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History and Growth of University Canada West
In 2002, a group of academic leaders, business people and other outstanding individuals from across Canada and around the world came together to create a groundbreaking alternative for post-secondary students both domestically and internationally. They saw opportunity outside of the traditional Canadian university system, a system that limited enrolment to candidates with an 80% average, skipping over a large portion of eligible students. In addition, they believed that the traditional four-to-five year path to a university degree delayed the student’s entry into the real-world unnecessarily. In response, they suggested a new approach to post-secondary education. They visualized an institution that extended access to all eligible students from across the country and around the world. They envisioned a system that allowed students to earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees quickly – in some cases, just two years. As well, they saw an opportunity to further extend accessibility by offering degrees through online learning to working professionals and international students who could not attend a physical campus. In 2004, these concepts became reality and University Canada West became the first private university established under the British Columbia Degree Authorization Act created earlier that year. Since opening its doors, University Canada West has grown, added new curriculum and launched new campuses. And the visionary spirit of its founders continues to guide its growth every step of the way. |