You can make changes to your UBC Benefit plan, including: updating your personal information, changing or adding beneficiaries and dependents, and changing the amount of coverage you carry for optional benefits.

To do so, you will need to login to your Workday account. Any changes you make to your benefit details may take 5-7 business days to be reflected in your Sun Life profile.  

Login to Workday

Updating your personal information

If you move, change your name, or change your bank or account number for direct deposit of your payroll and benefit reimbursements, you will need to update this information through your Workday account.

Adding or removing a spouse or child from your health benefits

To add or remove a dependent from your benefits coverage, you will need to update this information through your Workday account. This can be prompted by entering a common-law relationship, marriage, divorce or separation, the birth or adoption of a child, or the death of a spouse or dependent. For example, some life changes may affect who will be your pension and/or basic life insurance beneficiary.

Updating your beneficiary for your life insurance and changing your optional coverage

Updating your beneficiary

It is important to keep your Life Insurance beneficiary up to date to ensure that the intended person receives the sum of money (benefit) in the event of your death (or in the event of your spouse’s death if you have Spouse Optional Life Insurance). This can be prompted by entering a common-law relationship, marriage, divorce or separation, the birth or adoption of a child, or the death of a spouse or dependent.

You can nominate a beneficiary for Basic Life, and if you are enrolled in it, your Optional Life and Spouse Optional Life Insurance.

To update your beneficiary for your life insurance, please login to your Workday account. 

If you are enrolled in Optional AD&D Insurance, the beneficiary of your Optional AD&D Insurance is the same beneficiary as is listed on your Optional Life Insurance. This also applies to the beneficiary named by your spouse if they are covered by Optional Life and Optional AD&D insurance.

Changing your Optional Life Insurance coverage

You can change the coverage amount for your Optional Life Insurance as long as you don’t exceed the maximum allowed on your plan. Changes in insurance coverage must be in blocks of $25,000.

To increase, decrease or waive your Optional Life Insurance coverage or to update your answer to the Tobacco Use question, please login to Workday. 

Require assistance?

For Workday resources and help visit the Integrated Service Centre.

As a new hire at UBC, you may be eligible for a number of benefits plans.

If eligible, you can select or waive plans, add your dependents and beneficiaries, and make changes to your coverage. You are unable to waive plans that are mandatory.

Through Workday, you can complete all your required enrolments in one sitting, in a secure, web-based environment. Carefully review the guidelines below to learn more about the information you need to have on hand to complete the process.

If you have already completed the benefits enrolment task in Workday, please see the After you enrol in benefits page for the final steps to get the most out of your benefits.

Before you begin

There are a few steps to take before you begin the online enrolment process. 

1. Review your benefits package and decide which optional benefits you want to be covered for

Before you enrol online, review the benefit package available to you as a UBC employee. There are both mandatory and optional benefits, and some benefits are paid for by you and others are paid by UBC. You need to decide which of the optional benefits you wish to be covered for.

You are not automatically enrolled for all benefits. It is important to understand what UBC benefits you are eligible for and when you will be covered for these benefits. The Workday system will determine the benefits you are eligible for based on your appointment details and age at the date of hire. You can choose to elect or waive some benefit plans and also add your dependents and beneficiaries. You are unable to Waive plans that are mandatory.

If you are a resident of British Columbia, you must enrol in MSP. By law, MSP is mandatory for all eligible residents and their dependents. If you hold a valid work or study permit, you are also eligible.

UBC Extended Health and Dental plans allow for double coverage. This means that if you are covered under your spouse’s plan, you can also enrol in the UBC Extended Health and Dental plans if your spouse’s plan also allows for double coverage. If your spouse’s plan does not allow for double coverage, you must decide which plan you and your family would like to enrol in.

2. Gather the following information

You need to know the following before you begin:

• Social insurance number (SIN): You must provide your social insurance number and the social insurance number of your spouse if you are applying for optional life insurance.
• Personal health number (PHN) found on your BC Services Card: The personal health number is proof of your BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) enrolment and is required if you are planning to enrol in the Extended Health plan through UBC. You must provide your own personal health number, as well as the numbers of your dependents (spouse and/or children). If you are new to BC but have coverage under another Canadian provincial health plan, please provide your provincial health number. If you do not have a valid provincial health number (for example, you are new to Canada) click on Submit to skip this step. Once you receive your number from the government, be sure to update it in Workday. Learn more about enrolling in the MSP.
• Dependent information: You will need to provide full names, dates of birth, and addresses of your dependents.
• Proof of birth date for you and your spouse: If you are applying for the UBC Staff Pension Plan, you will need to provide proof of your birth date and the birth date of your spouse, if applicable. This proof can be provided through a copy of a birth certificate, Canadian citizenship card or passport.

