Updated: August 29, 2005
Plans are progressing well for the opening of UBC Okanagan in September. With input from faculty, staff and students, the Opening Committee has established dates for a series of events signaling to the world that UBC Okanagan is here. A list of acknowledgements to those who contributed to the events is available.
Many of these events are open to the public, and others are planned for faculty, staff and students on campus.
| Date | Event |
| Aug. 31 | Faculty and Staff Welcome Back BBQ |
| Sep. 1 | Welcome Ceremony by Okanagan Nation Alliance |
| Sep. 6 | Upper Division Student Orientation |
| Sep. 7 | First-Year Student Orientation |
| Sep. 8 | Official Opening Events
|
| Oct. 15 | Portuguese Cultural Festival |
1st Annual Faculty & Staff Welcome Back BBQ
Location: UBC Okanagan Courtyard
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
By Invitation
Faculty and staff are invited to lunch in the scenic UBC Okanagan courtyard for plenty of food, fun, and a chance to win great prizes. This informal get-together (no big speeches… well, maybe one quick one) is your chance to meet new colleagues and reconnect with everyone as we begin an exciting first year at UBC Okanagan.
Sep. 1
Welcome Ceremony by Okanagan Nation Alliance
Location: UBC Okanagan Gymnasium
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
By Invitation
“Knaqs npi’lsmist”
The Okanagan Nation Alliance welcomes UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College to their traditional territory in an official ceremony. This special ceremony features drummers, singers and dancers, and is followed by a reception for guests.
A PDF version of the invitation is available.
Sep. 6 and 7
Student Orientation
Location: Campus-wide
All UBC Okanagan students
Upper Division Orientation — Tuesday, Sep. 6
First-Year Orientation — Wednesday, Sep. 7
The UBC Okanagan student orientation program is called Create UBC Okanagan and “create” is one of the campus-wide themes for our inaugural year. Students have a unique opportunity to help create the culture of the new university.
There’s free food, a live band, great prize draws for things like free tuition, iPods, free parking, airfare, and more! Oh, and save room for rootbeer floats -– a UBC September tradition sure to become a favourite with UBC Okanagan students.
Start the day in small group sessions with students, faculty and staff to chat about campus life. Then you’re on to an inspiring invocation ceremony, followed by a chance to get to know the people in your department.
Learn more about UBC Okanagan student orientation days.
Sep. 8
Official Opening Events
UBC Okanagan welcomes guests, students, faculty and staff to celebrate the official opening of our new university campus in Kelowna. Formal and informal events help mark this occasion.
Formal ceremony with academic procession
Location: UBC Okanagan Gymnasium
Time: 12:30 p.m.
By Invitation
Academic Colloquium
Location: UBC Okanagan Gymnasium
Time: 3 p.m.
Open to the public.
A prestigious panel of presidents, including UBC President Dr. Martha Piper, President Euh Yoon-dae (Korea University), President Monte Cassim (Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University), President Shih Choon Fong (National University of Singapore), and President Rafael Rangel Sostmann (Tec de Monterrey, Mexico), will discuss the role of universities and global citizenship.
Free music concert
Location: UBC Okanagan Gymnasium
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Open to the public.
UBC Okanagan extends a warm welcome to music lovers throughout the Okanagan to attend this extraordinary recital featuring performances from The UBC Opera Ensemble, The UBC Wind Symphony, and The Penticton Academy of Music Children’s Choir.
Campus Life Showcase
Location: UBC Okanagan Courtyard
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Open to all UBC Okanagan students
Here’s a super chance to see all of the great opportunities and resources UBC Okanagan has to offer — clubs, course unions, student government, student services, student research, employment, and much more.
Oct. 15
Portuguese Cultural Festival
Location: UBC Okanagan Campus
Time: To be announced
Open to the public
The UBC Okanagan community will celebrate the culture of Portugal, and also recognize the achievements of Dr. Carlos Teixeira, who recently received one of Portugal’s highest civilian honours — the Ordem do Infante D’Henrique, for his academic work on the Portuguese in Canada. Dr. Teixeira is a faculty member at UBC Okanagan and previously was assistant professor of geography at Okanagan University College.
For more information, contact us by e-mail at opening@okanagan.ubc.ca.
