies the highest standards of service and stewardship of resources and works within the wider community to enhance societal good.

Strategic Priorities

As one of the world’s leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.The University provides the opportunity for transformative student learning through outstanding teaching and research, enriched educational experiences, and rewarding campus life.

  • The University creates and advances knowledge and understanding, and improves the quality of life through the discovery, dissemination, and application of research within and across disciplines.
  • The University serves and engages society to enhance economic, social, and cultural well-being.
  • The University engages Aboriginal people in mutually supportive and productive relationships, and works to integrate understandings of Indigenous cultures and histories into its curriculum and operations.
  • The University engages its alumni fully in the life of the institution as valued supporters, advocates, and lifelong learners who contribute to and benefit from connections to each other and to the University.
  • The University engages in reflection and action to build intercultural aptitudes, create a strong sense of inclusion, and enrich our intellectual and social life.
  • The University creates rich opportunities for international engagement for students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and collaborates and communicates globally.
  • The University provides a fulfilling environment in which to work, learn, and live, reflecting our values and encouraging the open exchange of ideas and opinions.
  • The University explores and exemplifies all aspects of economic, environmental, and social sustainability.

Campus Life

Student life at UBC is created by enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to discover. In other words, it is yours to create. The Vancouver and Okanagan campuses provide a diverse range of cultural, recreational and social activities for students at UBC. With so many choices, students can learn new skills or sports; discover talents they never knew they had and make friendships that will create memories for a lifetime.

Community

The vibrant life of UBC is experienced through the many diverse community activities and events that make up the social, cultural, and recreational spirit on both campuses. Whether you are looking for something to do or something to watch, the UBC community provides a dynamic menu of choice year-round for students, staff, faculty, and the public to enjoy and participate in.

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