UCW Students Attend Ministry of Advanced Education Leadership Forum

University Canada West students and administrators joined delegates from British Columbia’s public and private universities and colleges in Vancouver recently to discuss the recommendations put forward in the Campus 2020 report.

Campus 2020 is a planning process that will shape the vision, mission, goals and objectives of B.C.’s post-secondary system for the next 10 to 20 years.

This series of discussions between the ministry, university and college, board chairs, presidents, and students brought new ideas forward and emphasized the importance of establishing bold initiatives that will create an educational system second to none in Canada.

The two day event focused on Student-Centered learning and Global Citizenship. Delegates also discussed the importance of inspiring students in the classroom, accessibility of education and eliminating the gap between mainstream society and minority groups.

On day one there was a presentation on Simon Fraser University’s Undergraduate Semester in Dialogue, a full five-course semester where students learn through involvement in civic and charitable projects. Five of the students from one class made stirring presentations on what they had learned from the experience. Later a presentation by a member of IBM dealt with some of the issues in learning occasioned by new developments in computer technology.

On day two, students met on their own to further develop a response to the previous day’s presentations and on their own ideas. Discussion centered on topics developed by student participants and were mediated and expanded upon by ministry officials. Student centered learning, increasing access, and inspiring and challenging student minds were among the topics that received the most debate.

UCW MBA student Zack Massingham noted that, "UCW offers a unique value proposition to students seeking access to education. Our educational model follows that of supply and demand which allows our faculty to respond much faster to both internal and external market forces. The 2 year undergraduate programs are challenging and create inspired students that are eagerly awaiting entry into the careers of their choice. The Campus 2020 report does well by laying out suggestions and a framework from which we all can build upon. Most significantly, it addresses a changing globalized world where British Columbians are seen as educational innovators and leaders."

Design student Samantha Ladell found that, "UCW, in particular during this, forum stood out as a clear winner in our discussions about student based learning. Our small class sizes, highly engaged teachers, fast pace and the fantastic content of our courses, clearly sets us apart. I am excited to be a part of a growing institution that is committed to student based learning, and making us, and our ever changing needs their number one priority. As we grow and expand I am looking forward to an increased connection within our school and an increased awareness of the good that we can do with the education that we are receiving."

Robert Rogerson Vice President Academic at UCW was encouraged by the two focal points of the meeting saying that, "student-centered learning is increasingly important and opportunities exist in the new Practicum courses for students at UCW to self-direct up to three credits in all our Bachelor’s programs. Furthermore, with half our students being international, almost every class at UCW presents opportunities for global citizenship, beginning at its most basic level, through friendship and co-operation."