Content warning: This piece contains mention of residential schools.
Life at UBC has changed a lot since 2020. The last academic year has been a unique one — the return to in-person classes amid a pandemic came with a whole slew of challenges.
Our writers have been working hard over the last year to cover some of the most impactful stories on campus this year. Whether it was UBC missteps, lapses in student support or geopolitical tensions, this article is a snapshot of some of the most impactful stories over the last year at UBC.
Here are our ten biggest news stories.
May 30, 2021: Following criticism, UBC to review honorary degree given to former principal of Kamloops Indian Residential School
By Nathan Bawaan
Following the discovery of 215 Indigenous childrens’ remains on the grounds of Kamloops Indian Residential School, community members called on UBC to revoke the honorary degree it gave to former Kamloops Principal Bishop John O’Grady in 1986. The university soon announced that the Senate would conduct an “expedited” review of O’Grady’s degree — but almost a year later there has been no indication that a decision has been made.
August 26, 2021: UBC announces new COVID-19 testing, vaccine disclosure policies ahead of the start of fall classes
By Charlotte Alden and Nathan Bawaan
After months of worry that students might be coming back to campus with no vaccine or mask mandate, this was UBC’s last-minute response: a soft vaccine mandate of sorts. Questions lingered throughout the year on how well UBC was actually mandating this policy. The university discontinued the program in March 2022.
September 7, 2021: UBC's frats made a promise to not host public parties. They broke it.
By Nathan Bawaan and Tova Gaster
In February 2020, the Interfraternity Council (IFC) said it would “permanently ban” open social events following drugging allegations from several female students in 2019. But during Jump Start in 2021, many of the frats hosted a party almost every night, which appeared to break their 2020 promise — and raised concern around the spread of COVID-19.
September 20, 2021: Students face long waits, registration issues at the Nest's federal election polling site
By Charlotte Alden and Paloma Green
Elections Canada did not run the Vote on Campus program — which allows students to vote in their home riding through a polling station on university campuses — during the 2021 federal election. The three-hour long wait some UBC students had to endure to vote was a consequence of that decision.
September 26, 2021: Two students dead from single vehicle collision early this morning
By Charlotte Alden
A reckless driver on NW Marine Drive caused a tragedy on UBC’s campus this year. Two first-year students died after the driver veered onto the sidewalk and struck the students. A memorial quickly grew on the site of the crash, as the loss hung heavy over the UBC community.
October 3, 2021: Crowds flood Main Mall for Intergenerational March on first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
By Owen Gibbs
Last September, Canada observed the first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. To mark this, UBC’s STEM faculties hosted an intergenerational march where thousands of students and community members gathered to listen to survivors of the residential school system and remember the Indigenous children who didn’t make it home.
October 26, 2021: AMS Food Bank saw nearly 2,500 visits in the last five months
By Alexandra Fuster
A long line outside of the AMS Food Bank was nearly an everyday occurrence over the last year. The Food Bank’s visits increased significantly over the last year, likely due to lingering impacts of the pandemic.
January 18, 2022: AMS increases student mental health coverage to $1,500
By Sarah Wong
After two years of a pandemic and a year of online school, this extra mental health coverage came at just the right time. The AMS approved a temporary $500 increase to its mental health coverage in the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan. A permanent increase may require a fee increase, but this year’s increase was covered by money from the Health and Dental Reserve Fund.
January 22, 2022: ‘I felt disgusted': A rat was spotted, removed from Open Kitchen serving station
By Alexandr TaeHwan Kim
The spark of a political movement. The humble beginnings of a martyr and almost-successful AMS presidential candidate, the rat in Open Kitchen made us laugh this year, and made us question the quality of residence dining.
March 1, 2022: ‘All my life is in Ukraine': Students call on UBC, student body for support amid Ukraine invasion
By Nathan Bawaan and Colby Payne
As conflict was breaking out in Eastern Europe, students with ties to Ukraine at UBC were turning to activism as a means of raising awareness around the issue. Their calls for action included helping Ukrainian students attain refugee status and financial aid. Thank you to the three students who shared their stories for this piece; we recognize the time and emotional labour you put in to make it possible.