Events
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Oct 14
Steep Steps & The Retrofit: A Discussion on Academic Ableism by Dr. Jennifer Gagnon
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us for a facilitated discussion of Jay Dolmage’s Academic Ableism, exploring how ableism shapes academic spaces, practices, and institutions. The session will offer an opportunity to reflect collectively on accessibility and consider how we can identify and address barriers within our own contexts.The discussion will focus particularly on two chapters from the book: “Steep Steps” and “The Retrofit,” which offer useful frameworks for thinking about accessibility, institutional structures, and the ways academic environments can create or reinforce barriers.Participants will be invited to engage in conversation and share reflections, experiences, and ideas for creating more accessible spaces. The session will also include opportunities to discuss practical approaches and activities related to accessibility.We recommend skimming the chapters before attending this discussion. Both chapters are available as open-access readings through JSTOR:“Steep Steps” (Dolmage, 2017, Chapter 1, pp. 41–66)“The Retrofit” (Dolmage, 2017, Chapter 2, pp. 67–98) Dr. Jennifer M. Gagnon (she/they) (PhD, Political Science, University of Minnesota, BA, UBC) is a Lecturer in the School of Journalism, Writing, and Media. She is the creator and President of UBC’s Disability Affinity Group which works towards the goals of community care and Disability Justice (https://disabilityaffinitygroup.ubc.ca). She was the EDI Scholar in Residence with UBC Library for 2025/2026 and served on UBC’s Accessibility Committee 2023-2026. She has taught in a wide range of programs including Academic Writing, Classics, International Education, Equity and Inclusion, Political Science, Violence Prevention, and more. Her research is interdisciplinary and embraces topics in Disability Studies, political theory, qualitative methods, accessible healthcare, substance use disorders and disability rights, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), feminism, and gender. As a scholar in Disability Studies, her research focuses on academic ableism, gender, intersectionality, and Disability Justice. She is the PI for the Disabled Voices Project which aims to surface the narrative experiences of Disabled people in post-secondary settings. As an advocate, she leads workshops on Disability Justice, accessibility, consent culture, safer supply, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. She is a recipient of the 2021 Killam Teaching Prize at UBC which recognizes excellence in teaching innovation. Dr. Gagnon identifies as a bisexual settler and Disabled person, and strives to bring her whole self to her advocacy, teaching and research. She is also a board member with Heeling Assistants Canada, which provides professional-quality service dog training to disabled people raising and training their own service dogs. This event is offered as a part of Access Quest.
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Oct 14
SBME Graduate Program Information Session – Application Overview
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Join this webinar to learn how you should prepare for your graduate application. Meet the admission team and hear them share information on admission requirements, application timeline, and engage in a conversation to have your application questions answered.
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Oct 19
Access Quest Walking Tour
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Join us for an Access Quest Walk through CEME, KAIS first floor, and MCLD first floor! This tour will be facilitated by Jen Pelletier. We will explore bathrooms, seating areas, classrooms, and more. We will learn to notice what works and what doesn't in fulfilling people's needs. Some spaces may have both!This even is offered as a part of Access Quest. Join us to learn how to identify Gold Stars and Barriers across campus.The route includes elevator access at CEME and level, hard-floor surfaces throughout the rest of the route. Please note that the KAIS lobby tiles can become slippery when wet. We will convene together at 12:55 PM in the CEME ground-floor lounge together to begin the event.Jen Pelletier (she/her) is the Senior Manager of Administration in UBC Mechanical Engineering who provides strategic leadership across departmental operations, human resources, and community initiatives. She is a committed advocate for EDI and accessibility - Jen has contributed extensively to initiatives that support more inclusive and accessible environments across UBC.Through her work with departmental and Applied Science EDI and Indigeneity committees, as well as her involvement in initiatives supporting women and underrepresented communities in engineering, Jen has championed efforts to create more equitable experiences for students, faculty, and staff. She has also been a strong advocate for accessibility and disability inclusion at UBC.
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Oct 23
Designing Accessible Spaces: Introducing UBC'S Accessible Building Guidelines!
