Context

Why would a large, research-intensive university bother trying to make connections to a poor, marginalized community? Isn’t the gap between these two environments too wide to cross? Or do they have some things in common?

Community-University Engagement and its tensions

Community-University Engagement and its tensions

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Learning Exchange was created because of the university's commitment to engage in new ways with communities beyond the campus. A (rhetorical at least) commitment to community engagement has become common in universities ...
UBC and the Downtown Eastside: worlds apart

UBC and the Downtown Eastside: worlds apart

Based on a superficial knowledge of the University of British Columbia and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, you would think these two environments are worlds apart. UBC is known for its beautiful setting, close to the ocean,  nestled in the forest, a pl...
UBC and the Downtown Eastside: not so different

UBC and the Downtown Eastside: not so different

On the surface, the Downtown Eastside and the University of British Columbia seem very different. But in both environments, there are shared rituals and common expectations of daily life. There is a diversity of daily rhythms and routines in the Downtown ...