UBC Okanagan Events Calendar

Dissertation Defence: Seismic Behaviour of Reinforced Concrete Columns Retrofitted with Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix
2025-12-18 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Online virtual event
Moustafa Mansour, supervised by Dr. Ahmad Rteil, will defend their dissertation titled “Seismic Behaviour of Reinforced Concrete Columns Retrofitted with Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering.
An abstract for Moustafa Mansour’s dissertation is included below.
Examinations are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Please email ahmad.rteil@ubc.ca to receive the Zoom link for this exam.

Abstract
Many old reinforced concrete (RC) structures are inadequately designed against earthquakes, which could result in catastrophic consequences. Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) is a relatively new composite material offering unique advantages, making it a viable alternative to other conventional materials for strengthening existing concrete structures. However, a comprehensive understanding of this material’s impact on retrofitting reinforced concrete columns under seismic loads has yet to be explored. The objectives of this study were to experimentally and numerically investigate the seismic behaviour of RC columns retrofitted with carbon FRCM jackets and to identify their vulnerability to earthquakes. In the experimental program, four large-scale RC columns were tested. The columns had a 300 mm diameter circular cross-section and a 1720 mm height. The columns had deficiency in their seismic reinforcement detailing in the plastic hinge region. The studied parameters included the longitudinal reinforcement ratios (1.1% and 2.6%) and the area of the FRCM strengthening system (0, 1 or 2 layers). The columns were subjected to a quasi-static lateral cyclic loading, and the seismic performance was evaluated in terms of the failure mode, load capacity, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation. In the numerical study, a fibre-based model was developed using OpenSees framework and was validated against the experimental results. The developed numerical model incorporated nonlinear constitutive laws for concrete, steel reinforcement, and the FRCM system. The model also included the effect of the FRCM confinement and its matrix as well as the bond–slip interaction. The developed numerical model was utilized to conduct a seismic fragility assessment, aiming to predict the performance of the columns under real earthquake events. The results of this study revealed that the retrofitted columns had an enhanced overall seismic response where the lateral confinement action of the FRCM jacket either delayed or prevented rebar buckling. In addition, the experimental observations highlighted the progressive failure of the FRCM system and the association of this behaviour with the structural performance of the retrofitted columns. The numerical analysis revealed that FRCM jacketing is an effective retrofitting technique for improving the seismic fragility of seismically deficient RC columns.

Instructional Skills Workshop for faculty and postdocs
2025-12-18 09:00 - 16:00 | Science Building (SCI), 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
The Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) is an internationally certified program designed to increase teaching effectiveness and encourage reflection on teaching practice.
The workshop is 24 hours long and is typically conducted over four days. The ISW approach is founded on several core activities which include:

participant-led mini-lessons
participant-led feedback
and theme sessions

Confidentiality, peer support and facilitator guidance will all contribute to the success of the workshop.
Given the structure of the ISW, registration is limited, and enrolment is on a first-come-first-serve basis with priority for participants in the Teaching Development Program. Registrants will be advised three weeks prior to the workshop whether they are confirmed or on a waitlist.
There is currently a waitlist for this workshop.
Learn more about the ISW and offerings in 2025/26.

Bachelor of Education Information Session
2025-12-18 15:30 - 16:30 | Online virtual event
Join us for an information session to learn more about UBCO’s Bachelor of Education (BEd) program. This session is designed to provide you with insights into the admissions requirements, application process, program highlights and more! The session will be comprised of a brief presentation and an opportunity to ask questions.
REGISTER now
Can’t make the session? Reach out to us at education.ubco@ubc.ca if you have any program questions! We will also email the highlights of the presentation and the questions asked following the session if you join our Interested BEd Applicant Email list.

Friday Weekly Writing Community
2025-12-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Online virtual event
Tired of solo writing sessions? Craving a supportive environment to fuel your creativity? Look no further than our weekly writing community, tailored for the UBC Okanagan community.
Your projects, your progress
Bring your own research and writing projects to the table! The writing community provides dedicated time for you to focus on your individual writing goals. Get ready to boost your productivity and make progress on your writing projects, all within a supportive community environment.
What you’ll experience:
Each session is dedicated to your independent writing time. You can look forward to writing alongside others who, like you, are independently working on their own writing projects and goals.
Highlights of the community:

Your time to write: Join our weekly sessions with your writing and research materials ready, and take full advantage of this opportunity to write without distractions.
Write together: Achieve your individual writing goals alongside other members of the UBCO community.
Guided structure: Participate in the Pomodoro technique, expertly facilitated by the Centre for Scholarly Communication.
Inclusivity: From undergraduates to faculty, everyone in the UBCO community is welcome.

