On Tuesday, September 2, the University of Northern British Columbia will begin offering courses in its 17th academic year.

What’s New This Year?

Academic Programs – the University is offering new bachelors degree majors in Human Resources Management and Forest Ecology and Management. The School of Social Work is also offering a new certificate in Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health (starting in January) and the School of Education has developed a new certificate program oriented to Montessori Education.

Space for Students – the Northern Undergraduate Student Centre will be opening later this month. The facility will house space for student clubs, a café, student administrative offices, student lounges, and a pub/event space.

Housing – the on-campus student residences are projected to be full for the first time in a decade. UNBC has two student residences that hold a total of 542 students and there is currently about one dozen students on the wait list.

Orientation activities begin on Sunday with sessions for students and parents that will attract nearly 800 participants to the Northern Sport Centre and the Agora Courtyard. Other upcoming events include the annual Backyard BBQ (September 12), Shinerama (September 20), and the Alumni Homecoming (September 19-20).

While precise enrolment figures for the Fall semester won’t be known until later in September, current registration estimates indicate that the University will have a modest increase in enrolment this fall. UNBC also saw an increase in the number of students who enrolled in summer courses this year. More than 1400 students were registered in academic courses this summer, an increase of 2% compared to last year. In addition, 425 people registered for Continuing Studies courses during the summer.

“With the new student centre, the Northern Sport Centre less than a year old, and new academic programs, UNBC has become a complete university,” says Interim President Charles Jago, who returned to UNBC in July.  “There will be a terrific energy on campus next week and I can’t wait.”

Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622 

Click on the thumbnail to download a high-resolution image of Interim President, Charles Jago.