Log in to Workday and get started

When you have received a notification that your Benefits Election task is now available in Workday, you can start your enrolment process. You can expect to spend between 15 and 30 minutes completing your enrolments.

Login to Workday

Helpful hints and tips

• Resource: Need help? We have pulled together all the best resources into one Benefits Enrolment Guide. This guide includes helpful links and answers to the most common benefits enrolment questions for this complex process.
• Video: For a step-by-step guide to the benefits enrolment process instructions view our Benefits enrolment how-to video (CWL required). This 15-minute video will guide you through the Workday process with on-screen prompts and additional explanations.
• Pay close attention to the optional benefits. The costs associated with optional benefits may be paid by you, UBC or a combination of both. Before you begin, fully understand the benefits and any associated costs.
• Adding dependents. Depending on your eligibility, you can add dependents to some or all of the following benefits: Extended Health, Dental and the Employee Family and Assistance Program.

After you've enrolled: Sign up to Sun Life, Finalize Pharmacare, and check your details

Once you have completed your enrolment in Workday, you can now start using your benefits. There are a few more steps to take in order for you to get the most out of your benefits -- including signing up to the Sun Life member portal and reviewing your benefits for accuracy. You can find this information on the After you enrol in benefits page.

Next steps to set up your benefits

Require assistance?

Contact one of our helpful Benefits Associates, if you have further questions or need assistance with benefits coverage. For Workday resources and help visit the Integrated Service Centre.

The benefits you are eligible for depend on your employment status at UBC.

If you are a new hire, it is important to know when your coverage for specific UBC benefits becomes effective. This will allow you to ensure the continuity of your coverage between what is provided by UBC and what is provided by the group plan you hold with your former employer or your own individual coverage.

Your dependents, including your spouse, parents and children, may also be eligible for benefits through your employment at UBC. To learn about which benefit programs your dependents qualify for, please visit our Dependents page.

For complete details about your plan, please refer to your extended health and dental plan booklet for your employee group. 

Benefits by employee group

You can also learn about the benefits you are eligible for when your coverage becomes effective and the cost of these benefits, please review the details in your employee group below.

• Academic Executives
• Administrative Executive
• BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care)
• BCGEU Okanagan
• CUPE 116
• CUPE 2278 (English Language Instructors)
• CUPE 2950
• Executive Administrative
• Faculty & Postdoctoral Fellows (Award Recipients and Employees)
• Farm Workers & Non-Union Technicians/Research Assistants
• IUOE 115
• Management & Professional (includes Management & Professional, Excluded Management & Professional, Service Unit Director and Administrative Executive)

This page describes when your coverage for specific UBC benefits will begin and end, assuming that you are eligible for the benefit. Visit our Eligibility page for information on your benefits eligibility.

Dental

Coverage begins

UBC’s Dental Plan begins on your date of hire (or when you have completed your enrolment if you did not enroll within 45 days of your hire date). For example, if you begin work at UBC on April 17, your Dental coverage will begin on April 17.

Coverage ends

If you leave UBC (either through the end of your employment or retirement), your UBC Dental coverage ends at the end of the same month. For example, if you leave UBC on November 20, your Dental coverage will end on November 30.

Your coverage may also end if:

1. You voluntarily cancel your coverage. In this event, Workday will use your requested end date (must be the end of a month).
2. You are on an unpaid leave of absence and elect not to continue coverage.
3. You are working past your normal retirement date* and elect to receive your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan retirement income/benefit option(s). In this event, coverage will end on the day before you elect to receive your pension.
4. You are working past your normal retirement date* and have deferred your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan until age 71. In this event, coverage will end at the end of the year you turn age 71, the maximum pensionable age as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada).

* The Normal Retirement Date for staff is the end of the month you turn 65. For Academic Executive or Faculty, your normal retirement date is June 30 or December 31 following (or on) the date you turn 65.

Once your Dental coverage ends you can arrange alternative coverage through an individual insurance policy. For more information, visit the Leaving UBC page.

