Jama Mahlalela – 2025 Great Trekker

By Sheliza Mitha

I believe leadership, in what I have learned from my time with the Raptors – and especially in my initial days at UBC – is all about listening – Jama Mahlalela

When Jama Mahlalela walked through the doors of the War Memorial Gym for his Great Trekker Award presentation during the March 15th game against Concordia, the positive energy in the air was palpable.  

It was easy to see and feel the warm welcome from those gathered around, many of whom he knew from his time as a student-athlete. Jama’s open smile and friendly demeanor set the tone, making it feel like a true homecoming. Reflecting on just how much UBC helped to shape his life and career, he shared, “You’ll never forget the time you’re on this court,” during his acceptance speech from centre court. A 2004 graduate with a Bachelor of Kinesiology, Jama’s path has taken him from UBC student-athlete to assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors. 

In this Q&A, Jama looks back on how UBC shaped his leadership style, coaching philosophy, and the relationships that have guided him along the way. 

  1. Can you tell us about some key UBC moments or experiences that you believe helped to shape you into the person, athlete and/or coach that you are today?  

For sure. This makes me think back to the Storm the Wall competition. For UBC students, it’s this great time when people come together for this competition near the end of the year. And for me, this felt a bit different than my time here with athletic pursuits. I was on the basketball team and a varsity athlete, but this was different because everyone participated and everyone had an equal opportunity. I remember we won it one year, and it took all of us working together as a team to get over the wall. It’s a memory that I will keep with me; and it makes me think about the teamwork that it took to get over this wall – which is something that really made sense to me, especially in terms of how I operate even now as it was much more about the idea of team being about everybody, regardless of your capacity.  

That event is unique as some people run, some people swim, some people climb – but everyone had a role, and the question is always: How do you maximize everyone’s role?  And so when I think about my time at UBC, that event specifically really encapsulated the importance of teamwork. 

  1. As a student athlete and co-captain while at UBC, how were you able to balance your responsibilities both on and off the court? 

My university days really formed the basis of my ability to organize my day. And that’s what university taught me in many ways. It’s about how to organize, prioritize and get a plan for the day. I had to do that to survive here… to come to practice, to go to the library, to study, to do all the things it took to be a university student. And that’s helped me now to be a coach to manage and to think about what does each day look like, how do I plan for practice and for the next day. So, it’s that organizational capacity that I was forced into as a university student that has helped my success now.  

  1. You mentioned in a previous profile that you didn’t find that every sport came so naturally to you, particularly swimming. Can you speak more as to how overcoming these challenges in your kinesiology classes contributed to how you approach coaching today? 

That swimming analogy is a great one. So, we’re in this university course where they teach you some swimming techniques… and I remember that I was a decent swimmer, but I had never done the butterfly before. So when it was time to try that stroke, I tried it for the first time and failed miserably. And for someone who is a naturally gifted athlete, they can do the skill no matter what. Michael Jordan can shoot a jump shot no matter what. Usain Bolt can run no matter what. But, how do you do something you can’t do? For me, I had to learn the mechanics of the butterfly stroke – and that means learning what happens, what’s moving first, when is it moving, how am I breathing. And learning that, it gave me such an appreciation for what coaching must feel like… and learning that some athletes I coach are in that same situation. Especially for young athletes who have never done the action I am coaching them, I learned I need to give them details. I need to break it down phase by phase, step by step. So that’s definitely informed my coaching.  

  1. With your leadership roles – such as being president of the UBC Athletic Council and co-captain – what did you learn about leadership, and how has this influenced your approach with the Raptors? 

I believe leadership, in what I have learned from my time with the Raptors – and especially in my initial days at UBC – is all about listening. That’s what great leadership is truly about. And in those early days with the Athletic Council, it was about listening to the athletes, about listening to the administration, and listening to what all the concerns were and then navigating the best path forward. The same thing is true in my life as a coach. I have to listen to my athletes, listen to the other coaches… and only at that time can you actually make decisions that drive the course of the organization and move you forward. That’s an important skill.  

  1. Without exaggeration, your relatively brief career has already been so inspirational and accomplished. So, I am wondering… where do you draw inspiration from (while you were a student and/or currently as a full-time professional)? 

