Fall is the Best Season to Study at CapU Squamish

Discover hands-on programs, student housing, and outdoor experiences at CapU's Squamish campus.

This article was written by Jasper Chu for Capilano University.

With fall around the corner in the Sea-to-Sky, the natural beauty surrounding our Squamish campus will leave you feeling connected to nature and the community as you continue your studies.

Build a future supporting children and families

The Squamish campus has already made a name for itself with our Early Childhood Care and Education and Environment and Society (Environmental Studies) programs, among others. In Early Childhood Care and Education, we focus on making childcare more accessible in the Sea-to-Sky.

If that's where you see your future, program faculty member Julia Black notes, "our program is unique," since "we are internationally renowned for leading research in early childhood care and education and for advocating for children and families."

"This is a big deal" for her because "Students will have access to a much more rounded, robust breadth of delivery and opportunities across a wide variety of subjects."

You'll be pushed to critically engage and create a learning environment where children and their families feel included and seen. You'll learn different ways to teach through practicum, building what you need to be licensed and employed in British Columbia's early childhood care and education sector.

Black understands, "Children's lives are complex. You need a robust education in early childhood to really support children and families in the classroom."

Help create a sustainable future

But if you see yourself championing a sustainable future, Environment and Society (Environmental Studies) is a path to developing the skills, knowledge, and understanding to do just that across the public and private sectors.

To longtime biology instructor Marja de Jong-Westman, the degree is "aligned with the cultural, economic, and biological richness of the University's region."

Instructor Tom Flower points out that it "deliver[s] a modular upper-level system that develops specialized skills within a broad education on the environment and society," from anthropology to political science and statistics.

Teaching small classes of up to 24 students, "we couple active learning, community engagement, teamwork and leadership to enable change-making thinking in our graduates."

Part of engaging is working with our community partners to achieve a sustainable balance between regional economic, societal, and environmental needs, especially with the Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society. You'll protect the Sea-to-Sky's biodiversity, gaining experience combining innovation, experiential learning, teamwork, and leadership to take on more complex projects in pursuit of a sustainable future.

These partnerships are so critical. Instructor Marja de Jong-Westman adds, "Local partners are critically important as a key strength of this degree," as "It is informed by and is aligned with the cultural, economic and biological richness of our local region."

Explore more programs in Squamish

Early Childhood Care and Education and Environment and Society are only two of the offerings at the Squamish campus. Students can explore more opportunities like Kinesiology, Business, and Outdoor Filmmaking in Squamish during an Explore CapU Open House or on our Squamish Programs page.

Find your community in student housing

For those moving to Squamish from away, Student Housing offers a safe, secure, and engaging environment.

It's part of John Ummuna's priority as a student housing director to "create a vibrant community where friendships flourish," where "once students create connections and friendships in the first year, it drives their success long-term."

Living on campus means you save money on groceries with our meal plan, live closer to your classes, have a private bedroom with a shared bathroom, and connect with students who share your interests, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.

Here, you'll be close to world-renowned hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and local Indigenous ceremonies and festivals. And Whistler is just an hour north if you're looking for a great place to ski and snowboard during winter.

But the best part of the Squamish campus, according to Ummuna, is that "The…buildings have the best view in the entire town."

With trained support staff available on-site, the housing team can provide personalized support and create a tight-knit community where everybody can know you by name.

Visit CapU Squamish

Interested in visiting the Squamish campus to learn more about our programs, student services, and on-campus housing options? Join us for Explore CapU Squamish Saturday, November 7, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or join us for a campus tour. Those visiting from away may be eligible for a discount to stay at our on-campus accommodations to support their visit, pending availability of spaces. Contact [email protected] for more information.