CS, Stats lauded for improving the student experience

Computer Science, Statistics, the Environmental Science Students Association and two UBC Science staffers have all been recognized for their efforts to improve the student experience at UBC.

In total, three of four student development awards designated by the Office of the Vice-President Students in 2009 went to UBC Science-affiliated groups.

"This is really something to proud of," notes Bill Aiello, head of the Department of Computer Science, which was awarded this year's Alfred Scow Award by the VP Students. "We are only the second department to receive the award since its inception eleven years ago."

The Scow Award—named in honour of the first Aboriginal person in British Columbia to graduate with a law degree—is granted to an undergraduate program or department that has made major contributions to student development. The Computer Science Student Society nominated the department and collected over 60 testimonials from undergraduates to support the nomination.

The 2009 Peter Larkin Award—which goes to a standout graduate program—went to the Department of Statistics. The department's graduate program was praised for its efforts in helping graduate students integrate into department life, and for incorporating students' opinions and suggestions into departmental decision making.

The Environmental Science Students Association, which represents students in the Earth and Ocean Sciences program, shared this year's Helen McCrae Award. The award, also presented by the VP Students, recognizes a service for students provided by the Alma Mater Society, the Graduate Student Society or UBC.

And finally, Associate Dean Ian Cavers, Administrative Assistant Betty Chan and UBC Science students Lawrence Chow, Maria Cirstea and Carson Lam have each received 2009 Just Desserts Awards.

A tradition since 1985, the Just Desserts recognize individual contributions to student growth and success at UBC. The Faculty’s 2009 winners were nominated by the Science Undergraduate Society, and selected by UBC's Alma Mater Society.