LASSA Orientation Recap
September 4th, 2007
Student Group Speakers
1. Jennifer Dixey for Academic Librarians in Public Services (ALPS) and ASIS&T
2. Shannon LaBelle and Andrea Brown for BCLA activities and mentorship program
3. Valeria Gallo Stampino for SLA@SLAIS
4. Lili Wang and Catherine Boden for CHLA
5. Adam Cowling for ACA
Keynote Speaker
Aleteia Greenwood, Head, Science and Engineering at UBC Library. Visit her profile on the UBC Library website.
Orientation Manual
A Message from LASSA
What is LASSA? LASSA is the Library and Archival Studies Student Association—your student organization.
The LASSA Executive represents all students in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies at UBC. We are here as your representatives and to provide support throughout your degree, like this orientation session.
LASSA engages in advocacy for student issues, provides information valuable to its members, and organizes social and academic events. Within the larger UBC picture, LASSA exists as a constituent of the Alma Mater Society (AMS) and is responsible to the society for its student members and all LASSA activities. In addition to the AMS, LASSA also participates in the Faculty of Arts and the Graduate Student Society (GSS). Within SLAIS, LASSA acts as a liaison between the student members and the school administration.
In order that we may best represent the concerns and interests of the student body and its individual members, it is important that you feel free to bring any concerns or event ideas to us. This can be done by presenting an issue or interest at an executive meeting, by approaching an individual executive member, or through the suggestion box found in the SLAIS lounge.
Remember: The LASSA Executive is here to represent you and as students of SLAIS you are members of LASSA.
Visit us at our Library and Archival Student Association website and our wiki or feel free to approach any LASSA executive members with your questions and concerns. We can also be reached via email at lassa.ubc@gmail.com.
Leah Pearse Karine Burger
MAS Co-President MLIS Co-President
Academic Resources
At SLAIS
All your SLAIS professors offer weekly office hours and students are encouraged to take advantage of this time to ask any questions about their classes.
At UBC Library
UBC library also provides academic resources. The subject resources page for SLAIS can be found on the Library, Archival, and Information Studies subject page on the UBC library website
The library offers graduate student workshop series as well. For more information and to register online, visit Upcoming Library sessions in the Graduate Student Workshop Series Graduate Student Workshop Series for the current schedule.
Elsewhere At UBC
There are a number of facilities on campus to help students with their academic performance, such the UBC Writing Centre (http://www.writingcentre.ubc.ca/), and the Student Success workshops (http://www.students.ubc.ca/success/), that range from study and research skills, to counseling and more. Others may find the Centre for Teaching and Academic Growth (TAG) workshops (http://www.tag.ubc.ca/) to be a valuable resource. They offer graduate student instructional and presentation skills workshops, along with other resources and come with the highest recommendations!
Employment & Careers
On Campus
Career Services and Careers Online are two important resources for finding work on campus. Student assistant positions in the library are posted on the CareersOnline site and information on applying for these positions is available on the UBC library website at How to Apply.
On campus Graduate Academic Assistant (GAA) positions in various UBC Library settings are typically posted on SLAIS listservs. Most notably, the listserv entitled "SLAIS Jobs" posts library and archives-related job opportunities both on and off campus and throughout the world. More information about SLAIS electronic discussion lists can be found at SLAIS Information Technology page on the SLAIS website. There is also a physical bulletin board maintained within SLAIS that posts even more employment and career opportunities.
Co-op
If you will have completed 21 credits of course work by April 30, 2007, you are eligible to apply to the School's co-op work program. This program provides the opportunity to combine your academic studies with relevant, paid work experience. There is one intake for the co-op program per year and applications are due on October 10th. There will be 2 or 3 information sessions in the fall and a mandatory orientation session in November or December for those who have been accepted. A series of optional noon hour workshops will run from January to April and work periods typically begin in either May or September. More information and online application forms for the Co-op Program are available online. Specific co-op questions can be directed to Julie Walchi, the director of UBC Arts Co-op at julie.walchi@ubc.ca.
