Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for answers? Type in a keyword using the search bar below to search through our frequently asked questions.
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.
Can I still pick up from Vancouver Campus Mail if my office is closed?
Yes. Contact Campus Mail to arrange pick-up campus.mail@ubc.ca Tel 604-822-9495 and bring your ID at the time of pick-up. You do not need to change your delivery address on Workday. The Vancouver Campus supplies and paper pack orders are automatically routed to UBC Campus Mail.
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.
When is my graduation ceremony?
For all graduation schedules including current and future dates, as well as day-of timelines for both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan, please, visit: https://graduation.ubc.ca/schedule/
I’m trying to place an online order and I’m getting an error message at checkout. What is the problem?
There are a few common reasons why you may be encountering an error message at checkout.
If you are ordering from an international location (other than the US) and you need your order shipped to you: Our address form has line-character limits. if you have a long address, try adding the second optional Address Line to space out your address onto two lines. In the Postal Code panel, enter 000000 (six zeros) instead of your actual postal code (don’t worry, your parcel will still find you).
If you are ordering for pick-up in store: to collect your purchase in store, please complete your billing address first. Once this has been added, please select the option for picking up in store. Your shipping address will automatically match your billing address, but this does not mean your items will be shipped to you if you have selected to pick up in store.
Ensure you are using an accepted method of payment: our ecommerce site accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards and UBC Bookstore gift cards only. We do not currently accept Visa or Mastercard debit, American Express, WeChat or AliPay.
Check carefully to ensure your billing information is correct: your billing address must match exactly what is shown on your credit card statement.
If you are still having problems placing your online order, please submit a support request using this webform and we will do everything we can to assist you.
When can I rent my Faculty gown / regalia online?
Faculty regalia for the Fall graduation ceremonies may be rented in advance online from Thursday, October 5 to Tuesday, November 14 at 11:59 pm (PST) through the Faculty Rental Form.
The deadline to rent regalia online is Nov 14th for faculty members.
After the Nov 14th deadline, regalia can also be rented on-site on the day of the ceremony:
- Please arrive 45-60 minutes before the ceremony at the Robing Room.
- Acceptable payment methods include cash, credit card, debit card or Open Account Worktag (UBC Bookstore account) information.
Why is the cost so high …aren’t they just like other books?
Textbooks are different from general books because of the information they contain and the limited market they serve. Publishers set a price and the bookstore tries to keep our retail as close to that price as possible. We try to offer as many economical options as we can; including, new, used, rentals and ebooks.
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.
Where do I find my departmental order history? Can this be viewed through Workday?
Order history is not available through Workday. Users with a previous EWAY ID can still access your EWAY order history to find item numbers. New users can email SBA Customer Care at easyservice@staples.com for assistance with item# to add to cart.
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
Can I cancel my gown order?
All cancellations for refund must be received before May 5, 2023 at 11:59pm. Refunds will not be accepted after.
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)
What if I am having problems with my eBook?
Please complete our contact form and a Bookstore team member will assist you.
How do I rent my Faculty regalia / gown in advance?
Vancouver – Faculty gowns can be rented online on the Grad Gown Rentals page.
Okanagan – Visit us in person at the UBC Okanagan Bookstore or send us an email to okanagan.bookstore@ubc.ca.
How do I change or add a new delivery address to my departmental account?
Please contact the UBC Integrated Services Centre with the Service Now link https://authentication.ubc.ca/idp/profile/SAML2/Redirect/SSO?execution=e3s1 They will update your Location ID, but you will also need to change your CWL Profile address detail to show correct room # and street #.