our mission

the mission of the university of british columbia

The mission of The University of British Columbia is "To be a world renowned institution of higher education and research".

In this context, The University of British Columbia will provide instruction, research and public service that contributes to the economic, social and cultural progress of the people of British Columbia and Canada, is broadly representative of the fields of knowledge and professional specialties, is known and respected internationally, and is sensitive to the issues of our common global society.

Human Kinetics is a cross-disciplinary body of knowledge, which focuses on the bio-physical and psycho-social dimensions of human movement, exercise, sport, and play and the cultural context within which these elements of human behaviour have developed and occur.  It is an emerging area of inquiry evolving principally from research-oriented programs in the field of human kinetics.  Problems studied range from cellular analysis of neuromuscular function and psycho-social factors influencing human movement, to analyses of social and cultural transformations in the role and functions of exercise, play, and sport.  Human Kinetics is the only discipline centrally devoted to a comprehensive and systematic study of movement behaviour.

the mission of the school of human kinetics

To generate, advance, and disseminate knowledge about the biophysical, psychosocial, managerial, and pedagogical dimensions of human movement to enhance the health and quality of life of all populations across diverse settings.  The School of Human Kinetics seeks to meet its mandate through three specific goals:

Research - Through research and scholarship to advance the state of our knowledge and understanding of; (a) the factors underlying human physical performance, (b) the nature of the human quest for excellence in competitive and expressive forms of human movement, and (c) the role of sport, leisure and exercise in society from both a contemporary and a historical perspective.

Instruction - Within the broader context of a liberal education to impart to students the state of our knowledge about physical activity in general and about sport, exercise and leisure in particular.  Additionally, to prepare educated professionals to serve the present and future needs of society in a variety of professional settings related to the active health, leisure, sport and physical education fields.

Service - Through the professional expertise of the faculty to facilitate the application of pertinent knowledge to professional and lay agencies concerned with the promotion of recreation, physical education, sport, fitness and active health at the local, provincial and national and international levels.

Equity Statement

The School of Human Kinetics, The Faculty of Education and The University of British Columbia are committed to providing its employees and students with the best possible environment for working and learning, an environment that encourages collegiality, support and respect to flourish. Every student and member of faculty and staff has the right to study and work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to age race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, and unrelated criminal convictions. The Faculty, therefore, does not condone discrimination or harassment of any kind. Indeed the Faculty of Education regards discrimination and harassment as serious offenses that are subject to a wide range of disciplinary measures, including dismissal or expulsion from the University. Accordingly, the Faculty of Education has established its own Equity committe to advise the Faculty on how to carry out its committment to an equitable enivronment. Membership includes faculty, staff and student representatives and is chaired by the OGPR Associate Dean and/or Administrative Officer.

The full University of British Columbia policy satatement can be found at http://www.policy.ubc.ca/policy3.htm