News Archive

Meet Kirsten Bennett

Role: 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.

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO IN THE OFFICE OF THE PROVOST.

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.

WHAT UPCOMING PROJECTS OR CURRENT INITIATIVES ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

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.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT UBC OKANAGAN?

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.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE OKANAGAN ACTIVITY OR SPOT AND WHY?

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.