You’re invited to be part of this enriching community that builds community and fosters productivity. Register now and come prepared to amplify your writing endeavours. Let’s turn solitary writing into a group effort and make getting things done a community experience.
REGISTER NOW
Questions? Please contact the CSC at csc.ok@ubc.ca.

Focus together: body doubling work sessions
2025-12-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-29 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Online virtual event
Join a weekly virtual community space for body doubling and deep work.
Feeling stuck in a work routine and curious about starting your week in a new way? Want to try a different way of working that can help reduce distractions and help you focus on the task at hand? Looking for the time and space to get a project started or across the finish line?
Focus together: body doubling work sessions might be right for you! Join us for a quiet, structured coworking time.
Sessions run on Mondays from 10 am to 12 noon via Teams from November 10, 2025, to April 27, 2026 (excluding December 29, 2025).
Register Here

Thesis Defence: Evaluating the Energy and Environmental Performance of a Single-Family House Using Building Information Modelling and Life Cycle Assessment
2026-01-02 13:00 - 17:00 | Online virtual event
Mahsa Hojjatian, supervised by Dr. Sumi Siddiqua and Dr. Babak Tosarkani, will defend their thesis titled “Evaluating the Energy and Environmental Performance of a Single-Family House Using Building Information Modelling and Life Cycle Assessment” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering.
An abstract for Mahsa Hojjatian’s thesis is included below.
Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Please email sumi.siddiqua@ubc.ca to receive the Zoom link for this defence.

Abstract
In Kelowna, British Columbia, rapid urban growth and regional wildfire risk increase the need for single-family housing that is low-carbon and wildfire-resilient. To address this need, a detailed single-family house was modelled in Autodesk Revit and configured into sixteen models by systematically combining roof, exterior wall, interior wall, and window assemblies selected from two categories: energy-efficient and fire-resistant. Operational energy was assessed as Energy Use Intensity (EUI) using Autodesk Insight 360, while the 60-year embodied Global Warming Potential (GWP) was quantified using the Tally plugin for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Across all sixteen models, EUI ranged from 194 to 288 kWh/m²/yr, and 60-year embodied GWP varied between 52,993.79 and 87,988.18 kg CO₂eq. The results indicated that EUI was primarily influenced by assembly R-value rather than by category labels. Although Thermal and Moisture Protection layers improved thermal performance and reduced EUI, they were the main contributors to GWP. Roof assemblies contributed 50.76% to 73.91% of total GWP, the largest share across all models. Changes to the roof affected total GWP more than changes to any other building assembly. The production stage accounted for the largest share of total GWP and created the largest difference between the highest and lowest GWP values. The findings of this study suggest that early decisions on material selection for a single-family house in Kelowna, with special attention to roof assemblies and materials for Thermal and Moisture Protection, can help reduce EUI and embodied GWP. In addition, selecting materials with lower GWP at the production stage can significantly decrease total embodied GWP.

Winter O Welcome: Campus Tours
2026-01-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-07 13:00 - 14:00 | The Commons (COM), 3297 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Join your Student Ambassadors in kicking off Winter O Welcome with a Campus Tour.
Bring your walking shoes and meet other new students! Recommended for new-to-UBC undergraduate, graduate and Go Global students; however, all students are welcome.
Each tour will be between 45 and 60 minutes.
Tours will depart at 10 am and 1 pm on January 5, 6 and 7. Meet on the main floor of The Commons, right outside Comma Cafe.

Winter O Welcome: Campus Compass
2026-01-05 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-07 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-08 10:00 - 14:00 | The Commons (COM) – Sawchuk Family Theatre (Engagement Theatre), 3297 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Welcome to Campus Compass—your friendly guide to navigating UBC Okanagan.
Whether you’re finding your way to class, looking for a bite to eat or wanting to learn more about the services available to support you, our team is here and happy to help you get where you need to go. Stop by our Campus Compass tent for:

Campus maps and directions to key campus locations
Food and dining information
Connections to student services and supports
Friendly faces ready to answer your questions

We’re open Monday through Thursday of the first week of classes from 10 am to 2 pm. Find us in the Sawchuk Theatre, located indoors between The Commons and the Library.

