The 2023 call for proposals to the Aspire-2040 Learning Transformations (ALT-2040) Fund is now open.
The 2023 ALT-2040 Fund supports course and program innovation, student experience enhancement and educational resource development at UBC Okanagan. Selection of funded projects is guided by the transformative learning strategies of Shaping UBC’s Next Century and UBC Okanagan teaching and learning priorities expressed in aligned plans and reports (e.g. Outlook 2040, Indigenous Strategic Plan, Declaration of Truth and Reconciliation Commitments, Strategic Equity and Anti-Racism (StEAR) Framework, and Climate Emergency Task Force Report).
The ALT-2040 Fund enriches student learning experiences through three distinct funding streams:
All proposals are due by 3:00 pm on May 15, 2023. All projects must meaningfully transform UBCO students’ learning experiences with an implementation focus and scope consistent with the funding stream. Preference is given to projects that align with one or more of the ALT-2040 Priority Focus Areas.
For additional information about the three funding streams and the application process and deadlines, please visit the ALT-2040 website. For other inquiries, please contact:
Michelle Lamberson,
Director, Flexible Learning Special Projects
altfund.ok@ubc.ca.
Dear colleagues,
If you are in a leadership/supervisory role and manage others, whether you are faculty or staff, you are invited to attend the upcoming Heads Up Forum on Tuesday, March 14 from 2 to 3:30 pm in the University Centre Ballroom (UNC 200). Registration for this session is required.
The post Invitation: Heads Up Forum appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.
Photo by Emilio Freire
The impressive skills of undergraduate researchers were on full display at the Undergraduate Research Showcase that took place in January. Eight student panellists presented their unique undergraduate research pathways and shared how research experiences have enhanced their studies. Students shared their experiences and participation in groundbreaking research projects in topical and emerging fields, such as diabetes prevention, eating disorder recognition, diagnosis and treatment, anti-racism initiatives, and more.
The event was hosted by the Undergraduate Research Ambassadors. Inspired by their own research experiences, Undergraduate Research Ambassadors offer peer support and information to help their fellow students to navigate research opportunities at UBC Okanagan. While several opportunities to connect virtually took place over the pandemic, the showcase was an opportunity to come together and connect in person to raise awareness of undergraduate research experiences at UBC Okanagan. The Undergraduate Research Ambassador program is led by Academic Operations and Services in the Office of the Provost with partners in the Academic and Career Advising Office.
For updates on future undergraduate research events and opportunities, sign up for the mailing list here.
Meet Kirsten BennettRole: Senior Manager, Strategic Projects
Kirsten Bennett first joined UBC Okanagan in 2012, supporting the campus in several roles before taking a position with the Office of the Provost in 2019. She currently works as Senior Manager, Strategic Projects and has previously served in a number of capacities with the Office of the Provost, including managing campus internationalization and supporting student online learning initiatives during the pandemic. Kirsten completed her undergraduate studies (BA) in History and International Development Studies at Dalhousie University and holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Calgary.
In my role, I work closely with Heather Berringer, Associate Provost, Academic Operations and Services, to advance strategic objectives and projects at UBC Okanagan in the area of learning services. I really enjoy the variety of projects that I get to work on, including developing new programming to support students accessing undergraduate research opportunities, coordinating academic integrity initiatives across campus, and co-chairing UBC’s Roundtable on Experiential Education with colleagues at UBC Vancouver. I have been able to explore new partnerships and build relationships with faculty, staff and students to move these initiatives forward.
We recently launched the Academic Integrity Digest, a cross-campus newsletter that seeks to expand engagement and conversation around academic integrity issues impacting teaching and learning at UBC. The first issue focuses on the advance of generative artificial intelligence technologies (e.g. Chat GPT), a topic of much conversation lately. I look forward to working on future issues of the newsletter and other initiatives that help us connect as a community around the awareness and promotion of academic integrity.
I enjoy working in an environment that offers continuous learning and opportunity, and I found that at UBC Okanagan. Throughout my ten years at UBC, serving in a number of roles, I have had many opportunities to develop professionally and build supportive relationships. Our campus is a place where people care about one another and are passionate about their work. This is why I have continued to build my career at UBC Okanagan, and I feel privileged to work with so many great people. The campus has also grown significantly, and it has been exciting to witness this development and the changes that growth brings. I look forward to the changes still to come, including the expansion of UBC into downtown Kelowna.
I live in West Kelowna, and I have a rather large and boisterous dog that needs a lot of exercise. Lately, I have been exploring the hiking trails around the Rose Valley reservoir. There is a particular spot at the top of one of the trails that provides an amazing view of both Okanagan Lake and the reservoir with the mountains behind it. You feel so close to the city yet so removed at the same time. I love that this is in my backyard.