undergraduate student, UBC Okanagan (UBCO)
Transformative learning
We place “learning-by doing” at the core of the educational model, especially through student research, giving students varied opportunities to reflect and reason based on real events — a process we know enriches and deepens learning.
Directorates involved
- Indigenous Programs & Services
- AVPS Office
- Academic & Career Advising
- Student Engagement & Learning
- Global Engagement Office;
- Wellbeing & Accessibility Services
- Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office
- Athletics & Recreation
Alignment with Student Strategic Plan Strategies
- 3.0 Local & Global Experiential Learning
- 8.0 Student Life & Communications
- 4.0 Advancement of Social Justice through Anti-Racism & Sustainability
- 6.0 Indigenous Engagement & Decolonization
Academic Supports
Student Learning Hub
The Student Learning Hub (SLH) is a one-stop-shop for free and flexible learning supports and resources for all UBCO students. Examples of services and supports available through the SLH are listed below.
Exam Jam
Exam Jam is an all-day event aimed to help students de-stress, manage their time, develop productive study habits, review course content, and learn about academic integrity. Activities include exam preparation, Supplemental Learning exam reviews for specific courses, supported study with tutors, drop-in writing and more. Exam Jam sees more than 500 students participate in three annual events: one in late September with a focus on midterm prep, and one each in December and April with focus on final exam prep.
Learning Strategist
The Learning Strategist helps students reach their highest academic potential by using educational, diagnostic, and interview data to understand each student as a learner and encouraging positive change to learning and studying practices.
15
%
average grade increase for students who work
average grade increase for students who work
with the Learning Strategist 3+ sessions in one term
Supplemental Learning
Supplemental Learning (SL) provides an opportunity for students to improve their grades and confidence through peer-facilitated study sessions for UBCO’s most challenging courses. SL is offered for 17 courses with high failure rates.
5
%
average end-of-term grade increase for
average end-of-term grade increase for
students who regularly attend SL sessions
Experiential Education
Indigenous Research Mentorship Program
The Indigenous Research Mentorship Program is an opportunity for self-identified Indigenous undergraduate students to gain practical research and laboratory experience while working with a UBC Okanagan faculty member or post-doctoral fellow. About 13 students participate in the program each year, which is funded through Excellence funding, and 20 past participants have gone on to pursue graduate studies.
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors are jointly supported by the Career Development Team and the Provost’s Office to connect undergraduate students with research opportunities. Examples of initiatives led by the Ambassadors include a monthly newsletter with more than 360 subscribers, pop-up information booths, and an Undergraduate Research Showcase.
Go Global
Go Global offers a series of programs including in and outbound academic exchange programs for one or two terms that allow students to earn UBC credits while studying abroad; as well as short-term international opportunities that are between two-12 weeks in duration. Go Global annually supports around 170 outbound students participating in Exchange, Summer Study, Summer Research Placements, and Faculty-led Global Seminars and around 130 inbound students participating in Exchange or as Visiting International Research Students.
170
outbound students supported annually
130
inbound students supported annually
Community Service Learning
Community Service Learning (CSL) offers students opportunities to connect classroom learning with real life experiences in the community. CSL includes three key components: service that meets community needs, academic content, and critical reflection in which participants analyze their experiences, attitudes, and beliefs, and how these were shaped or changed by the project. The focus of CSL is not only learning, but also service. The goal of CSL is to educate students about their roles as engaged citizens and leaders in their communities.
“A big THANK YOU to [our community partner] for the tremendous work that you do in our community … I am grateful for the unique chance to work with you on a community service-learning project through UBCO. I am proud to have contributed to a local non-profit doing so much good in my community and I look forward to doing so again in the near future.”
— Student CSL participant
Work Study
Work Study is a work experience program that, in partnership with faculty and staff, offers outstanding workplace learning experiences for students in labs, libraries, service delivery, and administrative offices. Positions are highly sought after – In research, campus life programming, and other workplace experiences. The program provides a minimum wage subsidy to support faculty and staff in creating outstanding student employment opportunities where students can: develop workplace skills; explore potential career paths; expand their networks; and gain insight into personal and professional growth through hands-on experience and reflection.
$
800,000
+
in funding allocated annually
65
employer projects
employer projects
funded
250
+
student workplace learning experiences created
“This opportunity has allowed me to connect to many individuals with different careers, backgrounds, and specializations, expanding my awareness of numerous career paths.
Additionally, I have been able to connect what I’ve learned in the classroom to a professional setting and gain important research skills.”
— 4th Year Earth & Environmental Science Student
