Residence life staff create safe and engaging opportunities to get to know the City of Kelowna and the UBC Okanagan campus. Living in residence provides the opportunity to make new friends, virtually and in person. The academic residence community provides opportunities to learn outside the classroom and helps students build valuable skills for the future.
“Living in residence is a tremendous opportunity to be part of a vibrant learning community. The people you meet in residence will be a defining part of your student experience. We encourage you to get involved and to take advantage of the programs and resources available to support your personal and professional development.”— Steve Brodrick, Associate Director, Residence Life
Residence Life staff are among the best-connected people at the university. They’re committed to enhancing the student experience for all residents. Both student and professional Residence Life staff are dedicated to ensuring that your experience living on campus contributes to your success as a student.
What is a Residence Advisor?
Residence Advisors (RAs) are peer leaders living on campus who help get you connected to all the incredible opportunities that the University of British Columbia has to offer. RAs help enhance the residence experience by planning fun events and programs. They build community in residence and support your transition to campus life. They are also trained to promote wellness, safety and security, community building and personal development for students living on campus. RAs are empathetic listeners, good relationship builders, and are available to lend an ear when needed and help address community issues. Residence Life staff recruitment takes place each winter.
Meet your Residence Life Managers
Residence Life Managers are professional staff who are responsible for overseeing the safety and well-being of our residence community. They supervise staff, manage student behaviour, and have extensive knowledge of campus resources. RLMs are responsible for ensuring each resident has the opportunity to enjoy a positive living experience. They manage the Residence Advisors who live in your community and work to support the entire Student Housing operation to ensure your time living with us is enjoyable, safe, and welcoming.
If you need anything at all please do not hesitate to reach out to them with their individual contact information below or by emailing the general Residence Life inbox.
Skeena | Purcell
“Hi! My name is Nicholas and I use he/him pronouns. It is my pleasure to be a part of your residence experience here in Kelowna at UBCO! I have a background in advocacy work, and pursued studies in Social Service Work, as well as Psychology in my academic career. I’m passionate about promoting wellness and empowering students to make the most of your time in University. Choosing to further your education is a significant accomplishment in itself, and for that I congratulate you for all the hard work it took to be where you are now!
Living in residence presents you with an amazing opportunity to build community with your peers, and form bonds that can last long after your time here. From attending all the fun events put on by your Resident Advisors, to the convenience of having your classes just steps away – I hope you feel at home at our beautiful campus. I welcome any questions/concerns about your residence experience, please feel free to reach out. I’d be more than happy to chat with you!”
Nicholas Dischiavi, Residence Life Manager
Email | Tel: 250.575.8504
Kalamalka | Nicola | Nechako
“Hello, I am Reha and my pronouns are she/her. I am thrilled to be part of your journey at UBCO as your Residence Life Manager. For the past 5 years, I have experienced the joy of working in Residence Life at multiple institutions, witnessing students actively participating in opportunities that we create for them to build community and support their wellbeing. Having once been an international student myself on a university campus on Turtle Island, I understand the experience and the importance of having such opportunities around us. I believe in the power of community care and safe spaces to support you choose what is best and needed for yourself- so I encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns or feedback. My other interests are hiking, painting (badly), café hopping, cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. If you wanted to just drop by and talk about your interests, I welcome that too!”
Reha Purdasy, Residence Life Manager
Email | Tel: 250.807.9802
Valhalla | Cassiar | Similkameen
“Hello! My name is Erica and I use she/her pronouns. I spent 4 years living in UBCO’s residences while I was a student. Living in residence provides a unique opportunity to live closely with other students and build connections that will last a lifetime. You will grow so much throughout this experience and make fond memories with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Being at university is not always easy, but I’m happy to chat about ways that we can make your experience here at UBCO a wonderful one. Feel free to stop by my office in Nechako if you have any questions or concerns! You can also reach me through email or phone call. Welcome!
Erica Toth, Residence Life Manager
Email | Tel: 250.807.9915
Cascades | Monashee
“Hey Residence Life Team!! My name is Tarreisha Agard (she/her) and I support the Cascades and Monashee residences! Previous to this, I lived in Kingston Ontario where I served as a Residence Life Coordinator at Queen’s University which also happened to be my Alma Mater. At QueensU I studied Film and Media and later pursued studies in Social Service Work at Humber College.
My journey in Residence life began in my undergrad serving as a Residence Don for three years. Throughout my time as a Residence Don I realized that I had a knack for community building, and providing support to students to help them thrive both academically and socially. My career in Residence Life has developed organically from the Don role to my current role as a Residence Life Manager! The Residence Life definitely chose me!
Beyond the excitement of my professional life, I enjoy listening to music, reading a good novel, getting my hands dirty with some crafting, and of course, spending time in nature. I love travelling and most recently I visited Saudi Arabia which was a wonderful experience! Together, we’re about to embark on an extraordinary journey at UBCO, filled with growth, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories. Let’s make this year absolutely phenomenal! I look forward to meeting you all very soon!”
Tarreisha Agard, Residence Life Manager
Email | Tel: 250.807.8340