College Survey cont.

tuition and the ability and ease with which one can
transfer to university are its most valued features.

Furthermore, the atmosphere is noted for being
friendly, the class sizes “just right” and the facilities
adequate. The facilities are not rated quite as highly
as other aspects of the college, but the group that is
Critical is relatively small (6% in total or 16% of those
who have taken a course at the college). In addition,
admission to the college is perceived to be quite
easy with only about 9% expecting difficulties.

The graduates of the college are believed to be
prepared for employment (only 13% disagree) and
for further studies at the university level (only 6%
disagree).

Capilano College does not, however, compare very
favourably to UBC. As a community college,
Capilano has a strong reputation, but UBC is the
preferred post-secondary institution among a sizable
group. When asked to rank order Capilano College,
UBC, SFU, and BCIT in terms of preference, 44%
selected UBC as their first choice as opposed to
19% favouring Capilano College. Furthermore, 30%
in tcetal perceive the quality of the academic
programs at Capilano College as inferior to the UBC
programs. Very few (3%) believed Capilano College
to be better in this respect.

The primary criticisms of Capilano College relate to
the limited selection of courses and the low
academic standards. (Editor’s Note: these
weaknesses were mentioned by a minority of the
total population surveyed—11% and 9%
respectively.) These may, however, be criticisms of
colleges in general rather than Capilano College
specifically.

Since the college is perceived to be a good stepping
stone to university, perhaps the most effective way
to attract the pro-university group is to promote such
advantages as location, cost and class sizes for
attending Capilano College during the first two years
of post-secondary education. These are perceived
strengths of the college and the attributes on which
UBC clearly cannot compete.

In terms of knowledge about the college, most (96%)
are aware of its location, 78% have visited the
campus and 34% of North Shore adults have taken
a course at the school. Approximately 7% in total
have received a diploma or certificate. Almost 8 in
10 are aware of the extension or non-credit courses
and about 3 in 4 realize that Capilano College
students can transfer to a university after completing
one cr two years of a general academic program.

The North Shore News is the primary source of
information about the college. Material delivered to
homes in North Vancouver is also 2 common source
in this area. In addition, word-of-mouth evidenily
plays a significant role.

Approximately 44% of North Shore residents are
aware of the “Cap Week” column in the North Shore
News. Most of this group reads the column at least
occasionally, with approximately 10% in total reading
it often. Readership is higher among females.

In sum, Capilano College has quite a strong
presence on the North Shore and a solid reputation
as acommunity college. Given its positive image,
perhaps the most realistic way of attracting those
who favour UBC, is to position Capilano College as
a suitable alternative for the first years of post-
secondary education.

Mcintyre & Mustel Research Associate Ltd.,

October 1987

.

feeling!

Keep Fit classes
starting

You can register for noon fitness
classes starting on Monday,
January 11. The classes are
being held in the Fitness Centre
on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:30.
For details contact Joe lacobellis
at 2281.

nomen.