It may sound strange, but people inspire me – as well as the diversity that people come to the table with. I love meeting new people. I love seeing what makes them tick. I love understanding what humanity is at its core… that’s such a motivational thing for me. We’re all so similar – much more similar than we are different – but we should be so excited about that difference. So, to be able to travel the world and come to Vancouver for the first time as a university student was about that difference… and celebrating it. I think that for every person we meet, there’s a different exchange of energy; and that exchange is powerful, and that actually gives you energy… with hope that gives the other person energy as well.  And from that exchange and from that communication, we can hopefully do great things.  

  1. Looking back, how did the relationships you built during your time at UBC play a role in your personal and professional growth? 

A key relationship would be with Coach Hanson, who coached me when I was a student here, and our relationship post our basketball experience has grown a lot. We have both been very reflective of our time. I believe that’s something we all need to do… to look back and discuss what we would have done differently or how can we grow and learn from all the scenarios. That’s something Coach Hanson and I have done. This is something that has really helped me improve, and I think that’s something that has helped him improve… and it’s one of those formative relationships. Your coach is a formative person in your life, and for me to know that I am that for other people makes it really important for me in how I relate to my athletes, how I spend time with them, how I navigate the conversations and help them with their lives makes a difference. Because I know how much it matters for an athlete.  

  1. For current students (and the lifelong students in all of us), can you share a particular challenge you faced while at UBC, whether academically or athletically, and how you navigated this? 

For me, as an athlete, you want to play. And if you look back at my university career, I didn’t play a lot. I was a back-up player. And navigating that – and trying to understand why that happened, why you’re not playing when you think you should be playing more – was a real challenge for me. But I always relied on what does it mean, and who are the people around me. So, the journey with my teammates became the most important thing. There’s a fun memory of at time we won the Canada West Championship here at War Memorial, and when they called the team captain to come up and get the trophy… they called me up, but I hadn’t played in the game – which to me spoke volumes that even though I hadn’t played in the game, I was still the one coming up to get the trophy because the challenge of not playing was mitigated by my sense of community and of team, and of making my environment a positive place so I overcame this challenge [of not playing] by focusing on the goal, on teamwork and the people.  

I try to always find positivity, and connection and step forward by the people I am around.  

  1. Again, in a previous profile, you’ve talked about Professor Wilson’s influence on your perspective of sport and society. So, I’m wondering how her mentorship helped you in preparing for your own career or post-university life? 

Being in Dr. Wilson’s classes was very important for me, especially in the way that she organized classes and could compartmentalize the different things we were learning about. This was just really unique to me. She taught me how to formulate different things and keep them in their own components, and then how to have them interact. So, every lesson was really specific and we learned something independent in that lesson, but when you put the whole thing together, it formed an entire curriculum. And for me as a coach, I try to do the same thing: What are the skills that I am coaching each and every day, and how do those skills ladder up to be something bigger and broader overall to help the athlete?  

  1. In your career, you’ve worked in various roles, from coaching at UBC to your time with the Raptors. What lessons or experiences from your time as a student do you still apply to your life and/or your coaching philosophy? 

I think my coaching philosophy is really based around: How do you motivate the athletes you’re working with. And, most of the time, those motivations are much more humanistic than they are performance-based. How do you make someone feel good about themselves? How do you make them feel confident in what they’re doing? And that’s where you reap the biggest rewards.  

By “humanistic,” the focus is on their contributions and how they are doing in terms of their state. What they’re feeling on a certain day really matters. It makes a big difference. So, managing that and making sure they’re in a good space allows them to perform well – such as putting them in a joyful environment, putting them in a place where we’re recognizing the positivity that they’re bringing to the table… this allows them to perform at an elite level.   

  1. Has the goal always been to be a professional coach? 

Actually, I wanted to be a teacher. Throughout high school and at my time at UBC, my intention was to teach high school – specifically Phys Ed and history. That’s where my passion was, that’s what I was so excited to do… and be a representative person for a lot of other young people. And I sort of fluked myself onto the basketball side. So, again, it’s about connecting with people, loving people and loving the game – which is how I ended up in the coaching realm, though I was a teacher by training and by passion.  

  1. On a personal note, I really love and appreciate your “sunny-day” philosophy… most especially when we’re faced with adversity. So, I’m wondering if you could please share an example of when you have had to dig deep and find the “sunny day” to overcome a particularly difficult moment – either at UBC or in your career? 

