JUL "11208^

BRITISH

Our Ref. 40738

JIM ^ ft 2002

Greg Lee Ph.D., President
Capilano College
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver BC V7J 3H5
Dear Dr. Zee:
Thank you for your letter of June 7, 2002, expressing your support for the Degree Authorization
Act (DAA), and your concern that the timeline for implementing the DAA and the uncertain
future of the Open Teaming Agency (OLA), will impact the delivery of applied degree programs
at Capilano College.
As you are aware, the passing of the DAA resulted in amendments to other acts, including the
College and Institute Act, to expand the degree-granting mandate for the public post-secondary
education system in British Columbia. The Ministry is currently developing policies for
implementing the Acts' amendments, and is examining a range of possible options to address
existing applied degrees currently offered in partnership that have been approved by authorized
institutions in British Columbia.
With respect to OLA, as you know, over the past several months, we have been examining the
programs and services provided by OLA, working to build on the strengths of some existing
programs, and developing options for a more collaborative approach to distance learning.
Government is committed to strengthening British Columbia's distance and on-line leaming
system. We are looking at a more collaborative approach which will see us strengthening links
between institutions so that work in this area can be coordinated, rather than duplicated.
The Ministry recognizes Capilano College's position regarding the existing applied degree
program offered in partnership with OLA, and understands the unique characteristics and high
quality of those degrees. We are supportive of them, and hope to have policies in place to reach
a final decision regarding these programs in September.

Ministry of
Advanced Education

Office of the Minister

Mailing Address:
PC Box 9059 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9E2

Location:
Parliament Buildings
Victoria

-2While decisions on the implementation policies and the future of OLA have not been finalized,
any decision reached by the Ministry will ensure that students currently in programs are not
disadvantaged. The interests of students, institutions and stakeholders in the post-secondary
education system are foremost in our minds as we continue to explore options.

Shirley Bond
Miiiister of Advanced Education
pc: Mr. Jim Soles, Assistant Deputy Minister
Post Secondary Education Division