2023 BC Budget investing in Students

News release: The British Columbia Association of Institutes and Universities (BCAIU) is pleased to see the BC Government’s continued commitment to reducing financial barriers for skills, training and education. Targeted grants to support short-term skills training, a doubling of the student loan maximum and an increase in the amount a student can earn before they must begin loan repayment mean more British Columbians will be able to access the skills, training, and education they need for in-demand careers.   Read full announcement 

Minister’s statement on safe return to campus this fall

Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, has issued the following statement regarding post-secondary education in fall 2021: “Today, Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, advised the presidents of all public colleges and universities to prepare for a full return to on-campus education this September.”  Read the announcement.

VIU’s DNA testing reveals elusive Island wolverine not a subspecies, after all

Darron Kloster | Times Colonist Researchers have determined through DNA analysis that the Vancouver Island wolverine — thought to be a subspecies of their mainland cousins for nearly 100 years and more recently believed to be extinct — is actually not that different after all. Vancouver Island University biology professor Jamie Gorrell and undergraduate student Evan Hessels collected DNA samples from museum skulls, bones and pelts of known wolverines from the Island and compared them with samples of wolverines taken … Continued

Capilano University joins Universities Canada

Capilano University becomes a member of Universities Canada (UC). During its fall membership meeting today, Universities Canada’s members approved Capilano University’s application, making CapU the 96th member of the national association. “We are pleased and proud to join our colleagues across the country as a member of Universities Canada,” said Paul Dangerfield, president of Capilano University. “As an innovative, growing university on the west coast, we look forward to the engagement, collaboration and learning opportunities offered by belonging to this exceptional Canadian … Continued

Minister’s statement on guidelines for post-secondary institutions

Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, has released the following statement regarding the guidelines for reducing the risk of COVID-19 at post-secondary institutions in B.C.: “I am pleased that the Go Forward Guidelines have been released. They will provide greater certainty to students, faculty and staff at our post-secondary institutions as they prepare for the fall 2020 semester during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The guidelines were developed by the post-secondary sector, with representatives from Indigenous educational groups, key … Continued

Capilano University’s digital ambassadors offer peer support to students coping with virtual learning

One of the biggest transformations in post-secondary education has been the move away from classroom learning. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced institutions to figure out new ways to convey complex concepts to students. But those enrolled in colleges or universities have a range of skills and aptitudes when it comes to working with virtual platforms. Read the full article here

Yukon College is now Yukon University

WHITEHORSE, YT—Yukon now has a university and Canada has a university north of 60°. Guided by Yukon communities and the 14 Yukon First Nations, Yukon University (YukonU) is grounded in reconciliation and the northern experience. With over 50 degree, diploma, certificate, trades and university prep programs, YukonU will continue the tradition of northern-focused education, training and applied research established by Yukon College, while expanding opportunities for northerners.  Read the full announcement

VIU Research looks to track spread of norovirus at sea — before it infects oysters

A Vancouver Island University professor is embarking on research to learn about norovirus in the marine environment, where it could batter the multimillion-dollar shellfish industry. Tim Green was recently awarded $300,000 to search for environmental markers that might indicate the presence of norovirus, and find ways to track its movement through the marine environment.  Read the article here… Also of interest VIU Receives $300,000 to Research Norovirus Contamination of Oysters  

VIU, Camosun partner to deliver career pathways trade program for Indigenous peoples

Vancouver Island University and Camosun College have partnered to deliver a new career pathways trades program for Indigenous peoples. The schools will receive nearly $1.4M over two years to create the ITA Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training initiative that will provide exploratory trades skills foundations courses to 160 participants.  Read more…..