The Sunshine Coast can now say it has a university on its shores, and Sept. 2, 2008 started off the first class of potential university graduates.Dean Jean Bennett said this is an exciting time with possibilities for growth.
"It's very exciting becoming a university. A lot is happening behind the scenes, and we can now offer third and fourth year programs and degree programs," Bennett said.
Behind the scenes changes mean restructuring to include a new chancellor and senate in place of the college's council. Up front, it means that local people can begin their university career right here at home and may only have to leave the Coast for the last two years of some programs.
Bennett said the campus would keep up with its trades and adult upgrade programs like Gateways, which will begin in mid-September at the Sechelt Nation's education centre. And English as a second language courses are in greater demand every year, she said.
Students met at the university campus for a barbecue and live band to kick start their academic semester. Several people gathered at picnic tables and talked about which program they had enrolled in.
Katelynn Dixon is enrolled in the business administration support program. She said she switched from early childhood care after realizing she preferred the office atmosphere.
Mountain bike operations is a unique certificate program that 22 young people are participating in this year. Bennett said there are two students from the U.K. and two from the U.S.A. this year too.
Daniel Taylor and Ben Wills are both from Scotland and heard about the course from friends while travelling in England and through research on the Internet.
"We're going to go home and use the qualifications there. There's no one back there who has anything like it," Taylor said.
Wills said the eight-month course is a great way to spend his "gap" year before he attends university back in Scotland, although now that he has seen the Coast, he said he might change his mind about leaving.
Bennett said the variety of programs offered at Capilano University is based on local needs and the inspiration of faculty members.
"We are responding to issues that emerge from the community, like local employers talking about a need, which is why we have the business admin support program," she said. "We do industry research and see what will work."
While students and their families munched on picnic fare, Bennett took a moment to welcome them and remind them of Capilano University's motto: Great teaching, great programs, great future. Then she wished them well as they start their academic year.
