Guiding Principles

UBC is a university, first and foremost, with a vision to inspire people, ideas and actions for a better world. Campus Vision 2050 must support this vision and the university’s pursuit of excellence in research, teaching, learning and community engagement to foster global citizenship and advance a sustainable and just society. At the same time, it must be responsive to the evolving role the university has in confronting the challenges of today while being adaptive and resilient in the face of future change and uncertainty.

UBC and Musqueam are working together to develop a more meaningful, reciprocal, mutually beneficial and enduring relationship to benefit both communities now and for future generations. Campus Vision 2050 must support this work and the goals and actions of the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan, while honouring and celebrating UBC’s host nation on whose traditional territory the campus is privileged to be situated.

UBC is located in one of the least affordable regions in the world and can demonstrate innovation in confronting the housing crisis in the context of the UBC community. Unaffordable housing and food insecurity are detrimental to the well-being of the community and ultimately the future success of the university. Campus Vision 2050 must make daily life on campus more affordable, convenient and supportive and enable new ways to provide affordable housing and food options as part of a complete community concept. This is particularly important for faculty and staff recruitment and retention and to maintain the accessibility of education.

Everyone deserves to feel welcomed and supported in their daily activities on campus and in the neighbourhoods. Campus Vision 2050 must result in plans that consider all ages, abilities and backgrounds and lead to equitable, diverse and inclusive spaces that help achieve the best learning, working and living environments for all. It must also encourage and support a strong sense of community and belonging.

Climate change and unsustainable land use threaten human and ecological wellbeing and biodiversity, disproportionately impacting marginalized and underprivileged people. Campus Vision 2050 must support UBC’s systemic, collective action to combat climate change, including reinforcing and aligning with Climate Action Plan 2030, and protect and enrich campus ecology and biodiversity.

UBC suffers from limited connectivity with the broader region—socially, economically and ecologically—and getting to, from and around the 400-hectare campus can be difficult for many. Campus Vision 2050 must improve connections within campus and to the broader region.

The campus lands provide the space for world-class teaching and research facilities and thriving, complete, and livable neighbourhoods. They also support the community today and for generations to come through residential development that funds academic excellence, infrastructure and amenities, and affordable housing for faculty, staff and students. Campus Vision 2050 must ensure the campus lands continue to serve these purposes, while also providing livable and sustainable communities that continue to make UBC an exceptional place to teach, learn, live, work and play.