Extended health

Coverage begins

UBC’s Extended Health Plan begins on your date of hire (or when you have completed your enrolment, if you did not enroll within 45 days of your hire date). For example, if you begin work at UBC on April 17, your Extended Health coverage will begin on April 17.

If you are new to BC and arriving from another province, your Extended Health coverage begins on your date of hire (or when you have completed your enrolment, if you did not enroll within 45 days of your hire date).

If you are new to Canada, your Extended Health coverage begins the first day of the month you satisfy the MSP waiting period. The waiting period is the balance of the month you arrive in BC, plus two full months. The only exception is if you are enrolled in the Sun Life Inpatriate Plan during the MSP waiting period – if this is the case then your Extended Health coverage begins on your date of hire (or when you have completed your enrolment, if you did not enroll within 45 days of your hire date).

Coverage ends

If you leave UBC (either through the end of your employment or retirement), your UBC Extended Health coverage ends at the end of the same month. For example, if you leave UBC on November 20, your Extended Health coverage will end on November 30.

Your coverage may also end if:

1. You voluntarily cancel your coverage. In this event, Workday will use your requested end date (must be the end of a month).
2. You no longer meet MSP’s eligibility rules, such as if your work permit has expired. In this event, coverage will end as of the date you are no longer eligible.
3. You are on an unpaid leave of absence and elect not to continue coverage.
4. You are working past your normal retirement date* and elect to receive your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan retirement income/benefit option(s). In this event, coverage will end on the day before you elect to receive your pension.
5. You are working past your normal retirement date* and have deferred your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan until age 71. In this event, coverage will end at the end of the year you turn age 71, the maximum pensionable age as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada).

* The Normal Retirement Date for staff is the end of the month you turn 65. For Academic Executive or Faculty, your normal retirement date is June 30 or December 31 following (or on) the date you turn 65.

Once your Extended Health coverage ends you can arrange alternative coverage through an individual insurance policy. For more information, visit the Leaving UBC page.

Surrogacy & Adoption

Coverage begins

UBC’s Surrogacy and Adoption Benefits begin on your date of hire (or when you have completed your enrolment in the extended health benefits plan, if you did not enroll within 45 days of your hire date). For further details regarding enrolment in the extended health benefits plan if you are new to BC or Canada, refer to the Extended health Section above.

Coverage ends

If you leave UBC (either through the end of your employment or retirement), your UBC Surrogacy and Adoption Benefits coverage ends at the end of the same month. For example, if you leave UBC on November 20, your coverage will end on November 30.

Your coverage may also end if:

1. You voluntarily cancel your coverage by cancelling your extended health benefits. In this event, Workday will use your requested end date (must be the end of a month).
2. You no longer meet MSP’s eligibility rules, such as if your work permit has expired. In this event, coverage will end as of the date you are no longer eligible.
3. You are on an unpaid leave of absence and elect not to continue coverage.
4. You are working past your normal retirement date* and elect to receive your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan retirement income/benefit option(s). In this event, coverage will end on the day before you elect to receive your pension.
5. You are working past your normal retirement date* and have deferred your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan until age 71. In this event, coverage will end at the end of the year you turn age 71, the maximum pensionable age as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada).

* The Normal Retirement Date for staff is the end of the month you turn 65. For Academic Executive or Faculty, your normal retirement date is June 30 or December 31 following (or on) the date you turn 65.

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Coverage begins

If eligible, you will be automatically enrolled for the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). If you have dependents, you must also complete an enrolment task in Workday for them.

UBC’s EFAP coverage begins on your date of hire.

For example: if you start your job on January 12, your EFAP coverage begins on January 12.

Coverage Ends

Your coverage ends if:

1. You leave UBC (either through the end of your employment or retirement). In this event, coverage will end three months after the first of the month after your employment ends or you retire. For example, if you end your employment April 22, your EFAP coverage will end July 31.
2. You are on an unpaid leave of absence and elect not to continue coverage.
3. You are working past your normal retirement date* and elect to receive your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan retirement income/benefit option(s). In this event, coverage will end three months from the day you elect to receive your pension. For example, if you start collecting your pension on June 1, your EFAP coverage will end on August 31.
4. You are working past your normal retirement date* and have deferred your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan until age 71. In this event, coverage will end three months after the end of the year you turn 71, the maximum pensionable age as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada).

* The Normal Retirement Date for staff is the end of the month you turn 65. For Academic Executive or Faculty, your normal retirement date is June 30 or December 31 following (or on) the date you turn 65.

