As an iSchool with an Arts perspective, we are known for our exceptional student experience and applied learning outcomes.
Our community works hard to make UBC iSchool a vibrant, multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub for learning, and our faculty and staff are here to help navigate and support you every step of the way.
We encourage you to take time to fully engage with the community and familiarize yourself with the tools and resources available to help you make the most of your time as a UBC iSchool graduate student.
Orientation Schedule September 2023 (this page in document format).
Orientation Schedule for September 2023
Tuesday, September 5 – iSchool Orientation
| Time | Session | Place |
| 9:30 - 10:30 am | iSchool Orientation for new students | Dodson Room, IKBLC |
| 10:30 - 11:00 am | Coffee Break | iSchool |
| 11:00 - 12:00 pm | Meet your Advisor | iSchool |
| 12:00 - 1:30 pm | LASSA Orientation: Connect with club representatives and get your photo taken. Lunch will be provided. | iSchool |
| 12:00 - 1:30 pm | PhD Orientation | iSchool Chilcotin Room |
| 1:00 - 2:00 pm | LASSA Campus Tour | Leaving from iSchool |
Wednesday, September 13 – MAS Program Orientation
| Time | Session | Place |
| 12:00 - 1:30 pm | MAS Program Orientation | iSchool Terrace Lab |
Tuesday, September 19 – MLIS Program Orientation
| Time | Session | Place |
| 12:00 - 2:00 pm | MLIS Program Orientation | iSchool Terrace Lab |
Wednesday, September 20 – Tech Orientation
| Time | Session | Place |
| 12:30 - 1:00 pm | Tech Orientation | iSchool Terrace Lab |
All incoming students are required to attend the appropriate orientation session, led by the iSchool faculty members and the Peer Technology Advisors.
The session will cover the program requirements and possible pathways for your degree program, and the various technology tools and resources available to iSchool students. DUAL students should attend both program orientations.
Thursday, September 28 – iSchool Graduate Advisor Orientation
All incoming iSchool students are required to attend an iSchool Graduate Advisor Orientation, led by the Graduate Advisor Dr. Eric Meyers and Educational Services Manager Dr. Kevin Day.
The session will include resources and tips that are specific to iSchool students and will cover a range of topics including but not limited to: external course registration, student support services, course exemptions, and more.
| Time | Session | Place |
| 12:30 - 1:30 pm | Mandatory Graduate Advisor Session | Dodson Room, IKBLC |
Thursday, September 21 and Monday, September 25 – Library Resource Orientation
All incoming iSchool students are required to attend one of the UBC Library Resources Orientations, led by Allan Cho.
Even if you are an UBC graduate, there are resources and tips that are specific to iSchool students that will save you time and effort in your courses. If you are interested in working as a Student Librarian next year, this will also be very useful to include on your resume.
| Date and time | Session | Place |
| Thursday, September 21, 12:30 - 1:30 pm | Library Resource Orientation | https://ubc.zoom.us/j/61304186120?pwd=dTU5NUZ1Qk9lUVAzdXNvVFZiV1JQdz09 |
| Monday, September 25, 12:30 - 1:30 pm | Library Resource Orientation | https://ubc.zoom.us/j/69369288136?pwd=WStRV3YwcXpDeEE2YnB2VzJsc0k2Zz09 |
Important Dates
Term 1 Start/End Dates:
- Tuesday, September 5, 2023 – Thursday, December 7, 2023
Course Drop/Withdrawal Dates:
- Drop without a W standing: September 18, 2023
- Drop with a W standing: October 27, 2023
First Nations Curriculum Concentration Information Session: TBD
Please visit the UBC Student Services website for more details: https://students.ubc.ca/enrolment/registration/course-change-dates
Please visit the Graduate Studies website for UBC-wide orientation events: orientation.grad.ubc.ca
To Do’s Before Orientation Day…
- Set up your UBC Campus Wide Login (CWL)
- Update your contact information in SSC
- Emergency Contact Info
- Make sure you are registered for courses
- Students planning to take courses part-time: please contact Dr. Eric Meyers (ischool.gradadvisor@ubc.ca) before the start of your degree;
- Students who are experiencing issues with registration should contact the iSchool Program Assistant (ischool.program@ubc.ca).
- Apply for your UBC Student Card online and pick it up at the Bookstore*
iSchool Student Fees
The School of Information Student Fees cover all program costs associated with lab costs (equipment, licenses, etc.); and course costs (photocopying, special materials, etc.). All first year students at the beginning of their program are assessed a one-time iSchool Fee as follows:
- MLIS/MAS/PhD fees are $216.00
- MASLIS (Dual) fees are $365.00
- MACL fees are $108.00
- LASSA one-time fee is $20.00
Students can pay for their fees using the online form available at the UBC iSchool AIR site. Accepted payment types are credit card (VISA and MasterCard) and Interac Online. The deadline to pay for the student fees is Tuesday, September 5 (Orientation Day).
Getting Answers at the iSchool
Start with the iSchool Website: https://ischool.ubc.ca. The newly updated iSchool website has virtually everything you need to know about requirements for your program. If you can’t find the answer please feel free to contact our office staff.
iSchool Office Staff
Debra Locke (ischool.info@ubc.ca)
Consult with the Information Assistant for all:
- General inquiries. They will be able to direct you to the appropriate person to have your questions answered
- Information on lockers, keycards, mailboxes, booking rooms, checking out equipment (laptops, cameras, etc.).
TBD (ischool.program@ubc.ca)
Consult with the Program Assistant for information regarding your program:
- Course registration issues
- Issues surrounding your record (e.g., missing grades, etc.)
- Closing your program and applying for graduation.
Dr. Kevin Day (ischool.edsm@ubc.ca)
Consult with the Educational Services Manager regarding:
- Hands-on learning options, such as Practicum (LIBR 595), Internship (ARST 595), Professional Experience (ARST/LIBR 596); and related professional development advising
- Complex student services issues
iSchool Co-op Manager: Jane Devine Mejia (jane.devine@ubc.ca)
Consult with Jane regarding: Co-op application deadlines, requirements, etc.
Faculty Advisors
You were notified of your faculty advisor via email prior to the start of the semester; please check this email to see who your assigned faculty advisor is. Consult with your advisor regarding:
- Choice and sequence of courses in your degree program;
- Thesis or Directed Study options. A faculty advisor’s signature is required to authorize these courses.
Graduate Advisor: Dr. Eric Meyers (ischool.gradadvisor@ubc.ca)
Consult the Graduate Advisor regarding:
- Dr. Meyers’ signature on various documents in the course of your time at the iSchool:
- Loans or other legal documents that require proof of your status as a student;
- Requests for course exemptions or pre-requisite exemptions;
- Requests to take external courses (please see the iSchool website for details regarding the regulations);
- One-on-one meetings with Dr. Meyers, if you have any confidential matters that you would like to discuss or have the School be aware of (mental health issues, personal matters, etc.).
iSchool Peer Technology Advisor
The iSchool has individualized assistance available for students. The Peer Technology Advisor holds open virtual consultation hours during the term – hours are to be announced.
The Peer Technology Advisors can help students with many topics, including software guidance, debugging code, and providing general IT troubleshooting. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the support available. Peer Technology Advisors are also available via Piazza.
