This distribution provides a LaTeX template for writing a dissertation conformant to UBC's specification (as of Oct 17, 2011). The distribution includes some documentation on using the template, along with tips and tricks for writing a thesis using LaTeX. The documentation is itself written using the template and thus serves as an example of using the template.
I developed this template independently from Michael Forbes's ubcthesis.cls/genthesis.cls. Forbes' class appears to be a heavily modified version of the LaTeX book class and, from my experience acting as a LaTeX guru to other students, suffers from compatibility problems with some LaTeX packages. My template's document class builds on top of the standard LaTeX book class, thus ensuring better compatibility with standard LaTeX packages. The functionality is implemented using the commonly available packages found in most LaTeX distributions such as MacTeX, MikTeX, and TeXLive. (Many, many thanks to the countless volunteers who write and maintain the many TeX packages!)
Please feel free to contact me should you have problems with the template. But please try finding a local source to help with general LaTeX problems. (Tip: Most CompSci grads are happy to help when provided beer.) Please be sure to read the enclosed README and FAQ before reporting problems! I can be reached by email at bsd&#acm.org.
Please see the project's GitHub page for a list of changes.