Community Engagement

Find an event. Partner in research. Hire a student or book space on campus for a conference. Connect with UBC Okanagan.
  • Opera singers performing at UBCO’s Opera Under the Stars.

    The annual Opera Under the Stars is a popular event at UBCO.

  • A crowded audience listens to Me Too activist Tarana Burke.

    UBC Okanagan offers a variety of signature community events throughout the year, including UBC Connects.

  • A young girl explains her science project at the Expo of awesome.

    UBC Okanagan annually welcomes students from School District 23 for the annual Expo of Awesome.

  • A student scoops hay at a farm during a Community Service Learning volunteer placement.

    Students provide a positive impact in their community through the Community Service Learning program.

ENGAGEMENT AT A GLANCE

Community Engagement Statistics

Community Engagement Statistics

Events

Explore hundreds of events at UBC Okanagan, from thought-provoking speakers to performance art and varsity athletic games.

Signature Events

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES

Compelling speakers explore issues that affect our region, our country and our world. The Distinguished Speakers series is a partnership between the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science and the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Chris Hadfield, 2013

Jay Ingram, 2015

Temple Grandin, 2017


UBC CONNECTS

A public lecture series, presented by President Santa J. Ono, featuring the world’s most esteemed thought leaders. UBC connects the dots — and people — to shed light on the world’s most pressing issues.


NOBEL NIGHT

Each December, UBC professors discuss the contributions of Nobel Prize winners, examining the what, how and why of the world’s big discoveries and ideas.


KILLAM LECTURE SERIES

A series of engaging events featuring recipients of the University Killam Professorship, UBC’s highest honour for faculty.

Select Faculty Events

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

Okanagan School of Education

Faculty of Engineering

Faculty of Health and Social Development

Faculty of Management

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

College of Graduate Studies

COMMUNITY RESEARCH & INNOVATION PARTNERS

Collaborations with industry, government and organizations elevate our discovery and learning.

UBC’s connections with the BC’s Interior Health authority are deep, including the Healthy City Partnership (with the City of Kelowna), the Southern Medical Program, and UBC’s Clinical Academic Campus at Kelowna General Hospital where researchers in physics, biology and chemistry are working with the BC Cancer Agency to provide accurate radiation treatment evaluation sooner. Read more.

UBCO’s partnership with Accelerate Okanagan is a pipeline for Kelowna’s growing tech community to collaborate with students and faculty. Community entrepreneurs can tap into UBC talent and students get help launching tech ventures like Happipad.com, an online rental service developed by UBCO graduate Cailan Libby. Read more.  

The UBC Innovation Precinct is a 55-acre parcel established as a new collaborative place for UBC to partner with non-profits and industry. One exciting project involves a partnership with BC-based Avcorp Industries to collaborate on the refinement of aerospace composite materials and advanced manufacturing. Read more.

EXPLORE RESEARCH AT UBC OKANAGAN

PARTNER WITH UBCO

UBC’s University-Industry Liaison Office (UILO) helps industry, government and non-profit partners to create flexible, on-going multi-faceted relationships with UBC research. For UBCO, contact: Derek Gratz, Associate Director, UILO (Okanagan Campus)  |  derek.gratz@ubc.ca  |  Phone: 250-807-9853.


ARTS & CULTURE

Check out the creative works of students, faculty and visiting artists, authors and performers.


CONNECT WITH STUDENT TALENT

Find high-calibre student candidates to contribute to your business or organization.


INDIGENOUS CONNECTIONS

UBC works to integrate understandings of Indigenous cultures and histories into its curriculum and operations.


RECREATION

Buy a membership at the Hangar fitness facility or cheer on your favourite Heat team.


PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

Future astrophysicists, the next Nobel Laureate for Literature, or seniors who crave new knowledge—UBCO is a place for learners of all ages.


UBCO: FIND US OFF-CAMPUS

Kelowna General Hospital, downtown Kelowna and more. Our footprint extends beyond campus.