Coronavirus Update: April 2, 2020 - 4:45 p.m.

April 2, 2020

We have some student-focused items to update you on today. I continue to be impressed by the flexibility, patience and commitment our students are demonstrating during such a trying time. Thank you all for choosing to attend UNBC – your contributions to our community cannot be understated.

In today’s update:

  • Funding Support for Critical Needs
  • Students Staying in Touch
  • Supporting our Students in Housing

Funding Support for Critical Needs

We saw an important announcement from the provincial government this morning, who allocated $3.5 million in emergency financial assistance for domestic B.C. students at the province’s 25 public post-secondary institutions. Our outstanding staff, including the terrific team in the financial aid office, is working through the process of supporting applicants in need. Students can send requests to awards@unbc.ca; we thank you for your patience as we work out the logistics.

We also know that international and out-of-province students face some unique challenges, and we are working with the provincial government on that front as well.

We have students who are facing extremely challenging situations; this funding supplements UNBC’s existing emergency funding available, so a big thank you to Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training and all her colleagues in provincial government!


Students Staying in Touch

A few updates ago I wrote to you about a number of virtual student events developed in partnership by our Housing and Student Life teams. We are committed to providing our students with fun and inclusive ways to connect, so I’m pleased to say the first event was a tremendous success, with close to 50 students participating! In these times of self-isolation, it’s critical to maintain our social connections while adhering to the practice of physical distancing. I’m told that while these events are geared towards bringing students together, staff and faculty are welcome to participate as well. Links to upcoming virtual, social events are listed on UNBC’s events section of the website.


Supporting our Students in Housing

Many students choose to live in Residence for the convenience factor; proximity to the Prince George campus and its numerous supports and services coupled with Residence programming and a strong sense of community makes living on campus a positive experience. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly challenged the way we support students who remain in Residence at UNBC. Not every student can relocate, so it is essential that those who remain feel welcome and well supported.

This is why our staff have made every effort to reach out individually to our remaining residents to better understand their unique situation and needs. They have also established an additional phone line to allow a greater volume of in-depth conversations with students.

We’ll continue to find creative ways to deliver programming and continue to support our students during these difficult times; it’s a top priority of the Housing and Residence Life Team. As we work toward this new normal, I know our Housing and Residence Life team will continue to be innovative and create a housing environment that is altogether safe, supportive and connected for our students.

Keep sending your questions through to unbccommand@unbc.ca and keep visiting our website. Until tomorrow, take care of yourself and those around you.

Thank you!

Geoff Payne,
UNBC Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

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