For me, I’m very thankful that I have a pretty positive outlook on life on most days when I wake up. It’s just the natural way for me. But there are some days when you need to actually make a choice and choose to have a positive outlook and make a choice that the sun is shining that day. And for those moments or days that are the hardest, and having situations that might be – either professionally or with family – full of turmoil, as we all have those days, it’s about: How do we find a way to make it a little bit more positive? It’s also about accepting that some days aren’t going to be “sunny,” but rather cloudy.  But if my mentality is to make the next moment or day sunny, I will be in a better state. So, what helps me in navigating these cloudy days is by choosing to imagine the next as being more sunny.     What advice would you give to current students on making the most of their time at university? 

As I look back as an alumnus here, I think it’s about savoring the time and realizing that it’s special. When you’re in it, you don’t realize that all the time. You’re worried about your next exam, or your homework or whatever else. But it’s good to have some perspective while you’re in the moment to realize: “This is a special time in my life. I am really lucky to be here.” And to enjoy and savor the time because you will have these memories for the rest of your life.”   

  1. What advice would you give to students when it comes to navigating their post-university future? 

I believe it’s through the university experience that you gain life lessons. You gain an understanding of how to learn, how to interact with people and how to navigate society. These are some of the main lessons we learn at university. As you finish your university career, it’s about… how do you apply those skills to whatever your next steps are going to be. I think the key is to try and find joy in whatever you want to do next, to find connection with the people you’ll be spending time with, and to challenge yourself to continue to grow. Once you finish university, your learning doesn’t finish. You continue to learn for the rest of your life. And being open to this… I believe is an important part of people’s success and their futures.  

  1. I read that you have also devoted your time to helping children and ensuring a connection with your birthplace of Eswatini. Can you please tell us a bit more about that, and what that has meant to you and your own beliefs and values? 

Being someone who’s grown up in Canada but has real definitive roots in Africa in Swaziland, now known as Eswatini, it was formative for me to experience both cultures. It was formative for me to understand that although the places are very different, the people were very similar – warm and welcoming.  And for me to now be established professionally in North America, my connection points and my motivations are often times back home in Eswatini. And when you look at my friends and connections there, and the realities of what living in different parts of the world look like… that always gives me perspective. My upbringing in Eswatini is a gift and a huge perspective-giver – and gives me a sense of what matters and what doesn’t matter, and perspective on things that are important: and it’s family, it’s friends, it’s community. And my African roots bring that to the forefront. So, it’s such an important part of who I am, and it informs the choices I get to make each and every day.  


Jama’s impact on UBC and beyond is a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork and the genuine connections that we build along the way. From his role in UBC’s athletic community to the creation of the Jama Mahlalela Award – created in his honor to recognize leadership, selfless dedication and spirit – it’s clear that Jama values the people and relationships that shape our journeys.  

Looking back on Jama’s time at UBC and his career since then, his story is a reminder that our relationships, our contributions, our challenges and our outlooks all play a vital role in shaping who we are and what we can become. 

The Great Trekker Award is an honour presented to an alumnus of UBC who embodies the spirit of the Great Trek student initiative of 1922, when they marched to Point Grey to pressure the government to complete the construction of the university. Great Trekkers, past and present harbour the same leadership and ambition through their continued support of and contribution to the UBC Community and beyond.

Safer Partying Do’s & Don’ts

Block Party is around the corner and we want you to party safe! Follow these 11 tips to have a good time.

DO:

1. Drink responsibly AND mindfully

Being safe when interacting with substances, including alcohol, is extremely important! Tips like staying hydrated, pacing yourself, and eating before you drink are staple rules to ensure a good night and a good morning (or afternoon, we’re not judging) for the next day. A general rule of thumb: For every standard alcoholic drink, aim for one non-alcoholic drink. Water is your best bet but if you prefer juice or pop, that works too! Electrolyte drinks/packs are also great. You can also try to set a limit for yourself and stay within it, you know yourself best.

2. Test your drugs and practice safer substance use

Test your substances

  • Free Fentanyl Test Strips are available outside of AMS Peer Support (NEST 3125), SASC (NEST 3130), and at the UBC Wellness Centre (LIFE 1400).
  • Get Your Drugs Tested is an organization in Vancouver that tests your substances to check for unexpected potent substances that may be in your substances
  • When testing substances, remember the “Chocolate Chip Cookie Effect”. When testing a substance, you are only testing one small sample of the substance. It’s possible that the sample you test has no potent substances (no chocolate chips), but another portion of the substance does have other substances (chocolate chips).