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Join Fiona Jones, Accessible Buildings Planner at UBC Facilities, for a conversation about the newly launched Accessible Building Guidelines (ABGs). In this webinar, we will explore what accessibility can look like across UBC’s built environments. This will enable us to envision how different features and designs can support people’s needs and how to notice what makes a space work well for people with disabilities. Fiona will also connect the ABGs to the types of accessibility barriers and gold stars you may encounter through Access Quest, helping us better understand what makes a space more or less accessible and why certain design features work well for different people.The ABGs establish a vision for meaningful accessibility at UBC and identify better-practice features that can inform decisions throughout the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and spaces. By considering accessibility early in the planning process, the ABGs help ensure that accessibility is thoughtfully incorporated into the way spaces are designed and experienced. Fiona will share her expertise on accessibility planning at UBC, including examples of barriers to access and gold stars that can make spaces more accessible and welcoming. This session is an opportunity to learn how to look at the built environment through an accessibility lens and think about what works, what could be improved, and what design features can better support people’s needs.For more comprehensive information, please check out the Accessible Building Guidelines here. Fiona Jones is the Accessible Buildings Planner within UBC Facilities’ Capital Planning + Development team. She brings extensive expertise in architecture and inclusive design, with a focus on developing accessibility guidelines for new and existing buildings. Her work supports projects in aligning with Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) and the Accessible B.C. Act. Previously, Fiona served as Knowledge Manager of Inclusive Design at HCMA, where she contributed to research on the cost of accessibility and the development of inclusive design strategies. She is an RHFAC Professional and previously served on the program’s Technical Subcommittee.
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Nov 3
November 2026 MHLP Online Information Session
10:00am - 11:00am
Ready to take your career to the next level? Attend our online information session to learn how the UBC Master of Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP) program can help you build advanced skills in healthcare leadership, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in your profession. This information session is for clinicians who are looking to enhance their leadership capabilities, drive innovation in healthcare, and advance their careers through a unique interdisciplinary graduate program.Explore how the Master of Health Leadership and Policy in Clinical Education can advance your career.What to Expect:Learn about the unique structure of the MHLP programs and how they combine leadership development with advanced clinical knowledge.Understand the program’s eligibility requirement and how to determine if you’re eligible to apply.Understand the application process, requirements, and key deadlines.Get your questions answered by our Student Recruitment expertsConnect with our team and discover how UBC can support your career aspirations.Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and start planning your future with the UBC MHLP. Register now to secure your spot. Click here to register for the session.
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Nov 4
November 2026 MEL Online Information Session
8:00am - 9:00am
Ready to take your career to the next level? Attend our online information session to learn how the UBC Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) program can help you build advanced technical skills, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in your profession. This information session is for engineers, architects and technical professionals who are looking to enhance their leadership capabilities, drive industry innovation, and advance their careers through a unique interdisciplinary graduate program.Explore how the Master of Engineering Leadership can advance your career.What to Expect:Learn about the unique structure of the MEL programs and how they combine leadership development with advanced technical knowledge.Understand the program’s eligibility requirement and how to determine if you’re eligible to apply.Understand the application process, requirements, and key deadlines.Get your questions answered by our Student Recruitment expertsConnect with our team and discover how UBC can support your career aspirations.Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and start planning your future with the UBC MEL. Register now to secure your spot. Click here to register for the session.
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Nov 4
UBC Mining Engineering Graduate Programs Info Session
8:00am - 9:00am
Ready to take your career to the next level? Attend our online information session to learn how the UBC Mining Graduate Programs can help you build advanced technical skills, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in your profession.This information session is for university graduates and professionals who are looking to enhance their mining industry knowledge, drive industry innovation, and advance their careers through a unique graduate program.Explore how the Mining Graduate Programs can advance your career.What to Expect:Learn about the difference between a Professional Masters (MENG) and Research (MASC) MastersLearn about the unique structure of the MENG and how it combines a paid internship experience with advanced technical knowledge.Understand each programs' eligibility requirements and how to determine if you’re eligible to apply.Understand the application process, requirements, and key deadlines.Get your questions answered by our Student Recruitment expertsConnect with our team and discover how UBC can support your career aspirations.Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and start planning your future with a UBC Mining Graduate Programs. Register now to secure your spot.Zoom access details will be emailed upon registration.
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Nov 18
SBME Graduate Program Information Session – MEng Program Overview
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Join the webinar to learn about our professional program opportunities at School of Biomedical Engineering. Get information on course-based MEng program and its various pathways. In addition, learn about how adding Engineering In Scrubs program to your degree helps to further your professional preparedness.ng.
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Dec 16
SBME Graduate Program Overview – Early Acceptance
3:30pm - 4:30pm
This year, SBME is offering the option for students to complete application for early admission review. Join this webinar to learn more about programs eligible for early admission offer, and understand the application and admission timeline.A zoom link for the session will be sent to your email upon registration.
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Jan 6
SBME Graduate Program Overview – Finalize Your Application
3:30pm - 4:30pm
As application closes in January, join the webinar to have your admission questions answered by our admission team.