Basic Life Insurance

Coverage begins

If you are eligible, you will be automatically enrolled in Basic Life Insurance on your date of hire. You must also complete the beneficiary designation section of the enrolment task in Workday.

Coverage ends

Your coverage ends if:

1. You leave UBC (either through the end of your employment or retirement). In this event, coverage will end when your employment ends.
2. You are on an unpaid leave of absence and elect not to continue coverage.
3. You are working past your normal retirement date* and elect to receive your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan retirement income/benefit option(s). In this event, coverage will end the day before you elect to receive your Pension.
4. You are working past your normal retirement date* and have deferred your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan until age 71. In this event, coverage will end at the end of the year you turn 71, the maximum pensionable age as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada).

* The Normal Retirement Date for staff is the end of the month you turn 65. For Academic Executive or Faculty, your normal retirement date is June 30 or December 31 following (or on) the date you turn 65.

Once your coverage ends, you can convert your coverage to an individual insurance policy. For more information, visit the Life Insurance Conversion page.

Optional Life Insurance

Coverage begins

Coverage begins for Optional Life Insurance when you and/or your spouse’s application is approved by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. You (and UBC) will be advised of your coverage effective date in writing.

Coverage ends

Your coverage ends if:

1. You voluntarily cancel your coverage. In this event, Workday will use your requested end date.
2. You leave UBC (either through the end of your employment or retirement). In this event, coverage will end when your employment ends
3. You are on an unpaid leave of absence and elect not to continue coverage.
4. You are working past your normal retirement date* and elect to receive your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan retirement income/benefit option(s). In this event, coverage will end on the day before you elect to receive your pension.
5. You are working past your normal retirement date* and have deferred your UBC Staff, UBC Faculty or BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) Pension Plan until age 71. In this event, coverage will end at the end of the year you turn age 71, the maximum pensionable age as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada).

Once your coverage ends, you can convert your coverage into an individual insurance policy. For more information, visit the Life Insurance Conversion page.

Your spouse’s coverage ends if:

1. You voluntarily cancel your spouse’s coverage. In this event, Workday will use your requested end date.
2. If you leave UBC (either through the end of your employment or retirement). In this event, coverage will end when your employment ends.
3. You are on an unpaid leave of absence and elect not to continue coverage.
4. You reach your normal retirement date.* In this event, your spouse’s coverage will end on your normal retirement date* even if you continue to work at UBC.

* The Normal Retirement Date for staff is the end of the month you turn 65. For Academic Executive or Faculty, your normal retirement date is June 30 or December 31 following (or on) the date you turn 65.

Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

Coverage begins

Coverage begins for Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment when you and/or your spouse’s optional life insurance coverage begins, if you also elected AD&D coverage.

Coverage ends

Coverage ends when you and/or your spouse’s optional life insurance coverage ends.

Once your coverage ends, you can convert your coverage into an individual insurance policy. For more information, visit the Life Insurance Conversion page.

Income Replacement Plan and Disability Benefit Plan

Coverage begins

If eligible for the Income Replacement Plan (IRP) and Disability Benefit Plan (DBP), you will be automatically enrolled for this benefit on your date of hire.

Coverage ends

Your coverage will end if:

1. You leave UBC (either through the end of your employment or retirement). In this event, coverage will end when your employment ends.
2. You are laid off.
3. You are on an unpaid leave of absence and elect not to continue coverage.
4. You reach your normal retirement date.* In this event, your coverage will end six months before this date (four months for CUPE 2950).

* The Normal Retirement Date for staff is the end of the month you turn 65. For Academic Executive or Faculty, your normal retirement date is June 30 or December 31 following (or on) the date you turn 65.

UBC Pension Plan

Coverage begins

Faculty Pension Plan: If you are appointed for one year or more at more than 50% FTE, you may be eligible to join the pension plan effective on the date of your appointment.

Other part-time faculty and administrative executive staff may be eligible to join the plan after two years of continuous service, if you have earned at least 35% of the Canada Pension Plan earnings ceiling in each of two consecutive calendar years.

Sessional lecturers appointed for four months or more and who meet the 50% appointment requirement are eligible to join the plan.

Staff Pension Plan:

If you are eligible, you will be automatically enrolled in the Staff Pension Plan when enrolled in the Basic Life Insurance.

Coverage ends

You have options for your pension that depend on how old you are when you leave your employment at UBC, and if you are retiring.

