Recently UBC IT launched a new tool to replace a variety of instant messaging platforms being used by staff across UBC. Skype for Business (UBC Collaboration Suite) is a comprehensive set of communication and collaboration tools for the UBC community that are secure, reliable, and easy to use.  This new service allows you to send instant messages to colleagues and collaborate over video conference; chat with multiple people at the same time; share your computer screen; securely transfer files to colleagues and more.

Access to Skype for Business

All of ES–on both campuses should now have access to Skype for Business (SFB). You are strongly encouraged to use this tool for all instant messaging communications between you and your ES colleagues–especially between Vancouver and Okanagan colleagues, and discontinue the use of other IM tools except where the other party has not been onboarded to SFB. The majority of UBC will be onboarded to SFB in the next 18 months.

Training

All three training sessions have now taken place, so many of you will already be using the new tool. If you were unable to attend one of the training sessions, please contact your unit’s representative on the ES Management of Technology (MOT) working group to arrange training.

MOT Unit Representatives

  • Adrian Lee Chuy, Student Records & Systems Management
  • Alex Lau, Student Financial Services
  • Jason Kwok, Student Records & Systems Management (Chair)
  • Jeff Hum, Student Records & Systems Management
  • Joseph Dubec, Undergraduate Admission
  • Julie Foran, Student Support & Advising
  • Pam Narsih, Student Records & Systems Management
  • Stephanie Oldford, Senate & Curriculum Services

Support

In addition to your MOT unit representative, there are other resources to support you:

  • Skype For Business support page on the ES Wiki. It is currently a work in progress, with links to the IT resources, information specific to ES, and other helpful links. More information will be added in the coming weeks.
    • If you are not able to access the Wiki, please email support@ubc.ca and request to be added to the Enrolment Services group.
  • Visit the UBC Collaboration Suite Resource site created by UBC IT, which contains training videos, documentation, features and support information.
  • If you encounter issues that you can not resolve by consulting your MOT representative or the resources listed above, you can create a ticket with the UBC IT Help Desk.