Library and Archival Organizations at SLAIS
Association for Canadian Archivists (ACA)
Come and join the first ever Association for Canadian Archivists (ACA) Student Chapter! The Chapter was started to support UBC archives students as they go through the program and make their way into the professional realm. We encourage students to become involved in the professional archives community, and meet other archives students along the way. Visit our blog at http://weblogs.elearning.ubc.ca/aca/.
British Columbia Library Association & Canadian Library Association (BCLA/CLA)
The BCLA/CLA Student Chapter raises awareness of and promotes the British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) and the Canadian Library Association (CLA) to the SLAIS community, and helps connect students with opportunities for participation in both professional library associations.
The student representatives to BCLA and CLA act as liaisons between SLAIS students and the professional associations, and communicate the activities of the associations to students.
The BCLA/CLA Student Chapter contributes to the education of students through seminars, guest speakers, and other activities that reflect the diversity of opportunities available in librarianship in British Columbia and Canada, and which allow for the exchange of ideas. We also provide opportunities for networking with other students and professionals through our peer and professional mentorship programs. Library tours are arranged on a bi-monthly basis.
The BCLA/CLA Student Chapter Executive meets once a month. All SLAIS students are welcome to attend our meetings. If you would like to learn more about us, or to join either of our mentorship programs, please visit the BCLA/CLA Student Chapter website or contact us at bcla.cla.ubc[at]gmail[dot]com.
Special Library Association (SLA)
We are the student branch of the Special Libraries Association (SLA) or SLA@SLAIS. The SLA, founded in 1909, is an international association representing the interests of thousands of information professionals in over eighty countries worldwide. SLA members work for a variety of organizations that deliver information-based solutions to specialized markets and clients. Special librarians are information resource experts who collect, analyze, evaluate and package information to facilitate decision-making for their organizations.
The SLA student chapter assists students in developing professional and technical skills by encouraging active participation at our meetings and outside of SLAIS. Our members network with the local community of information professionals arranging guest speakers and library tours. Student members also help organize technical skills workshops to help raise funds for the chapter.
Canadian Health Libraries Association(CHLA)
The Canadian Health Libraries Association (CHLA) was established in 1976 and is composed of about 400 members who work in health libraries across Canada. Its mission statement is "to improve health and health care by providing excellence in access to information."
The SLAIS CHLA interest group forms a link between students and professionals working in the health librarianship field. It aims to help foster interaction and participation with activities, lectures, and networking opportunities to develop the professional skills of those interested in health librarianship.
Founded in July 2006, we are a group of students interested in health sciences and medical librarianship. Not a chapter, we are a student interest group of the Canadian Health Libraries Association. We hold monthly meetings on campus, as well as social nights at local watering holes. Please check our wiki for details.
You may also want to visit the CHLA website or our local chapter of the CHLA, the Health Libraries Association of BC .
American Society of Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)
Formed in 1937, ASIS&T brings together everyone involved in Information Science and information research, from technical specialists, to librarians, from researchers, to business professionals - all fields that need, use, or investigate information fall under the ASIS&T umbrella.
The Student Chapter of the American Society of Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) at UBC was officially formed in September 2006. Our members share the same interest in connecting people with information using technology. We aim to bring together students and professionals in libraries, information science, and information technology. Thus, we are the only group at SLAIS that is reaching across disciplines in the University of British Columbia. Check out our website and blog for more information.
Student Government
LASSA
LASSA is your student organization. It provides representation and support for all SLAIS students. Several positions on the LASSA Executive will be open in the fall, such as MLIS First Year Reprsentative, MAS First Year Representative, AMS Representative, GSS Representative and Newsletter Coordinator. Participating in committees and helping out at LASSA events are alternate ways of becoming involved in this organization and adding vital volunteer experience to your resume. Visit us to find out more information.
