Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for answers? Type in a keyword using the search bar below to search through our frequently asked questions.
Can I order just one piece of custom clothing or giftware?
Yes, if you are ordering from one of our established programs on this page.
Otherwise, you must meet our minimum order quantities for clothing which are:
- Screenprinted items: 24
- Embroidered pieces: 12
For giftware (such as drinkware and lanyards) minimum order quantities are item-dependent. Please contact the Custom Imprint Buyer to request more information.
How much will my textbooks cost and what payment options are there?
The average cost for Term 1 Arts or Commerce textbooks is $400.00 and for Science $700.00. If you choose used digital, the cost will be much lower.
UBC Bookstore accepts Canadian currency (in-store only), Visa, Mastercard, American Express (in-store only, WeChat (in-store only), AliPay (in-store only) and Interac (debit cards, in store only). You may use a parent’s credit card, however you must be able to demonstrate you have their authorization.
How do I access Canvas content?
- Login to your course at canvas.ubc.ca
- Go to “Modules” to select the digital materials you need to access and click “ Redeem your purchase”
- Enter the order number (found in order confirmation email or your receipt)
- Click “redeem” to access learning materials
How do I rent my gown?
Student gown rentals can be done online:
Vancouver – www.buildagrad.ca/UBC
Okanagan – www.buildagrad.ca/UBCO
If you have missed the online rental deadline, you can also rent a gown on-site on the day of your ceremony for an additional charge. We have enough regalia of all sizes and colours to allow anyone who misses the advance registration deadline to attend. The cost for day-of rental is $70.00 and we will accept Cash, Credit, or Debit. There is no need to provide us with your information in advance once the online rental website has closed. Please arrive at the gown pick-up area 1.5 hours before your ceremony start time to rent on the day of your ceremony.
What is the UBC Bookstore’s policy on recycling plastic packaging, bags and more?
In our warehouse we recycle all of our cardboard in a compactor. We also recycle packaging (paper, foam chips and plastic) and reuse it wherever possible for our outgoing shipments including packages to customers and returns to vendors. Wooden pallets are also recycled.
We recycle printer ribbons and cartridges, batteries and pens. The collection container is at the back of the store.
All metal fixtures are taken to a recycling centre.
We also encourage re-use of textbooks through used books, buybacks and rental books.
Who do I contact for returns and/or issues with my Staples Business Advantage (SBA) order?
You can contact SBA Customer Care at easyservice@staples.com
Can I return an eBook?
Redeemed/activated E-book and access code purchases are final sale. Please complete our contact form to receive assistance with returning unactivated course materials from a Bookstore team member.
What is your vendor code of conduct?
Clothing vendors supplying products to the Bookstore are expected to comply with the following guidelines which are consistent with those established by the Fair Labour Practices Association, International Labour Organization, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. We will not do business with vendors that do not meet these guidelines.
Health, safety and employment guidelines
Forced labour: There shall not be any use of forced labour, whether in the form of prison labour, indentured labour, bonded labour or otherwise.
Child labour: No person shall be employed at an age younger than 15 (or 14 where the International Labour Organization exemption for developing countries allows) or younger than the age for completing compulsory education in the manufacturer’s country where that age is higher than 15. Currently, employed child workers shall be kept employed and be given access to education and transitional economic assistance. Where a child worker must be displaced, adult family members should have the opportunity to assume the child’s position in order to maintain family earnings.
Harassment and abuse: Every employee shall be treated with respect and dignity. No employee shall be subject to any physical, sexual, psychological, verbal harassment or abuse.
Non-discrimination: No person shall be subject to any discrimination in employment, including hiring, salary, benefits, advancement, discipline, termination or retirement, on the basis of gender, race, religion, caste, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation or union membership.
Women’s rights: All employees shall have the right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment and abuse. No worker shall be subject to the forced use of contraceptives or pregnancy testing. Pregnant women will be entitled to appropriate maternity leave and appropriate medical benefits in accordance with national laws and regulations and consistent with national practices.
Health and safety: Employers shall provide a safe and healthy working environment to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of or occurring in the course of work or as a result of the operation of employer facilities. Workers will be provided with health and safety training appropriate to their industry.
Freedom of association and collective bargaining: Employers shall recognize and respect the right of all employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Wages and benefits: Employers recognize that wages are essential to meeting employees’ basic needs. Employers shall pay employees, as a minimum, at least the minimum wage required by local law or the prevailing industry wage, whichever is higher, and shall provide legally mandated benefits.
Hours of work: Employees shall (i) not be required to work more than the lesser of (a) 48 hours per week and 12 hours overtime or (b) the limits on regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country of manufacture or, where the laws of such country do not limit the hours of work, the regular work week in such country plus 12 hours overtime and (ii) be entitled to at least one day off in every seven day period.
Overtime compensation: In addition to compensation for regular hours of work, employees shall be compensated for overtime hours at such premium rate as is legally required in the country of manufacture or, in those countries where such laws do not exist, at a rate at least equal to their regular hourly compensation rate times 1.5. All overtime shall be voluntary.
Environmental guidelines: Vendors will seek out, implement and exercise environmental practices wherever possible, including a commitment to packaging standards that reduce the amount of materials used/ or, have a recycled content. Vendors will also demonstrate environmental safety in the handling of all materials.
Legal guidelines: Vendors will be law abiding and will observe criminal, civil and tax codes in the countries they do business and will comply with all applicable legal and customs requirements of Canada.
How do you ensure your vendor partners are practicing fair labour?
The Bookstore requires clothing vendors it does business with to sign a ‘Code of Conduct’ letter confirming that it does not use sweatshop labour. The letter must confirm that the vendor has adopted ethical practices that meet or exceed those contained in the Vendor Code of Conduct outlined in this policy.
Can I keep my gown for a longer period of time?
We cannot allow students to return gowns later than 1 hour after your ceremony is over. Gowns are packed up and shipped back to Winnipeg at the end of each day. Any unreturned gowns and hoods will be charged to students at their full replacement cost so please be sure to return the gown after you have finished taking pictures with your friends and family.
Will I still use my credit card to pay for my office supplies orders in Workday?
No, Workday does not require a credit card. Workday will post all charges using your Workday “Worktag #/FDM#.
Can I sell my custom imprinted items at the UBC Bookstore?
Yes! Please contact our Custom Imprint Buyer to discuss consignment opportunities through the UBC Bookstore.
What is Staples Business Advantage (SBA) and how does it differ from Staples?
Staples Business Advantage (SBA) is the commercial division of Staples providing a higher level of business solutions, like Workday integration to EWAY, custom reporting and customized delivery solutions, for large complex accounts like UBC. Staples retail and Staples.Ca are not part of the UBC agreement.
How much does it cost to rent Faculty gowns / regalia?
Black gown and faculty hood (recommended)
Black gown (only if you own a hood)
Hood only (only if you own a gown)
PhD Package (only if your PhD was from UBC)
$40.00 (plus tax)
$20.00 (plus tax)
$20.00 (plus tax)
$40.00 (plus tax)
I’m a sponsored student. How can I purchase eligible course materials that were not ordered for my course?
You're welcome to purchase course materials using your sponsorship account either in person or by using our Sponsored Students Order Form.
Have questions or need assistance? Please contact our Special Orders desk for assistance: special.orders@ubc.ca or 604-822-4749.