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Cariboo Chilcotin Weekend University
http://www.ccweekendu.com
How did "Weekend U" get started?In 1995 the Cariboo Tribal Council invited Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) to partner with them. The first courses began in September 1997. Classes are offered primarily in Williams Lake because of its central location in the Cariboo Chilcotin.
In 2001 the first Weekend U students graduated with UCC Associate of Arts degrees and UNBC Certificates in First Nations Studies. The first UNBC degree conferred on a Weekend U student was awarded in May 2003.
Who is Weekend U for?Weekend U is open to anyone, but most of our students are working First Nations adults. Students of the 15 Cariboo Chilcotin bands attend tuition-free. Taking classes on Fridays (Noon-7pm) and Saturdays (9am-4pm) twice a month prevents economic and emotional disruption to the students, their families and their communities.
What could I get out of it?Currently the courses offered lead to:
- One or two Certificates in First Nations Studies (from UNBC), &/or,
- Associate of Arts degree (from UCC), &/or,
- Bachelor of Arts, General (from either UCC or UNBC), or,
- Bachelor of Arts, with Minor or Major in First Nations Studies (from UNBC)
Even though you may not want to go all the way with Weekend University, it's a great place to find out what there is to study at College and University, and to get your feet wet, among friends!
What do I have to do?In order to complete a degree, students need to take a total of 40 courses over up to seven years. You could take up to 7 courses per year: 2 each fall and winter, 1 in the spring, and 2 in the summer. You can also take fewer, depending on your other commitments.
What's different about Weekend U?Services and supports for Weekend U include a full-time Program Coordinator, on-site child-care during Saturday classes, reimbursement for travel and overnight accommodation costs, and summer programs on the main campuses of both institutions. Summer programming includes recreational and educational experiences for students' children (e.g., soccer, crafts, science camp).
Has the program been successful so far?More than 400 First Nations students have taken at least one Weekend U course. The completion and success rates are exceptionally high in comparison with similar programs elsewhere. Many who have taken our courses go on successfully to other programs elsewhere.
Strengths of the program include:
- being able to live at home
- development of a support network among the students
- personal attention in small classes
- respect for traditional ways of learning and traditional knowledge
- community capacity-building
Can I get admitted without high school?Yes. Entrance requirements are flexible. For details, please contact the UCC Office in Williams Lake or the UNBC Office in Quesnel.
TRU Williams Lake Campus:
Registrar's Office
383 Oliver Street, Room 209
Williams Lake, BC
V2G 1M4
Phone: (250) 392-8000 or 8020
Fax: (250) 392-8008 | UNBC Quesnel Campus:
488 McLean Street, Room 302
Quesnel, BC V2J 2P2
Phone: (250) 991-7540
Toll-free (outside Quesnel):
1-800-627-9931 |
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University of Northern British Columbia
3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, Canada, V2N 4Z9 | |
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