Alma Mater Society (AMS)
The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is the main student society of UBC; as a student you are automatically a member. Based in the Student's Union Building (SUB), the AMS provides advocacy, clubs, entertainment, food and beverage service, and many other services to UBC students. Visit us for more information. LASSA sends one representative to sit on the AMS Council.
Graduate Student Society (GSS)
As a Graduate student at UBC you are a member of the Graduate Student Society (GSS). SLAIS sends three representatives to sit on the GSS council. In addition to lobbying and advocating on graduate students behalf, with the university and provincial and federal governments, the GSS offers many opportunities to meet other graduate students. As a member you are always welcome at the GSS councils monthly meeting (free food and beer). Watch the LASSA bulletin board and you email inbox for upcoming events. Further information about the GSS can be found on their website or you can speak to one of our GSS Reps.
Other Opportunities to Get Involved
SLAIS seeks student input and volunteers at various times throughout the year. For example, students have been invited to participate in selecting new faculty members and in the few past years, the School's Director, Dr. Edie Rasmussen, had held several open meetings with SLAIS students to elicit feedback. More broadly, there will be presentations, workshops, and colloquia throughout the year, providing opportunities for professional development and networking. Watch the SLAIS listservs for information about these events.
Health, Wellness & Safety
AMS/GSS Health Plan
The AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan provides insurance for a number of services not covered by provincial health plans such as dental care and prescription drugs. Full and part-time students who pay AMS fees for Term 1 and/or 2 are automatically covered. Students must carry valid provincial or other basic health insurance to be eligible. If you have equivalent supplementary insurance, you may opt out by contacting the Health Plan office prior to the applicable deadlines.
The Plan includes benefits for prescription drugs, travel health coverage, vision care, psychologist, dental benefits, and more. The total cost of the plan is $201.46 per student, included automatically with university fees each September. The policy year is from the beginning of September to the end of August. For more information visit the AMS website.
Safety on campus
UBC is a small city within itself and, like any other area in Vancouver, is susceptible to crime. With this in mind, a number of services have been developed to enhance student safety. A community shuttle bus, operated by Translink (http://www.trek.ubc.ca/programs/community_shuttle/), picks students up at designated bus stops and drop them off around campus for free. Check their site for more information. The Emergency Blue Light phone system set up around campus in case of emergency and for general assistance. The AMS operates Safewalk (http://www.ams.ubc.ca/content.cfm), a night walk service providing two SafeWalkers (one male, one female) who walk students to their car, residence, or class, free of charge. For more information see their website
Housing
On-Campus Housing
UBC has many options for grad students seeking on-campus housing, including Acadia Park, Fairview, Green College, Peter Wall Institute, Ritsumeikan-UBC House, St. John's College, Thunderbird Residence, Marine Drive Residences and the University Apartments. Check out Housing for the UBC Graduate Community for more information.
Off-Campus Housing
A great resource for finding off-campus housing is the UBC/AMS Rentsline. There is also a housing board in the basement of the Student Union Building where people post off-campus accommodation. The GSS also has a housing board in the Thea Korener Graduate Student Centre. In addition to newspaper listings and the Vancouver section of Craigslist and from time to time people post accommodation on the SLAIS listserv.
Parking & Transportation
Parking Permits
Parking at UBC is now handled by the FlexPass, who allow a permanent parking permit to be "loaded up" with various parking packages. Graduate students are eligible for Faculty/Staff rates. This is valid for several parkades and surface lots on campus including the Health Science Parkade which is a 2 minute walk from TEF III. The rate for October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007 was $768. For more information, please visit the website.
Daily Rates for Parking
The covered parkades run by UBC parking are all relatively central to campus. The parking prices in these parkades range according to time of day and day of the week. Some students also park in B-Lot, which are surface lots on the outskirts of campus, but these lots are quickly disappearing as development of the University Town proceeds. Check out the Parking at UBC site listed above for details.
