SPECIAL PURPOSE UNIVERSITY ACT (2006)

The quality of the workforce is a crucial factor in determining competitive advantage in industrialized nations, with skill shortages being the single biggest determinant of BC’s economic prosperity. This is true for the trades as well as for career positions requiring a university degree.

In BC there are a number of University Colleges that are providing affordable access to undergraduate degree programs. Examples of such are Kwantlen University College, University College of the Fraser Valley, and Malaspina University College. These post-secondary institutions are all offering undergraduate programs in response to the marketplace demands. These bachelor degrees are recognized by British Columbia’s public universities, making students eligible to enter into graduate programs to achieve master and doctorate level degrees at UBC, SFU, UVIC and UNBC.

Unfortunately, in many instances, University Colleges are not considered as a viable option for degree studies as Colleges are seen as diploma, or two year program institutions. This designation is hampering the ability of BC’s University Colleges to serve students, the regions and the province to their fullest potential. University designation will make these institutions recognizable for what they really are and will communicate to the public that they offer local university alternatives for students. In 2005 the Thompson Rivers University Act was passed to provide university designation to Cariboo University College in Kamloops and to establish more undergraduate opportunities for the region and province. This bill specifies that the Cariboo University must continue to provide a full range of technical and trades programmes, and could serve as a template for the provinces remaining University Colleges and other similar institutions.

In some professions, there are insufficient numbers of students entering into programs to fulfill the needs of industry. In an effort to close these skills shortage gaps, efforts are made to market educational and career opportunities internationally. Unfortunately a University College designation is not recognized in some countries, thereby hindering efforts to attract international students.

THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS

That the Provincial Government;

1. create a Special Purpose University Act for BC’s University Colleges and other post-secondary institutions where the majority of students are in undergraduate or bachelor degree programs; and
2. that the proposed Special Purpose University Act be similar to the Thompson Rivers University Act to ensure that these institutions provide a full range of technical and trades programming.