This program is part of the Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP) and is informed by ORICE values. GEEP aims to strengthen the bridge between classroom learning (theory) and application (practice) to address pressing global issues, in this community-based praxis initiative. Students who participate in GEEP can participate in experiential education projects designed and led by global community partners.
Details at a Glance
Application Deadline: September 14th, 2025 (11:59PM)
- Program Type: Co-curricular (Not-for-credit)
- Engagementship Type: Community Engagement Project with the UBC HRC
- Engagementship Location: 2025W In-person, UBC-Based
- Duration: 8 months starting in September 2025
- Eligibility: Open to UBC-V Undergraduate with 60+ credits (exceptions outlined below)
Apply Now Here
Project Description
Background
The UBC Human Rights Collective (UBC HRC) is a welcoming community collective for scholars, including students and faculty at all academic levels, as well as community organizations and institutions across disciplines, committed to examining, collaborating, and acting towards the advancement of human rights. UBC HRC is part of the Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (UBC ORICE) and partners with organizations such as the Scholars at Risk Network.
Building upon a foundational understanding of the role that academic freedom plays in the work we engage in as a collective, we commit to creating an accessible, critical, caring, and reflexive space for engagement. Our work acknowledges power and positionality, and we act in solidarity regarding human rights abuses.
Over the past few years, the HRC’s work has focused on topics such as academic freedom, human rights training, and human rights defenders. The HRC’s work has included activities such as research projects, advocacy projects, public engagement events, and resource sharing.
Learn more about the collective here.
Current Project
This co-curricular opportunity is a GEEP initiative by the UBC Human Rights Collective. In this two-semester engagementship, a group of 3-4 students will work alongside an ORICE Scholar and ORICE staff to continue some of the critical work being done by the HRC. The student team will have the opportunity to shape the direction of the HRC and energize the collective by bringing creativity, initiative and commitment to all activities, while receiving leadership and guidance from the Collective and its home unit, ORICE.
Intended work for the engagementship includes but is not limited to:
- Supporting the development and implementation of teach-ins and other events related to the HRC’s current Human Rights Defender Project.
- Supporting efforts from the Scholars in Prison Engagementship.
- Assisting with the maintenance (including the development of new resources) and promotion of the HRC Resource Catalogue.
- Designing and delivering two HRC events per semester to engage UBC students with the oversight of the ORICE team.
Read about past work of the HRC here.
Program Overview
Between September 2025 to April 2026, the selected team of students will spend 3-5 hours weekly working collaboratively to complete the project. Students will be required to participate in weekly scheduled in-person meetings (on the UBC Vancouver Campus) to ensure collaboration and accountability goals are defined and met. However, the remainder of the allotted time will be self-directed or in small work teams as per agreements with teammates.
More Information
Application Deadline: September 14th, 2025 (11:59PM)
- Review project details (please contact ubc.orice@ubc.ca with any questions you may have).
- Next, fill out the ORICE program application form (Qualtrics Survey) below.
- Successful applicants will be contacted by email to continue the selection process through a 15-minute individual interview.
- After interviews, you will be notified of a decision; successful candidates will be sent an offer letter with further details on the program and detailed instructions on how to accept. Your selection into the program includes meeting eligibility requirements, as well as your initial application and your performance in the interview. Student project teams will be comprised of 3-5 students.
- Be an undergraduate (domestic or international) at the UBC Vancouver campus with 60 or more completed credits, or a graduate student as of August 31st, 2025. Undergraduate students not meeting 60 credits, as well as graduate students, can apply but preference will be given to undergraduate students with 60+ credits.
- Demonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively and be willing to take responsibility and initiative to meet project deliverables.
- Prior knowledge about human rights, academic freedom, and civil society activism is an asset, but not necessary.
- Flexibility with time to ensure that training and preparation meetings can occur between 9-5pm PST once a week (during the work week).
- Have access to a reliable internet connection and computer to collaborate with peers & international partners and attend meetings remotely if online meetings are required.
Project Dates: September 2025 - April 2026
Weekly Meetings (Oct - April): TBD - applicants will be asked to be flexible as we will be seeking a weekly standing 2-hour meeting block during M-F, 9 am - 5 pm.
| Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 18, 2025 |
| Deadline | September 14, 2025 @ 11:59pm. |
| Short Interviews | September 17 - 24, 2025 |
| Offers Made by | September 26, 2025 |
| Acceptances Due | September 29, 2025 |
| First Meeting | To be scheduled between October 1 - 10 |
Funding available for this program: ORICE Experiential Education Accessibility Award.
Note: Students may only hold one award at a given time. Please visit our funding page for more information.
Apply Now Here
Application Deadline: September 14th, 2025 (11:59PM)