Capilano College is no more.
Late last week, the provincial government announced that Capilano College has been redesignated a university. The institution's new name will be Capilano University. The news comes one year after the institution began a well-supported public campaign following the release of the provincial government's Campus 2020 report.
"With this announcement, the government has recognized Capilano's teaching excellence, educational innovation and the fact that we have been granting degrees for 15 years," said Capilano's president, Greg Lee. "We would like to thank the government of B.C., the minister of Advanced Education and all our supporters - especially our region's five MLAs, First Nations leaders, mayors and the thousands of people who signed our petition."
Capilano serves the Sunshine Coast, Lower Mainland and Howe Sound through campuses in Sechelt, North Vancouver and Squamish.
Enrolment totals 6,800 students in credit programs each term with an additional 6,000 people taking non-credit courses annually.
Capilano offers a complete range of preparatory courses, university transfer courses, business and management studies, creative and applied arts programs, health and human services programs and a range of services in support of student learning and success. Credentials awarded include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, advanced diplomas, diplomas, certificates and statements of completion.
According to Lee, the new designation will make a huge difference in the way the institution offers educational opportunities to its students.
"We will be able to provide our students with many more options," said Lee. "Residents in our distinct and vast region will be able to receive a university education without leaving their home communities. Our already strong First Nations programs will be enhanced and Capilano U will continue to develop its international programs, offering students from around the world a university degree and injecting millions of dollars into the local economy."
Pending amendments to B.C.'s University Act, the new Capilano University will focus on the training needs of the region and build on its provincial, national and international reputation in its key areas of specialization and excellence, which include its tourism and outdoor recreation programs and entertainment arts programs.
"Becoming a university will help strengthen Capilano's commitment to building upon its outstanding reputation worldwide as a provider of quality educational services," Lee said. "Today's announcement is especially good news for our students and for the economy of the communities within our region."