Learn more about the Faculty Pension Plan or call the UBC Pensions Office at 604.822.8100.

Learn more about the Staff Pension Plan or call the UBC Pensions Office at 604.822.8100.

Leaves

Coverage begins

The date you become eligible for Leaves depends on the leave you are applying for.  Apply for a leave of absence in writing to your Supervisor.

Coverage ends

Your access to all leave coverage will end when your employment with UBC ends.

Professional development: tuition waivers

Coverage begins

Monthly Staff: You are eligible for Tuition Waivers after three months of service. For CUPE 2278 only, you are eligible after six months of service.

Hourly Staff, with the exception of CUPE 116 and IUOE 115: You are eligible for Tuition Waivers after three months of accumulated service, if you satisfy the minimum hourly requirement for the three-month period before the course start date (17.5 hours or 20 hours per week, depending on your employee group).

Hourly CUPE 116 and IUOE 115 employees are eligible for Tuition Waivers after 12 months of accumulated service, if you are normally scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week for the 12-month period before the course start date. If your hours fall below 20 hours per week, you can remain eligible, provided you have satisfied the waiting period and worked 960 hours in the previous 12 months before the course start date and you have not been laid off or terminated your employment.

Faculty (members of the Bargaining Unit) and their dependent children: You are eligible for Tuition Waivers when you start at UBC.

Coverage ends

Your access to Tuition Waivers will end on your last day of employment with UBC. However, if you are taking a course that began while you were employed, you are still eligible if you were approved for the Tuition Waiver before your last day of employment.

Faculty with emeritus status who were previously a member of the Faculty Association are eligible for Tuition Waivers for themselves and for their dependent children.

Professional Development (PD): PD funding

Coverage begins

Staff: You can access Professional Development Funding when you start at UBC, provided that it is available to your employee group.

Faculty (members of the Bargaining Unit): You can access Professional Development Reimbursement funds when you start at UBC.

Sessional Lecturers without continuing status: You are entitled to Professional Development Reimbursement funds at a rate of $100 per credit course taught.

Coverage ends

Staff: Your access Professional Development Funding will end when your employment ends. If you are taking a class or attending a PD event, that event must begin before the last day of your employment at UBC.

Faculty: Your access to Professional Development Reimbursement funds will end when your employment ends. If you are taking a class, attending a PD event or purchasing equipment, that event must begin before the last day of your employment at UBC.

Sessional Lecturers without continuing status: You may carry forward your Professional Development Reimbursement funds for up to two years, even if you do not have an active appointment.

As a UBC employee, you and your dependent family members may be eligible to take many UBC courses without paying some or all of the tuition fee.

The tuition waiver you are eligible for depends on your employee group and may include:

• a Tuition Waiver, which allows you to take up to 12 credits of UBC courses, or (for eligible staff employee groups) the dollar equivalent in UBC Extended Learning non-credit courses  or approved Sauder School of Business Continuing Business Studies non-credit courses every 12-month period,
• the ability to transfer some or all of this Tuition Waiver to your eligible dependent spouse or child; and
• if you are a member of faculty or an academic executive, a Tuition Waiver for your dependent children of up to 120 UBC undergraduate credit courses

Tuition Waivers by employee group

To learn more about Tuition Waivers as they relate to your employee group, visit the appropriate link below:

• Faculty and Academic Executive
  • Dependent Children of Faculty and Academic Executives
• Administrative Executive, Management & Professional, and Non-Union Technicians and Research Assistants
• BCGEU Okanagan, CUPE 116, CUPE 2278, CUPE 2950, Executive Administrative, Farm Workers and IUOE 115

Note: BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) employees are not eligible for the Tuition Waiver. Please contact your supervisor for information about funding for professional development activities.

Questions?

If you have general questions about tuition waivers or your eligibility, please contact UBC Benefits. If you have submitted a tuition waiver application, and have questions about processing, please contact the Integrated Service Centre. 

Professional development funding and opportunities

Funding is available to several employee groups to support learning opportunities that enhance knowledge, work performance, and career growth at UBC. Professional development funds can be accessed to supplement UBC tuition waivers and can be used for a variety of external learning activities such as professional membership fees, workshops, conferences, and courses. Discover your eligibility and information on how to apply by visiting our PD Funding page.

Human Resources also offers a variety of programs that support you, your unit and the university as a whole. Explore career development  opportunities such as workshops, one-on-one coaching, leadership programs, on-demand learning and conflict theatre.

