University Relations

Associate Vice-President, University Relations

Jennifer Vornbrock is UVic’s Associate Vice-President, University Relations. She provides strategic direction and advice on all community and government relations, public affairs and keystone events for the university.  Jennifer also sits on the board of the South Island Prosperity Project where she serves as Vice-Chair.

Support team: Stephanie Raymond

Ceremonies & Events

Ceremonies and Events creates and delivers major university events, ceremonies, and projects that celebrate achievement, build connections and raise the university’s profile. We do this through:

• Leading institutional events and ceremonies, including convocation.
• Advising on event strategy, planning and delivery.
• Upholding and guiding UVic’s protocols, cultural standards and ceremonial procedures.

Our team: Jeanie Gunn, Jennifer Wong, Joanna Witham, Alexis Ramsdale

Community Relations

Community Relations supports partnerships between UVic, the local community and municipal partners that drive meaningful, positive impact. We do this through:

• Identifying, developing and supporting strategic partnerships that advance shared goals.
• Providing guidance and support to units across campus on engagement and community-university projects.
• Acting as a connector for communities to access the people, programs and supports they are seeking within the university.

Explore the many resources and opportunities available to the local community on our Community Engagement website.

Our team: Julie Potter, Jessie Johnston

Government Relations

Government Relations builds and maintains mutually beneficial relationships between the university and local municipal, provincial and federal governments. We do this through:

• Building lasting relationships with elected officials and public sector partners
• Advocating for and advancing UVic's priorities with all levels of government
• Securing government support for funding, policy and infrastructure

Our team: James Smith, Tristan Denniston, Ryan Osterberg

Public Affairs

Public Affairs works with campus partners to protect and strengthen UVic’s reputation through clear and fast communications during issues, emergencies and difficult situations. We do this through:

• Emergency preparation, identification and informed communication
• Proactively identifying and reducing risks to UVic’s reputation
• Supporting clear and consistent messaging across university platforms and outreach
• Promoting institutional announcements that further the university’s priorities

Our team: Kirsten Lauvaas, Erin King, Julie Sloan