As the founding director of the Arts Co-op program, Julie Walchli has spent much of her career creating opportunities for students to bridge their Arts education with meaningful workplace experiences.
Today, as Executive Director of Work Integrated Education and Career Initiatives in the Faculty of Arts, Julie continues to support students and strengthen connections across the university community. She has also stepped into a new role as Vice-Chair of the UBC United Way Executive Committee, helping guide UBC’s longest-running employee giving campaign.
We spoke with Julie about her career, her approach to collaboration, and her involvement in the UBC United Way campaign.
A BIT ABOUT JULIE
Pronouns:
She/Her
Title:
Executive Director, Work Integrated Education and Career Initiatives
Department/Unit:
Faculty of Arts
Summary of your role:
I oversee amazing teams that help students integrate workplace learning.
Julie Walchli and Laurie McNeill (Associate Dean, Students) at the 2025 YWCA Nominees Reception.
Julie Walchli and Laurie McNeill (Associate Dean, Students) at the 2025 YWCA Nominees Reception.
What work achievement are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of being the founding director of the Arts Co-op Program; I was hired to start the Program in Spring 1999 and was in that role until 2018. I was motivated by a desire to create workplace opportunities for Arts students related to their degrees, like students in Science, Engineering, Forestry and Business had. It has been amazing to see thousands of students go through the Program, and really gain confidence in how their Arts education can help them build meaningful careers through their experiences over multiple co-op terms.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I’ve been really inspired by Designing Your Life (DYL) by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Dave came to UBC in 2017 and I was one of several staff members who participated in a Master Class he gave. I then went on to do three training programs through DYL at Stanford, work that inspired the design of the Compass Arts Student Engagement Hub in Fall 2021. It’s a really accessible book that introduces readers to design thinking and how it can offer a foundation for solving the wicked problem of life and career design.
What trait do you admire most in your colleagues?
I work with many amazing colleagues who are natural collaborators. I really love working as part of a team, and gain a lot of energy from working alongside others who challenge my thinking and encourage me. My career is a testament to the adage “further together”—anything I’ve achieved has been because I was part of strong teams.
From left to right: Anna Jubilo, Assistant Director of the Arts Co-op Program; Linda Gully, Associate Director of the Arts Co-op Program; Julie Walchli; Dr. Laurie McNeill, Associate Dean, Students; and Heather Liau, Manager of Marketing and Industry Relations.
Supporting the UBC United Way campaign
With more than 30 years at UBC, Julie brings fresh ideas and a longstanding commitment to community giving to her role with the UBC United Way campaign.
What drew you to this role, and what does the opportunity mean to you?
I’ve been a United Way supporter since I was first hired at UBC in 1993; my parents had supported the United Way through payroll deductions throughout their careers, and it seemed like an easy way for me to support others in my community. Serving now on UBC’s Executive Committee is a wonderful opportunity to contribute my time and experience over 30 years working at UBC to hopefully inspire others to give.
Local giving, local results
Donations to the UBC United Way campaign stay in the region, supporting local communities through initiatives such as food security, after-school programs and services for seniors.
The 2026 campaign launches October 7. Arts faculty and staff can donate through payroll deduction by October 31 or take part in campaign events, including bake sales, the Spelling Bee and Burger Day.
