FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 25, 2008
Contact: Shelley Kean
Tel: 604.983.7596
Capilano becomes a university
(NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.)—The Government of British Columbia today
announced that Capilano College has been redesignated a university. The news comes a
year after the institution began a well-supported public campaign following the release of
the 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 president, Dr. 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 1thousands of
people who signed our petition.”
Over the past 40 years, Capilano has earned an international reputation for quality
teaching, programs and services. The economy of its vast region is closely intertwined
with programs and activities at its three campuses. The North Shore, Howe Sound and
Sunshine Coast communities also benefit from the $20 million injected annually by
Capilano’s international students and from the financial spin-offs generated by student
spending as a whole.
“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.”
Capilano serves the communities of the Lower Mainland, Howe Sound, and the Sunshine
Coast through campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt. Enrolment totals
6,800 students in credit programs each term with an additional 6,000 people taking noncredit 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, plus 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.
-30What difference will this new designation make?
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We will be able to provide our students with many more options.

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Residents in our distinct and vast region will be able to receive a university
education without leaving their home communities.

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Our already strong First Nations programs will be enhanced.

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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.