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Other initiatives included the development of a long-term facilities master plan, outlining the requirements for new buildings, roads and social spaces for students.

The university received several commendations from the NWCCU's evaluation team, for example, on its core theme of community engagement: "...Capilano has taken seriously its outreach services, particularly with the First Nations Community."

"The Board of Governors is very grateful for the leadership, commitment, and considerable efforts of all in the Capilano University community in realizing the goal of full accreditation, and is very excited about the many benefits it will bring in the form of highly engaging learning environments, for current and future students," says Dr. Robin Brayne, Board Chair.

Established in 1952, the NWCCU is one of six independent regional organizations officially sanctioned by the U.S. federal government to assess post-secondary school educational quality and institutional effectiveness, and grant accreditation. Capilano University will be evaluated by the NWCCU on regular basis to determine its adherence to the best-practice standards set out by the commission.

"On behalf of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), we commend Capilano University for its demonstrated commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement," says Dr. Sandra Elman President, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. "Capilano University is the first Canadian institution of higher education to be accredited by NWCCU. The Commission looks forward to working with Capilano University in the years ahead as we strive to further enhance the institution's academic quality and institutional vitality in the spirit of regional accreditation."

"Achieving accreditation in the NWCCU is a significant milestone for Capilano University, and provides more options for students in their pursuit of their post-secondary education goals," says Ruth Wittenberg, President of the B.C. Association of Institutes + Universities, of which Capilano University is a member.

As a NWCCU member, the University will share best practices with fellow member institutions and also provide advice to other Canadian post-secondary institutions undergoing the accreditation process or planning to in the future.

Capilano University is a learner-centred university with campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt, British Columbia. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the University currently offers 11 bachelor degrees as well as associate degrees and a range of diplomas, certificates and statements of completion. More than 7,500 students are enrolled in credit programs each term, with an additional 7,000 people taking non-credit courses annually. Capilano University has earned an international reputation for quality teaching, programs and services, instilling the knowledge, skills, motivation and attitudes that will enable students to become independent thinkers and learners, and to contribute effectively in a rapidly changing world. More information can be found at www.capilanou.ca.

The accreditation timeline and associated reports can be viewed here.



Contacts:
Capilano University
Jane MacCarthy
604-983-7596 or Cell: 604-868-4374
janemaccarthy@capilanou.ca
www.capilanou.ca