On Tuesday, September 8, the University of Northern British Columbia will begin offering courses in its 18th academic year.

New Program

For the first time, UNBC is offering a PhD in Health Sciences. The PhD in Health Sciences offers students the opportunity to develop an advanced level of understanding and training in any one scientific discipline, or a combination of scientific disciplines, related to human health, the processes (e.g. sociological, biological, chemical, physical) that influence human health or the organization and delivery of health services.

Facilities

Construction continues on the biomass gasification system that will provide heat to UNBC’s core campus buildings and offset an estimated 85% of current natural gas consumption. It is expected that the gasification system will be operational by early 2011. A wood pellet combustion system at the I.K. Barber Enhanced Forestry Lab with a silo for pellet storage was installed at the adjacent Enhanced Forestry Lab earlier this summer.

Students can enjoy a full school year of access to the Northern University Student Centre. The facility, opened last November, includes space for student clubs, a café, student administrative offices, student lounges, and a pub/event space.

Orientation

Northern Degrees Orientation for new UNBC students and their parents/families will be on Sunday, September 6 in the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP immediately to orientation-info@unbc.ca.

Registration for Orientation will run from 8:30am to 9:15am in the lobby of the Northern Sport Centre. The day will proceed with an information session, a performance group, and time to explore the campus and speak to staff and faculty.

Summer Numbers

In 2009, 2061 students took part in summer courses. This represents a 12.8 % increase over last year. Much of the boost is owed to a 17.2 % increase in the number of international students over 2008.

Precise enrolment figures for the Fall semester won’t be known until later in September.

President’s Welcome

After assuming his official duties at UNBC on July 1st, UNBC’s fourth president George Iwama says he is looking forward to welcoming students to another academic year.

“Recently, I bumped into several students from an exclusive private women’s college in Tokyo. The positive excitement they shared about being at UNBC and their experience in our region was thrilling to hear. This coming weekend my wife Marilyn and I are looking forward to welcoming all of the incoming first year students to residence,” says Dr. Iwama. “We also look forward to meeting the faculty, staff, and students in the coming months and sharing this wonderful community. We can all learn from each other while we build this university together.”

Dr. George Iwama will be officially installed as UNBC’s fourth president on October 16, 2009 at the Northern Sport Centre.

Dr. Iwama will be available for media interviews on Wednesday, September 2, between 12:30 and 1:30PM and 3:00 and 3:45PM. Please contact Anne Rushton to set up an appointment.