The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a confidential and voluntary counselling support service that provides you and your family with the help you need to resolve a wide range of personal, work, health or life issues.

Professional counselling services

GreenShield is available 24 hours, seven days a week, at 1-866-424-0770 or via the GreenShield+ platform, with unlimited hours at no charge to eligible faculty, staff and their eligible dependents. 

With GreenShield, you can match with a counsellor based on your specific needs and preferences across more than 50 search criteria. Visit Counselling Services for more details. 

Crisis counselling services

If you are experiencing a crisis and require immediate counselling services, call 1-866-424-0770 and select the emergency option to speak to a crisis-trained counsellor who will provide immediate support. 

You can also access crisis support on the GreenShield+ platform.

  

Access GreenShield+

Sign-up to GreenShield+ signin

To access the integrated health services and wellbeing offerings through GreenShield Health, eligible faculty and staff will need to login to the GreenShield+ platform.

GreenShield+ App

If you want to access our EFAP on the go, you can also download the GreenShield+ app for Apple and Android. 

Work, health, and life counselling  

Through our EFAP you can connect with trained professionals including registered nurses, nutritionists, financial coaches and more to help you achieve your goals. Services include: 

• Unlimited financial and legal consultations,
• Up to 5 hours (annually*) of access to health, fitness and nutrition support
• Up to 5 hours (annually*) for career and retirement transition coaching
• And up to 5 hours (annually*) for life transition consultations.

Visit Work, health, and life counselling to learn more

*Resets on November 1

 

Digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

GreenShield Health’s Digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a self-directed online program that uses CBT to help people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression achieve their wellbeing goals. 

Designed for individuals 16+, Digital CBT offers interactive learning modules, tools and coaching to help you develop positive coping strategies and reduce life-disrupting symptoms without the wait. 

You can access this through GreenShield+ on desktop and on your mobile devices. Get GreenShield+ app for Apple and Android to also receive timely in-app reminders.

 

Access these integrated health services on the GreenShield+ platform

Substance use support 

Whether you’ve been struggling with substance use or are interested in exploring changes to support your health, you and your eligible dependents can seek substance use support in a confidential, approachable, and stigma-free environment. Through GreenShield+, you can access evidence-based support and coaching, on-demand resources, and tools that are designed to help you effectively manage substance use.  

Visit our Substance use resources to learn more and find out about additional options.

 

Expert Second Medical Opinion Services 

Within GreenShield+, access expert second medical opinion services through Novus Health, you and your eligible dependent can gain clarity and confidence regarding diagnoses and treatment options, including decisions to proceed with surgery. Including an option to request a comprehensive review of your file from leading medical experts, clarify a diagnosis, confirm or modify a treatment plan, and navigate to appropriate resources.

Visit Expert Second Medical Opinion for more details, and list of conditions you can seek these services for. 

 

dependents

EFAP access for dependents

Did you know that eligible dependents can also access the EFAP? Your eligible dependents will have access to the same services as UBC faculty and staff. 

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Your UBC Dental Plan covers a wide range of dental services, from regular check-ups to major procedures such as root canals and crowns. These procedures may be provided by a licensed dentist, denturist, dental hygienist or anaesthetist.

If you want to receive Dental Plan benefits, you need to meet eligibility requirements and enrol in the plan. There is no cost to you, as UBC pays the monthly premiums associated with this plan. (Sessional Lecturers working less than 50% FTE or in an appointment of four months or less pay half of the monthly premiums for Dental Plan benefits.)

What dental costs are covered?

Your reimbursement will be based on the percentage levels described below and the fee stated in the BC Dental Association Fee Guide for General Practitioners that is current at the time of the treatment. If services are provided by a dental specialist, then the allowed fees are those outlined in the BC Dental Association Fee Guide for General Practitioners, plus 10%.

You need to obtain a predetermination from Sun Life for all dental procedures that cost more than $500.

What dental costs are not covered?

Your dental plan does not cover:

• procedures primarily to improve appearance,
• replacing lost or stolen dental appliances,
• charges for completing forms,
• supplies intended for sport or home use, and
• experimental treatments

What is my deductible?

You do not have to pay a deductible for dental coverage.

What are my coverage limits?

For all employee groups there is no overall coverage limit for preventive, basic or major procedures.

For all employee groups, the maximum reimbursement for orthodontic procedures in a person’s lifetime is $3,000.

