Student Groups FAQ

Please apply for an academic concession. To do so, contact Minoli Navaratnam (Manager, Experiential Learning & Professional Development — minoli.navaratnam@ubc.ca)

In short, depending on the nature of your concern, you may speak to

• your Team Captain,
• the Engineering Design Teams Coordinator (team.engineering@ubc.ca),
• Manager, Experiential Learning & Professional Development, (minoli.navaratnam@ubc.ca)
• the Safety and Facilities Officer (richard.colwell@ubc.ca)
• your Faculty Advisor, or
• the Engineering Student Teams Faculty Head (christoph.sielmann@ubc.ca)

If you find yourself experiencing psychological distress caused by your team, it is important to address the issue rather than suppressing it. You can navigate through the situation using the escalation process. Remember that it is not overthinking to seek resolution for your well-being. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Reach out to a teammate: Talk to a trusted teammate who you feel comfortable discussing the issue with. They may provide support or guidance on how to address the situation.
2. Contact your sub-team lead or team captain: If you feel comfortable, discuss your concerns with your sub-team lead or team captain. They should be available to listen and help resolve any conflicts or issues within the team.
3. Utilize the provided contacts: If you are uncomfortable discussing the matter directly with your team members, sub-team lead, or team captain, you can reach out to the designated contacts mentioned above. They are available to assist and provide support in such situations.

Please note that teams are expected to adhere to Community Agreements signed at the beginning of the year, and any violations of these agreements will be taken seriously.

Remember, your well-being is important, and addressing the issues you are facing is crucial for a healthy team environment.

• Contact your Safety Officer immediately.
• If you do not feel comfortable doing so, you may contact either of the following:
  • the Safety and Facilities Officer (richard.colwell@ubc.ca)
  • the Engineering Design Teams Coordinator (team.engineering@ubc.ca),
  • Manager, Experiential Learning & Professional Development, (minoli.navaratnam@ubc.ca)
  • your Faculty Advisor, or
  • the Engineering Student Teams Faculty Head (christoph.sielmann@ubc.ca)

Set up an appointment as soon as possible with your Faculty Advisor first, and then the Engineering Student Teams Coordinator to discuss options. Teams are foremost an opportunity for students to develop personally and professionally, and learn from any potential failures. There is support available at all times.

• Please let the Student Teams Coordinator (team.engineering@ubc.ca) know, as well as:
  • Wendy McHardy, Director of APSC Marketing & Communications (wendy.mchardy@ubc.ca), and
  • Ana Merino, the Applied Science Development Coordinator, (team.sponsorship@apsc.ubc.ca)
• All three may be able to promote your team’s success at different levels within UBC and externally amongst potential sponsors.

Many teams choose to hold on to their projects to show off at events. When this is less convenient (i.e. with larger projects), teams often salvage whatever parts and materials they can from the past projects, and dispose of the rest. Before destroying your project, please contact the Student Teams Coordinator to see if the Faculty of Applied Science would like to showcase your project.

Employers love seeing examples of actual technical work that has been completed by teams, giving a more complete picture of a student’s capabilities and experience. It is never too early to start documenting your project experience! Good things to include in a student portfolio include 3D Models and Assemblies, Simulations, Computer Programs, Project Photos, and Project Results.

Keep all of your receipts, originals are required to be reimbursed. Please see the section Finance – Teams for more information. If you have any remaining questions which were not answered in this handbook, please contact the current Student Teams Coordinator at team.engineering@ubc.ca.