September 20, 1996 For Immediate Release

A group of industry persons has been working with UNBC staff over the past two months to develop a proposal for a management master's degree. The program would be offered on a part-time basis at times convenient to working professionals and would accommodate both business administration and public administration options. UNBC's full-motion interactive video capability would currently allow course delivery in a number of communities to the south of Prince George, and as fibre-optic cabling is added elsewhere, to additional communities throughout the region.

The program is currently in the planning stage, and a draft proposal will have to be approvedby such bodies as the UNBC Board and Senate, and by the Degree Program Review Committee (DPRC) in Victoria. One of the important evaluation criteria, along with academic considerations, is written evidence of the level of the demand for the new program. Such evidence is usually in the form of a file of letters of interest from prospective students, labour force analysis, or similar method, and is submitted as an appendix to the proposal.

UNBC is seeking help in determining the level of demand for the course. Anyone interestedin pursuing a master's degree (business administration or public administration option) and whopossesses a university degree (any field) or college diploma, and several years of work experience,is encouraged to contact UNBC or the industry advisory group. Interest should be expressed inwriting to Dick Barth, Business Program, UNBC (fax: 960-5544; email: barth@unbc.ca), or to theconvenor of the advisory group, Mr Roy Warnock, Husky Oil (fax: 562-5725), and should includename, fax or phone number, current degree or diploma, and years of work experience. As well, anyrationale indicating the level of need for the graduate program would be welcomed.