Winter O Welcome: New Student Dinner
2026-01-06 16:30 - 19:00 | University Centre (UNC) – Ballroom, 3272 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
New-to-UBC undergraduate, graduate, Go Global, visiting research students, and their families, are invited to join us for the Winter O Welcome: New Student Dinner.
Participants will enjoy a buffet-style dinner as well as opportunities to build connections with other students, chat with faculty and staff, gain information about campus resources, services, and learn about the student experience.
The event will begin at 4:30 pm. Participants can expect there to be a higher level of noise and for it to be busy and a bit crowded at times.
This event is FREE. However, spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. Registration closes Thur Jan 1, at 11:59pm PT.
Register now

Dissertation Defence: From Motor Unit Behaviour to Functional Ability: The Role of Dopaminergic Medication in Parkinson’s Disease
2026-01-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Engineering, Management, and Education Building (EME), 1137 Alumni Ave, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Parisa Alaei, supervised by Dr. Jennifer Jakobi, will defend their dissertation titled “From Motor Unit Behaviour to Functional Ability: The Role of Dopaminergic Medication in Parkinson’s Disease” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology.
An abstract for Parisa Alaei’s dissertation is included below.
Examinations are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in-person exams.

ABSTRACT
The overall aim of this dissertation is to evaluate the influence of dopaminergic medication on the affected upper limb in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), spanning outcomes from functional performance, such as hand dexterity, to underlying neuromuscular mechanisms at the motor unit (MU) level. To achieve this goal, 16 people with PD and 13 control group participated in this study. Participants with PD completed two identical sessions in a randomized order: one in the ON medication phase and one in the OFF medication phase. The control group completed only one session. The specific objectives of this dissertation were as follows: 1) To compare the treated (ON) and untreated (OFF) phases in people with PD to examine effects of dopaminergic medication on hand dexterity, motor symptom severity, twitch contractile properties and maximal voluntary contraction, 2) To determine whether dopaminergic medication optimizes motor neuronal properties and force control during an isometric contraction in the more affected upper limb of people with PD, 3) To investigate motoneuron excitability in people with PD during ON and OFF medication phases and to compare them with age-matched controls. Study #1 addressed objective 1 by demonstrating that dopaminergic treatment improved motor symptoms, hand dexterity, and strength, without altering electrically induced contractile properties. Improved hand dexterity during treatment appears to be linked to strength gains independent of peripheral muscle changes. Study #2 addressed objective 2 by showing that dopaminergic medication enhances force control in people with PD by improving force steadiness and reducing MU discharge variability, particularly during the least steady period of a contraction. Also, findings suggest that medication may also reduce unwanted muscle coactivation and increase MU recruitment threshold. Finally Study #3 addressed objective 3 by revealing that motoneuron excitability altered in people with PD compared with age-matched controls, independent of dopaminergic medication. These changes, likely driven by increased calcium influx, reduced synaptic inhibition, and heightened cortical facilitation and are not substantially normalized by dopamine therapy. Overall, this dissertation provides new insight into the effects of dopaminergic medication on MU characteristics in people with PD, highlighting its importance for improving force control and functional outcomes.

Nurse on Campus
2026-01-07 12:00 - 14:00 | University Centre (UNC) – Picnic, 3272 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Stop by Picnic for weekly drop-in hours with our nurse on campus.
Our nurse is available to answer your questions related to physical, mental, emotional or social wellbeing. Services are free and confidential, and no appointment is needed.

Some of the things you can visit the nurse on campus include:

Personalized tips on health and wellness.
Information on navigating the health care system.
Information about health services on campus.
Free condoms and harm reduction supplies.
Naloxone Training and free take-home Naloxone kit.
Sexual health education.
And so much more…

Please note that this time is designated for education and linking you to resources. If you have any personal health concerns that require an assessment, please seek medical attention:

Make an appointment at the Student Health Clinic.
Visit Health Link BC or call 811 to talk to a nurse.
Use a community walk-in clinic.