If you receive any temporary dental service, these costs will be included as part of the final dental procedure, and not as a separate procedure. That is, the fee for the permanent procedure will be used to determine the usual and reasonable charge for the dental work.

If your dental coverage ends, you will still be covered for procedures to repair natural teeth damaged in an accident if the accident occurred while you were covered, and the procedure is performed within six months after the date of the accident.

When Sun Life is deciding to pay for a dental procedure, they will investigate if there is a viable alternate treatment. If the alternate procedure will result in an equivalent level of success, then Sun Life will pay the amount for the least expensive alternate procedure.

When do I need a predetermination for dental work?

You must receive a predetermination from Sun Life before you receive treatment for:

• dental care procedure(s) in excess of $500, and
• all orthodontic work.

To receive a predetermination for this work, ask your dentist to complete the Dental Claim form, detailing the dental procedure(s) or orthodontic treatment plan, and then have them send this form to Sun Life for you. Your dentist can also submit this form electronically.

Your dentist should include supporting information, such as x-rays or pictures of models or molds, to illustrate the services that are being recommended. If your dentist does not provide this information with the form, your predetermination for services will be declined until this information has been received and reviewed by Sun Life. Sun Life may also request further information from your dentist as part of its review process.

Once the review process is complete, Sun Life will send you a Claims Statement outlining what part of the cost is covered by the plan and what you will have to pay.

It’s your responsibility to request a predetermination in advance of receiving dental treatment in order to know what the Dental plan will cover and how much you will be expected to pay out of pocket. If you obtain dental services without a predetermination, you are responsible for what the plan does not cover. In the case of major dental work, this could be a significant and unexpected amount.

How do I make a claim?

Your dentist can often submit a claim for your dental procedure directly to Sun Life. You will need to provide your dentist with your UBC Group Number (025205) and your Member ID (your seven-digit UBC employee number).

If your dentist submits the claim on your behalf to Sun Life, reimbursement will occur as follows depending on your dentist:

• you pay your dentist the full amount of the service and Sun Life will reimburse you for the amount covered by the Dental plan; or
• you pay your dentist the amount not covered by the Dental plan and Sun Life will reimburse the dentist for the balance.

Some dentists may ask that you pay first and then submit a claim yourself. In this case, please visit the Claims page for more information on how to submit a UBC Dental claim.

For more information

The outline above is a descriptive summary of the plan and is not a contract. All terms and conditions are governed by Contract Number 025205 with Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. In the event of a discrepancy, benefits will be paid according to the official document and applicable legislation.

Sun Life benefit booklets

For complete details about your plan, please refer to the extended health and dental booklet for your employee group. 

Leading others, leading self.

The Developing Leaders Program is a leadership development program for new and early-career managers, aimed at building their capacity to lead with greater confidence and effectiveness. 

The program is designed to equip newer leaders with the knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to lead, succeed, and grow in their leadership roles at UBC. Over a five-month period, leaders from across the university come together in the program to share experiences and learn best practices on topics related to leading self, others, and within UBC. 

"The program exposed me to other UBC staff managing in other departments, which was a great opportunity to network, but also gave me exposure to the breadth of UBC’s vast organization.”

Through the program, you will be able to:

What to expect in the Fall 2025 program

The Fall cohort will be open only to participants from the Vancouver campus. The program will run October 2025 – March 2026, with sessions held virtually, except for the in-person event to conclude the program on the Vancouver campus in April 2026. 

What you'll be required to do 

To earn a certificate of completion, participants are expected to:

• Attend all workshops, the Coaching Immersion Lab and the in-person event
• Participate in two Leadership Triad sessions
• Complete all Canvas learning modules
• Complete the End-of-Program Evaluation Survey

Schedule

What you will explore

The themes you will meaningfully engage, learn and experiment with cover topics across Leading Self, Leading Others, and Leading within UBC. Topics include:

Program fees 

The program is fully funded by VP Human Resources at UBC. 

How program participants are selected

Questions? 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact leadership@hr.ubc.ca.

Conflict Theatre offers faculty and staff the opportunity to explore and embrace conflict in the workplace using the tools of theatre. 

Learn to see workplace conflict differently

Can you remember the last difficult conversation you had? If you had another chance, would you have said or done something else?

Tailored to the UBC context, Conflict Theatre offers a new way to look at old patterns and build the courage to approach workplace conflict differently.

