I am providing some information relevant to all members of our community today – a potpourri if you will. As always, feel free to submit questions to unbccommand@unbc.ca and visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) website for updates pertinent to the UNBC community. 

In today’s update:

• Student Funding Support
• Practicing Safety in our Research
• Our Graduates Leading the Way Student Funding Support

Student Funding Support

Last week the provincial government announced funding that UNBC can use to support domestic, B.C. students in need. Our student awards team has built out the application process that you can access by clicking the “myUNBC” link in the top right corner of UNBC’s homepage. Then click the “Awards and Financial Aid” link in the “Applications” section. You’ll want to find the "BC COVID Emergency Fund Bursary" application.  Please note that these funds are meant to offset some of the stresses incurred during this current semester – they are not meant to support anticipated future costs. 

I know that many of our out-of-province and international students are seeking support. We are working on this matter in partnership with various Ministries and will provide more information when it becomes available.

I also know this situation is extraordinarily stressful; thank you for your ongoing patience as we work our way through the situation.

Practicing Safety in our Research

Many of our faculty would normally be ramping up preparations for a robust research program in the coming months. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has meant we all have to adjust our practices, and research is no different. If you are able to delay research activity, or change the focus to activities conducted at home, please do so. However, I trust individual researchers to determine whether critical activities must continue, either in laboratories or in the field. In all cases, strict adherence to physical distancing principles is required. Please remember to notify safety@unbc.ca, and provide a project risk assessment form to ensure the appropriate supports and safeguards are in place. More information regarding this topic will be posted on the Office of Research website in the coming days.

Our Graduates Leading the Way

Today is World Health Day, a day championed by the World Health Organization. This year’s focus is on nurses and midwives, so I thought I would share a story regarding UNBC’s very own nursing graduates. We received the following message from Julie Odynak, RN, BScN, a clinical instructor in our School of Nursing and Manager, Community Programs with Northern Health:

“Over the past weeks I have observed (UNBC nursing graduates) rise impressively in the face of COVID. They are scared but resilient and bravely go to work each shift. They are asked now, perhaps more than ever before, to trust what has been taught and what they have learned.  They are advocating, using their collective voices and confidence to comfort families, guide junior staff, and steady each other. I feel there is a lot for UNBC to be proud of and this has never been more visible than now.”  

I am aware many of our graduates are making tremendous contributions here in the North and further afield especially during these uncertain times. We are very proud of all of them, and I am happy to be working with all of you as we prepare the next generation to take on the mantle of leadership. The last few weeks has demonstrated to me that our UNBC community always rises to the challenge!

Thank you, and be safe!

Geoff Payne
UNBC Interim President and Vice-Chancellor