Dean’s Message for LFS Community Connects: August 2020
It’s been six months since we’ve had to make a quick pivot into our new virtual existence.
I don’t know where the time has gone – fall is just around the corner, which means we are preparing for students to resume classes. This year our Term 1 session will be taught remotely. That means our incoming students will miss the on-campus experiences that often mark the start of new friendships.
The university is working very hard to ensure our students, especially our new students, have a positive social and academic experience. Imagine Day – which is typically marked by club tables lined up along Main Mall, pep rallies and a grand finale concert – will be virtual this year. Our enthusiastic LFS Undergraduate Society will be holding online Welcome Week festivities from Sept. 14-18.
Our faculty members have spent the summer testing technology and figuring out how to virtually integrate students into the community to ensure they can fulfill practicum requirements and continue to do valuable community-based projects. It’s been quite an adjustment for our instructors and while there may be hiccups along the way once we roll out Term 1, I can see they are truly invested in seeing our students thrive and succeed.
In addition, UBC researchers have been returning to campus in phases since June. As with most workplaces, we have to ensure we adhere to guidelines to safeguard the health and safety of our graduate students, faculty and staff members.
I hope that you and your families are doing well during these unusual times. I always enjoy hearing from our alumni and friends, so don’t hesitate to drop me a line and let me know your latest news.
Please stay safe, and take care.
Rickey Yada
Professor and Dean
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