FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Contact: Shelley Kean
Tel: 604.983.7596
Capilano pursues regional university status
(NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.) – The recent release of the Campus 2020 report contains
some exciting recommendations for the future of post-secondary education in British
Columbia. However it also includes some serious implications for the region currently
served by Capilano’s three campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt.
The report’s recommendation suggests creating three new regional universities to
reinforce their mandates as teaching-intensive, regional learning institutions. However,
the North Vancouver-Garibaldi region is left without a regional university (as defined
within the report as a teaching intensive institution) to serve their needs. With formalized
designation as a regional university, Capilano would be better positioned to build upon its
regional, national and international reputation to meet the future learning needs of its
changing communities.
“Capilano is already filling the mandate for regional universities as outlined in the
Campus 2020 report,” said Capilano’s president, Dr. Greg Lee. “Capilano is a teaching
intensive institution that has been meeting the education needs of our communities since
we first opened our doors in 1968. We’ve had nearly 1,000 degree graduates from a
variety of programs.”
Capilano has earned a strong reputation for teaching excellence, educational innovation
and commitment to First Nations communities. Students have benefited from the degree
programs offered for the past 15 years. These degree programs are now in jeopardy with
a recommendation in the report to: “…restore the primary focus of community colleges
by precluding colleges from granting degrees.”
“While we are fully supportive of most of the Campus 2020 report, losing our ability to
grant degrees would have dire consequences for our student’s future,” Lee explained.
“Our students need to have the kind of industry responsive degrees that we offer.”
A recent survey of current students showed an overwhelming number expressing their
desire to complete their degree at Capilano. The College currently offers degrees in
Business, Tourism, Jazz Studies and Music Therapy, and has eight more degree programs
in preparation. These are being developed in response to employers and students who
want degrees in such areas as working with autistic children, film production, early
childhood education and paralegal studies.
“In this day and age, many more students require a degree,” Lee said, adding,
“Capilano’s degrees differ from traditional university degrees in that they provide clear
employment outcomes for our students. Becoming a regional university will enable us to

better serve all our communities in the years to come. It is of critical importance to the
future learning needs of all communities within our region.”
In addition to being a major learning, cultural and social centre, Capilano is a leading
regional economic contributor with approximately 500 international students staying in
and visiting its communities and surrounding areas annually. The institution is also the
region’s third largest employer.
“We estimate that our international programs generate approximately $20 million in
annual economic activity,” said Lee, adding, “We remain committed to building upon our
outstanding reputation as a provider of international education and to continuing to
contribute to the economic growth of our communities.”
The recommendations within the Campus 2020 report will be reviewed and discussed by
government in the coming weeks and months. The complete 114-page report is posted at
www.campus2020.ca.
-30Capilano serves the communities of the Lower Mainland, Howe Sound, and the Sunshine
Coast through campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt. Enrolment totals
7,000 students in credit programs each term with and additional 7,000 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.