The Conflict Theatre approach

Recognizes that workplace conflict is normal

Difficult conversations are commonplace in the office. It may arise due to contrasting perspectives or competing needs. Workplace conflict can be very damaging for employees and the organization alike. Conflict negatively effects employee wellbeing, retention, creativity, and productivity. While it is uncomfortable to experience interpersonal conflict, it becomes even more uncomfortable when avoided. Hence why Conflict Theatre encourages direct engagement with conflict through open, non-violent dialogue.

Grounds programming in Reflexive Conflict Management

Reflexive Conflict Management (RCM) is an approach to resolving interpersonal conflict. It was developed at UBC by Dr. Tom Scholte, Conflict Theatre's Faculty Lead. This approach is reflexive because it hinges on one's ability to examine their own emotions and motivations. These factors influence how we act in conflict situations. RCM emphasizes communicating one's needs with clarity and avoiding emotional escalation. This helps all parties involved in the conflict to identify potential solutions for its resolution.

Explores conflict engagement through theatre

Conflict Theatre programming offers a unique opportunity to rehearse this novel approach to conflict engagement. It does so by turning to the tools and techniques of theatre. Improvisational theatre and scripted plays can mimic real world conflicts and reveal the complexities of human relationships. Drama offers a playground for practicing the skills of conflict engagement in a safe, low stakes setting. This approach is experiential, immersive, and fun!

Engaging in Conflict Theatre programming requires no prior experience or background in theatre. Instead, individuals can participate in a way that feels most authentic and comfortable to them.

Promotes key learning goals

UBC staff and faculty who participate in or attend a Conflict Theatre event will:

• Strengthen empathy and understanding for many perspectives within conflict.
• Foster a curiosity-driven approach to conflict
  Self-reflect to better understand their own emotions, context, perspective and patterns during conflict.
• Gain a better understanding of how conflict arises, what keeps it going, and how it can be moved through.
• Become attuned to the systemic drivers of conflict and the leverage points available to address them.
• Join a community of colleagues interested in changing campus culture on conflict.

Types of Conflict Theatre events

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Community Lunch and Learn Sessions

The Community Lunch and Learn series brings together the UBC staff and faculty community. Participants will practice the navigation of workplace conflicts using the tools of RCM. This approach is experiential and embodied, so come prepared to engage.

These sessions are informal. You are invited to bring your lunch, and light refreshments are also provided. Registration is required as space is limited.

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Forum Theatre Performances

The Performance series brings Conflict Theatre to the stage. Drawing on the practice of forum theatre, UBC staff and faculty have developed plays based on workplace conflicts experienced at the university. 

These plays are performed to an audience comprised of other employees. Audience members contemplate how the characters in the play could act differently by integrating what they have learned about RCM. The audience can then attempt to shift the outcomes of the plays through direct intervention.

 

Program testimonials

“Prior to the workshop I avoided conflict and often regretted my in-the-moment responses. The Summer Intensive prepared me to handle conflict directly, less emotionally and focus on de-escalation. I started leveraging my newfound skills immediately after completing the intensive, leading to less anxiety and more satisfaction with my approach to conflict resolution."

– Matt, M&P, Rehearsing Conflict Summer Intensive participant, June 2023

“Being able to communicate more effectively and authentically is a noble goal and one that should be pursued by anyone and everyone at UBC.”

– Alexis, Faculty, Rehearsing Conflict Summer Intensive participant, June 2023

“I noticed myself being more compassionate and generous towards those who may be instigators of conflict, because I had a better understanding of their motivations. This has made me more curious and open to looking deeply at conflict and finding ways to work with it. I'd recommend this to all employees interested in learning how to adapt in situations of challenge.”

– Anonymous, M&P, Rehearsing Conflict Summer Intensive participant, June 2023​​​​

"The live event and plays offered an experiential, visceral experience. What was surfaced still lingers in my thoughts. Just sitting in the audience and not getting on stage surfaced a lot of insight."

– Anonymous, Capstone Performance audience member, June 2023

Stay up-to-date

To stay informed about all things Conflict Theatre, subscribe to our mailing list via the button below. Subscribers to the monthly "Playbill" newsletter receive event reminders, featurettes, and more!

Subscribe to the newsletter 

For more information about our program and opportunities, please email conflict.theatre@ubc.ca

Conflict Theatre is an initiative of UBC's Human Resources department in collaboration with the Equity and Inclusion Office and the Department of Theatre and Film.