Winter O Welcome: Resource Fair
2026-01-07 13:00 - 16:00 | University Centre (UNC) – Ballroom, 3272 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Do you want to learn about the resources available to you on campus? Join us for the Winter O Welcome: Resource Fair! This is an opportunity for you to check out the various services that are offered at UBCO.
This event provides students with an opportunity to get to know the various resources available to them on campus.
This event is intended for new-to-UBC undergraduate and graduate students, as well as new Go Global students, but is open to all students who wish to attend.
This is a drop-in event from 1 to 4 pm. Participants can expect there to be a higher level of noise and for it to be busy and a bit crowded at times.
B.A.R.K. dogs and their handlers will be co-located in the second floor foyer of the University Centre from 2 to 3pm for a drop-in session.

Master of Data Science 1-on-1 Drop-in Info Session
2026-01-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Curious about where the Master of Data Science (MDS) program at UBC Okanagan can take you?
Join a one-on-one, virtual information session with an MDS Program Director and get:

Personalized answers about the program
Guidance on admission requirements
Insights into career opportunities in data science

Format:
Participants will be seen individually.
Please note, these are five-minute drop-in session. If the facilitator is with another participant, you will be placed in the waiting room until your turn.
Registration:
Preregistration is required to attend this session.
REGISTER HERE

Nurse on Campus
2026-01-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Residence – Nechako, 1255 International Mews, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada

Winter O Welcome: Social Insurance Number Application sessions
2026-01-08 09:00 - 12:00 | University Centre (UNC), 3272 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number issued by Service Canada, a Canadian government department. You need a SIN before starting work in Canada, to file taxes, as well as access government programs and benefits, if eligible. You will also need to provide your SIN to UBC for tax purposes.
The Global Engagement Office team will be hosting representatives from Service Canada on Thursday, January 8, and Thursday, January 15, to help you apply for your social insurance number on-site. First-come, first-served.
Note: You must bring physical copies of your passport and study permit to the session

Naloxone Training
2026-01-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Residence – Nechako, 1255 International Mews, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
“The street drug supply in B.C. is more toxic and unpredictable than ever. Any street drug can be poisoned, not just opioids. It can be hard to know what’s in the substances you’re taking. Even if they came from a source you trust, like a friend or roommate. Even if you only take a little, or if it’s your first time, the risks are real. It’s important to know how to prevent, recognize and respond to an overdose.” – Government of British Columbia
Drop in with the Harm Reduction Team (HaRT) to learn how to identify an opioid poisoning, how to administer naloxone, and get your own free naloxone kit! It only takes 10 minutes to learn how to save a life.
You are also welcome to stop by and ask questions! HaRT is here to answer your questions about smoking, vaping, alcohol and other drugs. Our team provides information and services about how to use substances in lower-risk ways.
The Harm Reduction Team is run by UBCO Campus Wellness & Education. You can find many great harm reduction resources in Picnic (122b). For more information about naloxone training, visit the Toward the Heart website.

Undergraduate Research Awards Writing Workshop
2026-01-08 16:30 - 17:30 | Online virtual event
Interested in learning more about the elements that make up a successful URA/IURA application? Get the help you need at the URA Writing Workshop on January 8, 2026.
This virtual workshop will cover tips for the successful completion of the elements needed for the Student Application form. We will also offer specific recommendations for writing the research proposal.
Register here

Women's Volleyball: UBCO Heat vs Calgary Dinos
2026-01-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Gymnasium (GYM), 3211 Athletics Court, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Cheer on the Heat Women’s Volleyball team at the Furnace! Games are free for UBCO students and tickets for the game can be purchased at GoHeat.ca/Tickets or at the door on game day. Game times/dates are subject to change. Visit GoHeat.ca for up-to-date schedules, scores and stats.

Winter O Welcome: Tremendous Trivia
2026-01-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Fipke Centre (FIP), 3247 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Join us for a night of trivia and the chance to win prizes!
Hosted by Tremendous Trivia, this event will include questions projected on the big screens and two music rounds, all hosted by a fabulous quizmaster.
Bring your friends or join a group when you arrive. This trivia game is designed to provide fun for all ages and abilities. No registration is required.

Men's Volleyball: UBCO Heat vs Calgary Dinos
2026-01-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Gymnasium (GYM), 3211 Athletics Court, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Cheer on the Heat Men’s Volleyball team at the Furnace! Games are free for UBCO students and tickets for the game can be purchased at GoHeat.ca/Tickets or at the door on game day. Game times/dates are subject to change. Visit GoHeat.ca for up-to-date schedules, scores and stats.
