Professional Development
Please find below a list of some of the professional development resources that are available to you. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and while we try to keep this list up-to-date, please confirm the details with the program manager as they are subject to change without notice.
- AAPS Professional Development Program
- Programs by UBC HR
- Professional Development Offered by Departments
- Professional Development Funding through UBC
- Career Development and Networking
- Other Resources
AAPS Professional Development Program
The AAPS PD program offers day-long, half-day, as well as lunchtime sessions on a variety of topics to support members’ workplace development and provide opportunities for members to network with AAPS colleagues. Areas of focus include Workplace Skills, Management & Leadership Skills, and Work/Life Effectiveness. The AAPS PD Program is open to AAPS members only and there are not fees to attend the sessions. For more program information and to view upcoming sessions, please click here.
Programs by UBC HR
UBC's Workplace Learning Site
A site from UBC HR that houses many of their learning programs and workplace trainings.
Managing @ UBC
If you are a new to UBC or a new promoted manager or director, consider UBC's Managing@UBC program.
Coaching @ UBC
Have you ever taken a PD program and thought, “this was great information, but I how do I use this in my office?” Tried to implement a process and weren’t sure how to go about it? Are you looking to make a move in your job? Or maybe everything is great with your work, but you are wondering how you can build on your strengths and interests? If you are looking to improve your leadership skills, relationships at work, or even your general enjoyment of work, perhaps coaching is the next step for you.
Coaching @ UBC offers 1-on-1 Coaching Services to AAPS members free of charge.
Click here to learn more about Coaching@UBC
Online Learning
UBC staff can access to LinkedIn Learning and is available at no individual charge.
Learning and Development at Okanagan Campus
UBC HR Okanagan hosts a variety of workshops and events. Please follow this link for a full list.
Professional Development Offered by Departments
Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT)
- Wordpress and Wiki drop-ins
- programs relating to education and technology
- community of practice
- education program and in-department training
- Finance Training
- career development programs are open to all staff
- DIY Studio spaces
- community resources, programs and potential funding opportunities
- programs, volunteering
- Okanagan Campus
Professional Development Funding through UBC
M&P Staff Professional Development Fund
The M&P Staff PD Fund is negotiated by AAPS as part of your Collective Agreement and is administered by UBC Human Resources.
Funding can be used for a wide variety of professional development activities for you professional growth in the workplace including:
- workshops
- courses
- conferences
- travel to conferences
- coaching
- subscriptions
- apps
- professional memberships and designations (not required for your job)
- books
Please follow this link for more information
UBC Tuition Waivers
UBC Tuition Waivers (sometimes called the Tuition Fee Benefit or Tuition Credit) have been negotiated as part of your Collective Agreement. You can put them towards approved Extended Learning, Graduate, or Undergraduate courses. You can transfer your tuition waivers to a child or spouse for undergraduate courses only. More information.
Department Funding
UBC departments are responsible for providing sufficient professional development funds for members of staff. Each department budgets funds accordingly. AAPS members should approach the person they report to with any plans for professional development and should seek departmental funding to support those plans. The individual funds provided for in the AAPS collective agreement are NOT a replacement for departmental PD funds. Rather the individual funds are in addition to departmental funds.
As per article 14.3.1 in the Collective Agreement, In those circumstances when the University requires an employee to have and to maintain professional accreditation as a condition of employment (such as Registered Psychologist, Medical Doctor, Chartered Accountant), the University will pay the professional accreditation fee. The M&P Fund should not be used meet this requirement.
Career Development and Networking
Programs though UBC groups:
- Career Development (UBC HR)
- UBC Job Postings
- UBC Hiring Solutions (temporary & permanent staffing at UBC, formerly Staff Finders)
- Coaching@UBC
- Career Counselling through the Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Hot Lunch Series at Pont Grey
- Pit Stop at Okanagan
External Groups and Resources:
- Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO)
- UBC is a member so all staff are considered members, they have an annual conference as well as ongoing PD
- Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA)
Other Resources
There are a wide variety of programs and discounts provided to you by your employer UBC. Point Grey Campus in Vancouver also has a number of facilities that you have access to with your staff card. If you have specific questions about sick leave, accommodations, bullying/harassment or other leaves, please contact AAPS for a confidential conversation.
- UBC Workplace Health
- UBC Okanagan Workplace Health
- Ergonomics
- UBC Mindfulness & Meditation Community
- Employee and Family Assistance Program: Health Coaching, Nutrition, Stress, Financial, Fitness, Professional Counselling, Family Support
- Athletics and Rec | Intramurals | Bodyworks Fitness | The Hanger at Okanagan Campus
- Arts and Culture
- Museums and Galleries
- Gardens
- UBC Farm
- Corporate Perks
- Benefits Newsletter
- Healthy UBC Newsletter
- Okanagan Exchange Newsletter