UBC Okanagan

Can’t wait to welcome everyone back! 💙💛

Today on campus. 📸

Five years ago, Ainsley Wood was recovering from a spinal cord injury at BC Children's Hospital. This June, she spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, representing Canada on a panel about economic independence and disability rights.

“Not everyone has an opportunity to share their voices,” she says. “I enjoy making change. I enjoy using my voice. And I want to use it for the people who can’t.”

Read more about this psychology student's story: https://bit.ly/4wpEN4G

Please be aware that the BC Wildfire Service will periodically be using the Commons Field as a temporary helicopter landing zone in support of their wildfire efforts in the region.

While the sight of a helicopter operating on campus may cause some concern, please be assured that campus is not under threat.

Read more: https://news.ok.ubc.ca/2026/08/07/bc-wildfire-service-helicopter-on-campus/

Air quality warnings have been issued for Central Okanagan and other parts of B.C.

For health and safety info, please go to: https://ok.ubc.ca/campus-alerts/

We are immensely grateful to the firefighters who have come from near and far to respond to wildfires across our region.

More than 100 firefighters are staying in campus accommodations at UBC Okanagan. Pictured here are firefighters from Big White Fire Department, Willis Point Fire Hall, Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue and White Rock Fire Rescue.

Thank you for your extraordinary commitment and tireless work during this challenging time.

Our thoughts are with those affected by wildfires in the Okanagan.

Campus is open and operating normally, with no current threat to UBCO.

Students, faculty and staff who are affected can find support resources, including emergency funding, counselling and HR support, in the message from Principal Lesley Cormack: https://principal.ok.ubc.ca/2026/08/04/regionalwildfiresandresources/

Before the new school year starts, we asked UBCO students what they wish they'd known. Swipe through for their advice on everything from finding your people to getting out of your comfort zone. Good luck to everyone heading into the new school year in September.

Wildfire smoke is a seasonal hazard for many BC residents.

Learn more about how you can stay prepared during wildfire season: https://bit.ly/3TQvPQn