A word from Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor
The University of British Columbia is one of the most vibrant places of research, teaching, and innovation in the world. A large part of what makes our institution unique is the community of engaged faculty, staff, students, and partners who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.

As we reflect on how far the university has come over the last 100 years, it is exciting to think about what the future holds. Moving into our second century, new ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches will open up possibilities for researching, teaching, and working at UBC. Over the next five years, our strategic plan, Shaping UBC’s Next Century and the Focus on People 2025 framework will guide and support us as we strive to make UBC a first-choice place to learn and work.
Focus on People 2025 was founded on your ideas and is connected with plans and initiatives across the university. In 2018, over 1,500 faculty, staff, and students shared their insights on what will inspire them to study and work at UBC in 2025. To help us create an inspiring workplace, the framework identifies four “catalyst” areas. Each takes a look at why this effort matters, what the numbers say, what UBC will look like in the future, and the actions to get us there.
I am confident that the bold steps we take together as a community focused on inclusion, collaboration, and innovation will keep UBC well positioned as a world-leading public university. I am looking forward to building that bright future with you all.
Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor
We acknowledge that UBC’s two main campuses are located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Syilx (Okanagan) peoples.
UBC Values
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Respect
- Academic Freedom
- Accountability

What will inspire you to work at UBC in 2025?
Focus on People 2025 identifies four “catalyst” areas. Each catalyst takes a look at why it matters, what the numbers say, what UBC will look like in the future, and the actions to get us there.
I am part of a diverse, inclusive, safe and vibrant workplace
I can grow my career
I am shaping the future of research, teaching and work
I am inspired by diverse leaders who live UBC’s values
Timeline:
NOVEMBER 2017
Over 6,000 faculty and staff participated in the Workplace Experience Survey
SUMMER 2018
Stakeholder interviews and research
FALL 2018
Consultation survey with over 1,500 faculty, staff and student responses
APRIL 2019
Focus on People 2025 presented to Board of Governors
SUMMER 2019
Begin implementing Focus on People 2025