Student FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs have been compiled to help UBC students during the current COVID-19 outbreak. 

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all questions and answers for students. 

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Teaching and Learning

Financial Support and Resources

Health and Wellbeing

UBC Facilities and Services

Events and Graduation Ceremonies

Travel

Teaching and Learning

  • What is UBC’s approach for fall 2020?

    What is UBC’s approach for fall 2020?

    During fall 2020, UBC will primarily offer larger classes online with selected smaller classes conducted in-person, adhering to physical distancing and other public health requirements. We will maintain a clear focus on ensuring high-quality face-to-face instruction, where possible, and high-quality remote instruction. This approach is based on the current guidelines and direction of the Provincial Health Officer, public health agencies, and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. Individual Faculties will share updates about specific programs in due course.

    Read the full announcement

  • Where can I get support with learning remotely?

    Where can I get support with learning remotely?

    The Keep Learning website offers resources and tips to help you learn effectively, get to know online teaching technologies used at UBC and also take care of yourself while learning online.

  • What is UBC doing to address academic assessment and course concessions?

    What is UBC doing to address academic assessment and course concessions?

    We recognize that the recent transition to online learning has been challenging. Our intention is to provide an opportunity, wherever possible, for students to complete 2019 Winter Term 2.

    There is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution to academic assessment and associated regulations, but various options to make changes do exist. Decisions around academic regulations and variances to them (concessions) are primarily the domain of Faculties and the Dean. Students are advised to contact their Home Faculty Academic Advising Office at UBC Vancouver or the Academic Advising office at UBC Okanagan to explore what options may be available to them.

    Graduate students at UBC Vancouver should review the Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Assessment FAQs.

  • Are final exams going to be online?

    Are final exams going to be online?

    Online instruction will continue and final exams will not take place in person. You will be provided details on arrangements for exams through your Faculties and course instructors, as soon as possible.

  • Is UBC proceeding with spring and summer sessions?

    Is UBC proceeding with spring and summer sessions?

    In light of the COVID-19 situation, and in continued support of physical distancing, Term 1 of Summer Session (May 11 – June 18) and Term 2 of Summer Session (July 6 – Aug. 13) at UBC Vancouver, UBC Okanagan and UBC Robson Square will be online. The Summer Session for Vantage One (Arts, Science and Engineering) programs will also be online.

    Read the full announcement

  • I’m worried that my academic accommodations aren’t being met with remote teaching and evaluation methods. What should I do?

    I’m worried that my academic accommodations aren’t being met with remote teaching and evaluation methods. What should I do?

    Inform your instructor of your concerns and request the changes you require. Include your accessibility advisor in the request and work with the Centre for Accessibility at UBC Vancouver, or the Disabilities Resource Centre at UBC Okanagan, who can support the process of improving accessibility.  

  • What is the status of overseas programs?

    What is the status of overseas programs?

    UBC has cancelled all upcoming international programs for students. Further, the Vancouver Summer Program for both June and July has been cancelled. Students affected will be contacted directly and the university will work with them to determine how the university can help best meet their needs.

  • Will there be any academic concessions for students who are supposed to travel to COVID-19 affected areas as part of their studies and whose programs abroad are cancelled?

    Will there be any academic concessions for students who are supposed to travel to COVID-19 affected areas as part of their studies and whose programs abroad are cancelled?

    UBC will work with students on a case-by-case basis to determine how best to support them.

Financial Support and Resources

Health and Wellbeing

UBC Facilities and Services

Events and Graduation Ceremonies

  • Will there be an in-person graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020?

    Will there be an in-person graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020?

    Spring Graduation: A virtual spring graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 was held on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 for UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan. 

    UBC is committed to holding an in-person graduation ceremony when it’s safe to bring people together again. Further details will be available at www.graduation.ubc.ca and www.graduation.ok.ubc.ca.

    Fall Graduation: As restrictions on events and mass gatherings continue as a result of COVID-19 and guidelines from public health authorities, considerations are currently underway about how fall graduation will be held. Please visit www.graduation.ubc.ca for updated information as available.

  • What is the status of events?

    What is the status of events?

    In-person events, both indoor and outdoor, may be permitted, with the approval of the relevant Dean, VP or designate, if the following criteria are met. These criteria apply to all on-campus and off-campus in-person events, for all UBC campuses and sites, and includes those organized by students, faculty, staff and alumni. This is in effect from July 1 to September 1, 2020.

    Criteria – In-person events may be permitted if:

    A) An event lead can answer ‘yes’ to the following four questions:

    1. Is it endorsed by the overseeing Dean, VP or designate?
    2. Is this a one-time, episodic occurrence?
    3. Will there be no more than 50 patrons in attendance, with additional staff and/or service providers commensurate with physical distancing requirements?
    4. Does the event fall into a category either permitted under the current phase under the Province’s Restart plan (e.g. recreation) or not otherwise specifically addressed by the province in any phase?

    and B) a COVID-19 operational and safety plan (Vancouver | Okanagan) has been prepared for the event venue and/or for the event category;

    and C) VANCOUVER CAMPUS-LED EVENT: the COVID-19 operational and safety plan has been reviewed by the UBC COVID-19 Safety Planning Steering Committee and Executive, where considered high-risk.

    or OKANAGAN CAMPUS-LED EVENT: a COVID-19 safety plan has been prepared for the event that is consistent with the event venue/category COVID-19 Safety Plan or approved by the COVID 19 Resumption Planning and Coordination Committee.

  • What is the status of UBC sports facilities and programming?

    What is the status of UBC sports facilities and programming?

    Athletics & Recreation has closed a number of facilities and programming. For the latest information, visit the relevant website below:

    UBC Vancouver Athletics and Recreation
    UBC Okanagan Athletics and Recreation

Travel

Last updated on June 30, 2020 @2:50 pm PDT