UBC Reports | Vol.
51 | No. 2 |
Feb. 3, 2005
A 300-bed residence, new faculty members and innovative programs
are among the hallmarks of UBC Okanagan, set to open its doors
in September.
Since the March 2004 announcement of the creation of UBC
Okanagan, the transition team, which includes executives from
both UBC and Okanagan University College (OUC), has been working
non-stop to put in place programs and infrastructure for the
school’s first class of 3,800 students.
Expansion to the existing arts and science buildings has
begun and construction of a new 300-bed residence will begin
early summer on what is currently OUC’s north Kelowna
campus. Resumes are pouring in for new faculty positions expected
to be filled before the summer. New programs and research
themes, based on extensive community consultation, are being
fine-tuned to address regional demand.
Barry McBride, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UBC Okanagan, says
the new campus will uphold UBC’s tradition of excellence
in ways that are distinct from — yet complementary with —
UBC Vancouver.
Students will be encouraged to shape their own learning experience
by incorporating interdisciplinary, theme-based inquiry, community
service learning and co-op and practicum opportunities that
involve regional industry partners such as the Summerland
Pacific Agriculture Research Centre (PARC) and the Dominion
Radio Astrophysical Observatory in Penticton.
“You’ll see a university that is closely connected
with the community throughout the Okanagan,” says McBride.
“You’ll see a university whose research activities
are broadly based and address issues of regional importance.
You’ll see a university that is committed to the idea
of global citizenship and internationalization.”
UBC Okanagan also presents a rare opportunity where the
academic plan provides specific guidance for the physical
development of the campus, says Moura Quayle, who is working
on academic planning at UBC Okanagan, when she’s not
wearing her UBC Vancouver hat as Dean of Agricultural Sciences.
“As a result, students can count on an intimate learning
environment, an integrated approach to teaching and research,
leading edge technology to enhance the learning experience,
and creative scheduling that encourages reflection and dialogue,”
says Quayle.
This September, UBC Okanagan will open its doors with the
Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty
of Creative and Performing Arts, Faculty of Management and
the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences.
The four major research themes — indigenous studies, sustainability,
health and wellness and creativity, culture and community
— are designed to compliment teaching and learning, says
Quayle.
“We aim to hire not just stellar researchers but excellent
teachers,” says Quayle. “It’s a goal we’re
keeping front and centre because we want our faculty to be
creative in how their research informs their teaching and
how the undergraduate students conduct research.”
UBC Okanagan Timeline
2004
March 17
Provincial government announces the establishment of UBC Okanagan
and a college in the Okanagan region
July 16
UBC Board of Governors approves $18.4 million construction
plan to accommodate 900 new student spaces
September 8
UBC Okanagan Community Advisory Council holds inaugural meeting
in Kelowna
September 16
Program and research directions announced
September 30
UBC Board of Governors holds meeting in Kelowna, the first
time in two decades it meets outside the Lower Mainland
October 22
Forestry giant Irving K. Barber announces a $12.25 million
endowment to establish the Irving K. Barber School of Arts
and Sciences
September – December
Academic Plan Working Group meetings and consultations held
with students, staff, and faculty and communitieson an every-two
week basis
November 29
Job offers made to staff and faculty
2005
January – March
Idea Book Draft Academic Plan consultation with faculty for
academic plan, students, staff and external community
April – May
Discussion of Academic Plan at UBC Okanagan Interim Senate
October
Approval of Academic Plan at UBC Okanagan Senate
Have Your Say
The UBC Okanagan Academic Plan team welcomes input on the
draft UBC Okanagan Academic Plan, available at http://www.okanagan.ubc.ca/academicplan.
Please e-mail your comments to academicplan.okanagan@ubc.ca.