Know how your substances interact

  • Learn how your substances interact (including caffeine, OTC painkillers, prescription medication, and alcohol): http://www.tripsit.me
  • Avoid mixing substances that can have adverse reactions when taken together. If you’re unsure, it’s best to stick to one substance for the night. Pharmacists and your family physician can also provide guidance about your prescription medications and interactions with other substances.

Practice Safer Substance use

  • Using clean safer substance use supplies can help you avoid infections or other adverse effects. Free safer substance use supplies are available anonymously through AMS Peer Support, place your free order here.
  • Start low and go slow: Pace yourself and listen to your body if you feel unwell.

3. Figure out a safe way home before the event

Safewalk Block Party hours: 9 PM – 3 AM (call 604-822-5355). Campus Security is available outside of these hours for support (604-822-2222).

Spontaneous nights can still be fun with a planned way to go home! Whether it would be to take public transit, using Safewalk (604-822-5355), budgeting for Uber/cab costs, or carpooling home with your sober designated driver, having an idea of how to get home is a great way to make sure you end the night on a good note!

4. Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and/or overdose. Be prepared to call 911 or alert event staff.

Signs can include:

  • Cold and sweaty skin
  • Being unconscious or unresponsive
  • Blue or grey lips/nails
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Seizures
  • Slow/irregular breathing (less than 1 breath per 5 second) or heart rate
  • Vomiting (especially for more than 30 minutes in case of alcohol poisoning)

Symptoms can look different for anyone. If you have any doubt, call 911. At Block Party, you can also alert event staff. There will be paramedics on site.

5. Be prepared

This can mean so many things. From carrying safer sex supplies, new and single-use safer substance use supplies (e.g. needles, pipes, straws, etc.), charging your phone or bringing a portable charger, to investing in some ear plugs. There are lots of ways to create a better time for yourself and your friends. At Block Party, AMS Peer Support will have ear plugs, safer sex supplies, fentanyl test strips, and more. You can also visit ams.ubc.ca/peersupport to order your supplies for free in advance. Being prepared can also mean eating before you go out or bringing cash for emergencies.

A safe night looks different for everyone. You can decide what you need for a fun and safe night.

6. Have a buddy with you

Whether it’s for getting home safe (splitting ride-share costs will be cheaper), using substances, or going to the washroom together, having a friend by your side means you can help keep each other safe and have fun together. Before an event, decide on a meeting point in case you get separated.

DON‘T

1. DON’T leave your friend(s) alone

We were taught the Buddy System at a young age for a reason. Have each other’s backs and keep an eye on each other. It’s not cool to leave them alone, especially if they’re feeling unwell. Get help from staff at the event. If your friend is not in the right headspace, keeping them company would be a good idea.

2. DON’T ignore consent

Consent is extremely important for going-out etiquette. Flirt respectfully! Is someone too intoxicated to consent? Leave them alone tonight. Learn more about consent here.

3. DON’T dress without thinking about the weather

For outdoor events, like Block Party, the weather can impact your ability to have fun. With the sun out during the day, it might be fine to not bring a jacket but when it gets dark (and possibly rainy), it can get really cold. A lot of people ditch the jacket because they want to showcase their fun outfits or because it’s annoying to deal with if you’re not wearing it, but the weather is still cold enough in April to need outerwear.

4. DON’T ignore your entrances and exits

Noticing the locations of bathrooms, exits, and first aid tents would make your experience better. Being able to know where everything is can come in handy when you need something, whether it is to use the washroom, knowing where medical staff are, or if you just have a question.

5. DON’T take Tylenol the day of or after drinking

Combining acetaminophen and alcohol can cause liver damage. For pain relief, opt for alternatives like ibuprofen (Advil) instead.

Mid-term Mishap? Make Your Comeback! 

In the past few days, I have come across multiple students frustrated with their grades, and unsure about how to proceed. One thing all of them shared was a feeling of not having performed as well as they would have liked or as well as they performed back in high school. If you are reading this, you are likely in the same boat.  

