July 15, 2004
The BC Liberal government is adding 1,700 new student spaces by 2010 at the University College of the Fraser Valley, and has granted approval-in-principle for planning to begin for the relocation of UCFV’s Chilliwack campus to the CFB-Chilliwack site.
Premier Campbell made the announcement today saying,
“We want to ensure that students have opportunities to study in their home communities. The Fraser Valley is one of the fastest-growing regions in the province, and students need increased access to post-secondary programs. The 1,700 new seats we’re adding will increase education opportunities for students in the Valley, help to reduce study costs, and generate significant economic benefits for businesses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and beyond.”
Over the next six years government will add 1,700 seats to UCFV at its Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses. Funding for the first phase of the seat expansion will come from the $105 million government has added to the Ministry of Advanced Education budget over the next three years.
“This expansion of seats is part of our strategic plan to give students better access to education so they can reach their career and personal development goals,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Advanced Education. “More seats will help drive down admission standards to a reasonable level, where any student with a B average or better who wants to go to university will be accepted.”
Chilliwack-Sumas MLA John Les said the new students spaces are needed in Chilliwack and Abbotsford, which are growing rapidly. “With many young families moving to the eastern Fraser Valley, this government is allowing future generations here to get post-secondary educations in their home towns.”
While UCFV has yet to allocate all of the seats to particular programs, it will add 22 new seats to its computer science and information systems programs. It is expected that UCFV will also expand on its university degree or university transfer programs, as well as applied and technology diploma programs.
“As a former UCFV student, I'm very proud of the tremendous transformation this important institution has undergone in recent years,” said Barry Penner, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “The future truly is bright for post-secondary education in the eastern Fraser Valley.”
The BC Liberal Government has completed an agreement-in-principle with UCFV, the City of Chilliwack and the Justice Institute of B.C. to explore the potential of acquiring a portion of the former Canadian Forces Base in Chilliwack for educational pursuits, including the relocation of UCFV’s Chilliwack campus.
With a solid business plan and a comprehensive educational vision the Province is prepared to commit $11 million in capital investment to support UCFV’s plans.
Did you know? The 1,700 seats for the University College of the Fraser Valley are among 8,000 new seats to serve the Fraser Valley region, and 25,000 seats planned for post-secondary institutions throughout B.C. by 2010.
