University College of the Fraser Valley

33844 King Rd
Abbotsford, British Columbia V2S 7M8
Telephone: (604) 504-7441
Fax: (604) 855-7614
President: Dr. Harold Bassford

www.ucfv.ca

The University College of the Fraser Valley is the major adult educational resource for the communities of the Fraser Valley in southwestern British Columbia. It is a multi-campus institution with main campuses in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, and smaller centres in Mission, Hope and Agassiz. The region enjoys a moderate year-round climate and outstanding scenic beauty, an hour from the city of Vancouver.

UCFV serves one of the fastest growing areas in Canada. The dramatic development of Fraser Valley communities in the past two decades is

reflected in the evolution of UCFV, as it strives to meet the changing social, educational, and training needs of the area. UCFV has played an integral part in many aspects of the region’s development.

UCFV now offers more than 80 degree, diploma, and certificate programs and options in academic and applied areas, trades training, ESL, upgrading and continuing education. As of September 2005, UCFV is offering its

first post graduate degree, a master of arts (criminal justice).  UCFV prides itself on its commitment to “laddering”, which allows students to build certificate and diploma programs into degree-level studies. It has a highly successful cooperative education option in several areas and a thriving international education department.

UCFV’s dedicated, skilled professors and instructors help provide a supportive atmosphere for learning and succeeding, helped by smaller class sizes than traditional universities. Another advantage is generally lower tuition costs than other British Columbia and Alberta universities. UCFV has also placed a priority in the past few years to increasing prospects for work-study and financial aid for students.

Student life opportunities increase every year with numerous on-campus activities, groups and events for students. Also, UCFV offers a solid athletics program with both intramural and league competition -- UCFV’s men’s and women’s basketball teams have continually ranked among Canada’s top collegiate teams. This year, the Canada West Universities Athletic Association and Canadian Interuniversity sport accepted UCFV as a probationary member, commencing with the 2006-07 season. UCFV’s basketball, soccer and rowing teams will compete against universities across Western Canada, while the volleyball and golf programs will continue to compete against B.C. colleges.

Academic and campus services

Aboriginal resource centre, academic support services, bookstore, employment services, human rights and conflict resolution office, instructional media services, student services (educational advising, counselling, career resource centres, financial aid, First Nations access, disability resource centre), math centre, prior learning assessment and recognition, student union society, writing centre.

Information technology

The university college provides on-campus computing, including Internet access and email accounts, for all students. Student email is available off campus through the student’s own Internet service provider. All campuses are connected to each other, and the Internet, through a Wide Area Network provided by the Provincial Learning Network. Instructional applications are provided in 28 networked computer labs with a total of 600 Microsoft Windows and 10 Apple Macintosh workstations.

In UCFV’s 2004-05 fiscal year, more than 250 students received scholarships and awards totalling more than $188,000 and 513 students received bursaries totalling more than $373,147. Bursaries range in value from approximately $100 to $1,500.

UCFV is committed to internationalization, and encourages programs and activities that promote internationalization. UCFV hosts 600 international students each year and supports student and faculty exchanges, field schools, international development projects, international practicum and cooperative work experiences. UCFV has affiliated institutions in China, Finland, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

International liaison officer

Ms. Karola Stinson, Director International Education Department
Telephone: (604) 854-4544
Fax: (604) 855-7153

Email: intl_ed@ucfv.ca