A piece of advice I give everyone is to remember that exams at university are quite different from exams in high school, and your performance on your first few university exams is bound to be below what you were used to in high school. What matters is not the setback itself but how you respond to it. What you do with this experience now will shape your academic experience moving forward. When you look at your course syllabi, you will see that the final exams coming up are a great way to recover your scores. Here are some tips to make the most of this, and make an academic comeback: 

  1. Review your exams 

It is always helpful to look at your exam to better understand where you lost points. Your instructor or TA may also be able to go over your exam with you and help find any patterns in the things you get wrong. Identifying these patterns can help you adjust your study habits and prepare better for the next exam. 

  1. Access University Resources 

Working hard is one way to do well at university, but working smart is faster. It takes time and experience to develop smart study techniques, and helping students develop these skills is something AMS Tutoring excels at.  

You can see an AMS Tutor during the free drop-ins or book a private appointment with a tutor. While the drop-ins are great for quick questions and general support, booking an appointment lets you build a stronger 1-on-1 connection with the tutor, allowing them to provide you with a more personalized learning experience. 

AMS Tutoring is also the only paid resource that is sanctioned by the university. This means that their highly trained tutors can provide you with the most up-to-date and relevant support with tutors having access to your course syllabi, specialized training, and high accountability. 

  1. Maintain your well-being 

Performing unexpectedly on an exam can be an upsetting experience, even distressing for some people. Academic success is highly reliant on personal well-being, and it is important that you take care of yourself while preparing for future exams. UBC has several wellness resources as well. If you are feeling stressed and want to talk to someone about life in general, you can book an appointment with AMS Peer Support. For students living in residence, counselors in residence also host regular events, which are great opportunities to meet with fellow students in a casual setting. 

  1. Embrace the learning curve 

First year of university is as much about the class content as it is about learning to be a student at this level. Each exam is an opportunity to refine your approach to learning and studying and to develop skills that will stay with you for the rest of your life. 

Crystal Hung – 2024 Great Trekker

“I felt like I was a very small person in a really big world” – UBC Sauder Alumnus Crystal Hung wins this year’s Great Trekker award

by Tanushi Bhatnagar

Congratulations to Crystal Hung on winning the 2024 AMS Great Trekker Award!

As an alumnus of the UBC Sauder School of Business, Hung had built a meaningful connection with the spaces and buildings on campus. For her, UBC was a welcoming environment – one that she could spend most of her time in.

“I remember stepping onto the campus for the first time and I was overwhelmed. I felt like I was a very small person in a really big world. And you often feel lost on campus but the one place for me at the time was the Student Union Building,” she said. The Student Union Building has since been replaced by the AMS Student Nest and has been repurposed as the UBC Life Building. 

An interesting facet of Hung’s Bachelor of Commerce journey was that she was able to find comfort in studying till late near the UBC Hospital Emergency Department. “I was a business student that was just trying to find a place to study after hours,” she said.  But it was not just the heat and 24/7 access to the medical building that led her to spend hours on campus. She felt safe and at home. “For people who are maybe living on campus or living away from home, somehow UBC figured it out.”

Crystal in the showroom of one of her recently finished projects (a partnership with other UBC grads! )

And perhaps it was that feeling of home and belongingness that inspired Hung and her husband Dr Jack Chang to donate $1 million to the UBC Sauder Powerhouse Expansion Project. 

Looking back at her student life, Hung recalled working three jobs as a student and never taking a break. “I do dream about going back to school sometimes and it’s because I feel like I missed out on some parts of the student life because I was working a lot,” she said. She advices the students to “slow down, reflect and pause” amidst the fast-paced nature of every-day school life.

During her UBC journey, she found resources and support through the UBC community. “Upon graduation, I had been a research assistant for numerous professors to pay off all my student loans & had $800 leftover in my pocket,” she said. That achievement and the belief that came from a quote “if opportunity does not knock, build a door” by Milton Berle are what inspired her to succeed in her entrepreneurial journey after university.

Hung graduated from Sauder in 2008. Today, she is the CEO and founder of Icon&Co Boutique Inc., a Vancouver-based real estate sales and marketing agency she founded in 2014. She also currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Vancouver Heritage Commission where she campaigns for the integration of Vancouver’s heirloom buildings and diverse cultural history with the city’s urban planning decisions. Within the Vancouver housing sector, Hung and her team have been dedicated to tackling the city’s housing needs through mindful development projects. Her personalized and community-focused strategies have not only built her a strong reputation in the real estate industry but also won her awards.