Carpooling
FlexPasses can be used as carpool permits allowing the cost to be divided among several students. In addition, the UBC TREK Program Centre (http://www.trek.ubc.ca/) operates Commuter Connections, an online ridematching service that assists students, faculty, and staff members in connecting with carpools.
U-Pass
The U-Pass is a universal bus pass for all UBC students who pay AMS fees. The cost of the U-Pass is $22/month and is included as part of your tuition. New students can pick up their U-Passes at the UBC Bookstore during their first semester. Continuing students' renewed U-Passes will be mailed to them by the university (this occurs in August and April). U-Passes are activated on the 15th of the month preceding the beginning of the semester. The U-Pass offers: unlimited access to Translink buses, skytrain and seabus; discounts on the West Coast Express; and merchant discounts. Your can get your new student card and U-Pass from the bookstore during regular bookstore hours. For more information visit their website.
Awards & Financial Assistance
Scholarships
Most awards and scholarships at UBC do not require an application form or nomination. Students who are eligible for an award or scholarship will be contacted in writing. Some scholarships that do require application include Major Entrance Scholarships, the University Graduate Fellowship, Awards for Students with Disabilities, and Affiliated scholarships. For more information on all scholarships and awards (including deadlines) visit Awards, Fees and Finances and Awards and Financial Aid.
Bursaries
All bursaries are non-repayable awards that are allocated primarily on the basis of financial need. Any student with assessed financial need can apply for a bursary, but first consideration is given to those who have also applied for government assistance. Bursaries that students can apply for include affiliation bursaries, winter bursaries, and summer bursaries. For more information on all bursary programs visit the Scholarships and Bursaries on the Student Financial Services website.
Student Loans
Information about student loans can be obtained from the Student Loans and Grants of Student Financial Assistance and Awards. Please note that there is limited financial assistance for international students; however, if you find yourself in a difficult situation, you can contact a Financial Advisor at the Student Financial Assistance and Awards office.
SLAIS Service Fees
As mentioned in the information that you received in the mail, SLAIS requires all students to pay a one-time service fee to be paid during your first week of classes. All first year MAS and MLIS students at the beginning of their program must pay $236, while those doing their MA in Children's Literature program owe $128 and PhD program students owe $236. Those students pursuing their certificate of Advanced Study must pay $128. Joint MAS/MLIS students are charged a one time fee of $385.
Tuition
All Master's students are automatically assessed fees as full-time students and must follow the two-year schedule of payments (Schedule A). Schedule B fee payment, which allows payment over three years for candidates planning to complete the degree by part-time study, is only available by application to and approval by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. For more information, visit SLAIS & UBC Tuition, Fees & Expenses.
Payment Options
1. Paying in person at one of the many service desks in Brock Hall by cheque or debit card only.
2. Using internet or telephone banking (a bill payment where the account number is the student number)
3. Cash or cheque payment at any branch of HSBC
4. Tuition fees can be paid online with a credit card. Just go to the Student Service Centre, log in and click on "Fee Payment" under the MyServices folder.You will need a VISA or MasterCard to use this option. Apparently, the AMS is working to rectify this, but UBC has instituted a policy that only international students can still use credit cards to pay tuition fees.
5. It is possible to prearrange transfers from your bank account.
Textbooks
In addition to holding a book sale at the beginning of each semester, this year LASSA has also has a Book Sale section on the LASSA wiki The fall in-person book sale will occur in the SLAIS student lounge on the third floor of the TEF building on September 4th and September 5th, 2007.
The UBC bookstore also sells used textbooks; however, they buy back books for 50% of the price of a new book and sell them as used copies for 75% of the cost of a new copy. By providing this service our students are able to split the 25% of the cost the bookstore would normally keep.
Thank you for being a part of the SLAIS orientation 2007
& good luck during your time at SLAIS!
New-Student-Handbook-08.pdf
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