Following a series of public consultations in communities across northern BC, the University of Northern British Columbia has produced an academic vision designed to build on existing strengths and provide a foundation for future growth.

“In our new academic vision statement, we are clearly stating – for the first time – that UNBC is aspiring to be Canada’s premier small research-intensive university with world-class programs,” says Howard Brunt, Vice-President Academic and Provost. “We have also identified broad academic focus areas that represent our strengths and future aspirations.”

These focus areas are outlined below:
-Natural Resources and the Environment
-Health and Human Development
-Commerce and Community Sustainability
-Indigenous Peoples’ Knowledge
-Global Processes and Perspectives
-Artistic and Cultural Expression

“This last focus area indicates a strong desire from within the University and surrounding communities that UNBC begin to offer programming in the fine arts,” says Dr. Brunt. “Other aspects of the visioning report include a revised mission focused on student outcomes and a broad discussion of what we do, as well as how we do it.”

The entire report is available on the University’s website:
www.unbc.ca/academic_visioning

Written feedback is being sought from community members. Comments should be forwarded to pierrero@unbc.ca by January 27.  Feedback will be incorporated into a final report that will be produced in February.

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