Apart from her endeavours in the housing market, Hung is also a dedicated philanthropist. She is the co-founder of Pixels Moments, a micro-donation platform, in collaboration with the St. Paul’s Hospital to raise awareness and funds for mental health resources for the hospital, raising more than $400,000 since 2021. Her time spent studying near the UBC hospital also exposed her to the medical system which now inspires her to contribute to health science through her real estate endeavours. Being a strong advocate for alternative housing solutions, Hung’s interests also lie in helping find viable solutions to Vancouver’s housing crisis. For the past two and a half years, she has been researching housing issues in the Downtown Eastside and connecting with residents. “As a marketer, one of my ambitions is to hopefully create a new way of thinking about these issues and not see them as stigma. Hopefully, one day, I can help contribute to solutions,” she said.


The Great Trekker Award is an honour presented to an alumnus of UBC who embodies the spirit of the Great Trek student initiative of 1922, when they marched to Point Grey to pressure the government to complete the construction of the university. Crystal Hung harbours the same leadership and ambition through her continued support of and contribution to the UBC Community and beyond.

Unlocking the Secrets to Acing Group Projects

A Guide to Thriving Together 

It’s about halfway through the semester, and a lot of you are about to be thrown into a group project that seems like a mountain of tasks and deadlines. You look around at your group members, a mix of familiar and new faces, and wonder how you’ll ever coordinate your schedules, let alone complete the project. Flashback to my first group project at university, fraught with miscommunication and last-minute panic. Fast forward to now, as a fourth-year student, I’ve learned the ins and outs of turning group projects from a source of stress into opportunities for growth and success. Here is how my team and I mastered the art of group projects, and how you can too, in any collaborative endeavor you undertake at UBC, and beyond: 

Set clear goals, deadlines, and lines of communication. 

The most important thing for any group project to succeed is for everyone to be on the same page. Yes, the end goal for everyone on your team is to hand in a completed project by the deadline and get a good score. However, it is often helpful to have smaller goals at more regular intervals to keep you on track. I like to do this by breaking down the project into stages; literature review, planning and organization, first draft, final submission, for example. I add these goals to platforms like Trello that help track progress and let me know if I am behind schedule. This approach not only makes the project more digestible but also ensures that everyone is on the same page from the get-go. I personally like Trello since it integrates well with most calendar apps. 

It is also important to set up non-volatile lines of communication, ones that will not erase themselves after a certain period. My go-to is Discord since it is free and has all the functionality I would need for my group project, text and file sharing, voice and video calling, non-volatile. Be mindful about how long your chats are kept for. This will especially be helpful if there are any conflicts or any accusations of academic misconduct down the line. 

Leverage Each Other’s Strengths 

Everyone has different strengths and interests, and group projects let you capitalize on them. Early on, have an open discussion about each team member’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Assign roles that align with each person’s skills and interests as much as possible. This not only ensures productivity but also makes the project more enjoyable for everyone involved. Remember, diversity in skills and perspectives is your greatest asset. 

Remember, diversity goes beyond skills and interests; it encompasses different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. Embrace this diversity within your group as it can lead to more creative solutions and a richer learning experience. Encourage each member to share their unique viewpoints and consider these diverse perspectives when making decisions. This approach not only enriches your project but also prepares you for working in today’s globalized world. 

Check-in often 

Communication is the lifeline of any successful group project. Decide as a team how often you want to meet as a team. Regular check-ins ensure that everyone is progressing as planned and allow for early detection of potential issues. Don’t underestimate the power of a quick weekly meeting to keep everyone aligned and motivated. In addition to the larger team check-ins, if you have multiple people working on the same part of the project, I recommend them setting up their own meetings as well. It is helpful to have a written agenda for each meeting to keep your discussions on goal and not miss any topics you wanted to discuss. 

While dividing tasks is efficient, isolation can lead to disjointed results. These meetings also give you a chance to bring your individual work together, ensuring cohesiveness in the final submission. Tools like Google Docs or Office 365 allow for real-time collaboration and feedback, making it easier to integrate different parts of the project seamlessly. Office 365 is free for all UBC students with an active student email. 

