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February 4, 2009 - New program encourages college-university transition
Under a pioneering pilot program, students will be able to earn college and university degrees concurrently. Inspired by similar models in Oregon, Douglas College and Simon Fraser University are designing an undergraduate program that co-admits applicants to both institutions.
This program will give students who plan to go to university, but want to start in a college environment, an opportunity to get prepared academically while transitioning gradually between the two environments. Though college students can currently transfer to university, the process requires going through the application steps a second time. Under the pilot program, they will only need to fill out a single on-line application.
The first of its kind in BC, this pilot program will offer an undergraduate degree in arts and social sciences. Douglas and SFU are aiming to have the program ready to accept an initial cohort of 75 students by late 2009. They hope to eventually offer a similar program in the sciences.
"This affiliation will assist us with recruiting Canadian and international students," says Jan Lindsay, Vice President, Education at Douglas College. "But the real winners are the students. This agreement will enable them to be much better prepared for a successful transition to a university environment."
"We expect that this arrangement will create more flexible options for students, and look forward to expanding the program if the pilot project is successful," adds Jon Driver, Vice President, Academic at SFU.
Students enrolled in this program will have to meet admission and continuance requirements set jointly by Douglas and SFU.
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Contact:
Brenda Walton, Douglas College Registrar's Office, 604-527-5354
Kate Ross, SFU Student Services, 778-782-4176
Carol Thorbes, SFU Public Affairs and Media Relations, 778-782-3035
