Hello everyone,

Not all of you may have heard of this yet, but the CBTF (computer-based testing facility) has received support from the Provost’s office and is now a campus-wide resource 🥳! We’ve rebranded to ORCA: open resource centre for assessments (full disclosure, yes, this was a backronym). 

Full announcement here: https://academic.ubc.ca/news/august-08-2026/launch-open-resource-centre-for-assessments-orca. 

Now that we have some more resources, I wanted to check in with the primary users of the space (you students!) on what suggestions and feedback you have for improving things. 

Starting in September, we will have:

\- a total of 6 rooms, spread out over 4 buildings  
\- new rooms will be outfitted with Mac minis instead of PCs 🎉  
\- three full time staff managing and coordinating the facility  
\- the infamous Ted Lasso BELIEVE sign prominently featured in every room (above the entrance)

**We have some time between now and mid September - what can we do to improve the spaces!?** 

**Ideally, I want this to be as comfortable as possible for students: a zen-like space for students to do something incredibly stressful and unpleasant (exams).** 

In the past, we’ve listened to students and replaced noisy and very clicky keyboards with silent ones and that really made a huge difference (keyboard complaints basically stopped overnight!)

What else would make you momentarily forget you’re writing an exam in ORCA?

\- Inspirational quotes as posters on the wall?  
\- Fun coloured wall paint?  
\- Ceiling tiles painted to simulate a blue sky (UIUC does this😂)  
\- A place for students to leave positive messages for each other (like in the nest)?

Unfortunately, we can’t have emotional support animals (but pictures on the walls might work!). 

Let me know!

Dr. Moosvi  
Academic Director of ORCA

CBTF is now ORCA!