Practice and Promote Academic Integrity 

Academic integrity is the cornerstone of any project. Ensure that all group members understand the importance of original work and the proper citation of sources. Utilize university resources like the academic integrity website and Purdue OWL’s citation guide to learn more about academic integrity and good practices. Remember, integrity is not just about avoiding plagiarism; it’s about contributing your genuine effort and respecting the contributions of others. 

Be Proactive in Resolving Conflicts 

Conflict is almost inevitable in group projects, but it doesn’t have to derail your progress. Address any issues or misunderstandings early on, focusing on the problem, not the person. Effective conflict resolution involves active listening, empathy, and compromise. Sometimes, a neutral third party, like a TA or professor, can offer valuable perspective and mediation. 

Reflect and Celebrate 

After submitting your project, take the time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This reflection is invaluable for personal growth and future group projects. Don’t forget to celebrate your hard work and achievements, regardless of the outcome. The skills and relationships you’ve built during this time are worth celebrating. 

As you embark on your next group project, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. By fostering organization, using diverse skills, maintaining open lines of communication, and upholding academic integrity, you’re not just completing an assignment; you’re preparing for the collaborative challenges of the professional world. Here’s to your success, both individually and together! 

5 Ways to Prep for Office Hours

Office hours are an extremely valuable resource, not only for direct course support but also for building relationships with your professors and TAs, further solidifying your place in the UBC community. In your first year, attending may seem intimidating. With so many questions, so much course content and limited time, how can you know what to ask? AMS tutoring has a few suggestions on how to prepare and get the most out of your office hours visit.  

Read the Syllabus and Attend Lectures

At first, the course syllabus might seem much too long and somewhat pointless to read, but many of the questions you might are likely answered in the syllabus. Any questions about assignments, due dates, supplemental materials, schedules, etc. are usually clarified by the course syllabus, so reading it can save time for both you and your professor or TA during office hours. In addition, while attending lectures may seem obvious, it can become quite easy to start slipping on attendance, especially during the second term when burnout begins to catch up on you. To avoid confusion, try to attend as regularly as possible since, given limited time for office hours, many professors may be reluctant to answer questions already covered in the lectures. 

Review Course Material in Advance

Before you attend office hours, review your notes, lecture slides, assignment questions and other relevant course materials. Make sure you can identify exactly what you understand and where the gaps in your knowledge are. In doing this, it’ll be much easier for you to know exactly what you need out of your time in office hours as well as what you might need less support with and, in turn, it will be easier for your professor or TA to know how to support you best. This will help you make the most of your time during the office hours and ensure that you are well-prepared to discuss specific topics. 

Compile a List of Questions

After you review material, make sure to make a list of specific questions or topics you’d like to discuss during office hours. This not only helps you stay focused but also ensures that you cover all the points you are unsure about. Organize your questions in a logical order so that the discussion flows smoothly. Something that might be helpful is to print off or write down the questions, so that you have your own copy to refer to and a physical copy to give your professor or TA so they can also refer to it while they assist you.  

Collect and Bring Relevant Materials

Bring any relevant materials, such as textbooks, course notes, or specific example questions, that may aid in helping identify your confusion and properly explain the concepts. Having these resources on hand can help both you and the professor better understand the context of your specific questions and facilitate a more productive discussion. If you are asking questions about a specific exam or assignment, and if you have access to it beforehand, make sure to bring it to the office hours session you are attending with the questions you need clarification on highlighted so they can be easily referred to.  

Use Office Hours for More than Just Course Support

If you need support with grad school, getting involved in research labs, learning about other research opportunities or receiving referrals to other UBC supports and services, many professors and TAs will be more than happy to assist you. Of course, make sure to ask your professor or TA beforehand if they have time to answer questions like these, as some may want to prioritize course support, especially during busy times like midterm or finals season. But, if they agree, office hours can be a great resource for helping to navigate your undergraduate degree. These types of questions can be especially useful in building great relationships with your professors and the broader UBC community.  

Remember, office hours are not only for seeking course help but also for connecting you to more members of your UBC community. Use these tips to help prepare yourself properly and get the most out of your time, making the experience as beneficial to you as possible as well as smoother for your professors and TAs. AMS tutoring will additionally be there for support beyond allotted office hour times, so always know that if you are stuck, you have numerous options to help get you through.