UCC begins transition to new continuing studies model

University College of the Cariboo Press Release

Kamloops - March 27, 2002 - Courses and training delivered through what has been called Continuing Education (C.E.) or Extension Services at various times over the past three decades at UCC are about to begin a major transition to a full revenue-generating Continuing Studies model.

That move was made official March 26, as senior administrators outlined the shift to staff in the former Continuing Education area. The most immediate impact will be the reduction of staff at the co-ordinator level from six to four at the Kamloops campus, including one position being vacated through retirement. The co-ordinator position at the Williams Lake campus remains in place.

Funding used to subsidize C.E. activity is no longer available to UCC and that, coupled with a competitive post-secondary environment, requires the institution to look beyond cost-recovery to a model that generates revenue back to UCC.

The transition to the new model is expected to take place over the upcoming 12-month fiscal year of 2002-2003.

Continuing Studies consultants will see training shift from shorter non-credit course activity, which was frequently subsidized by other courses, to programs and courses that are driven by what UCC offers in various academic departments.

Post-graduates programs at certificate, diploma and even degree levels are part of the new opportunities envisioned, as is the offering of existing programs in different formats.

Credit courses and programs offered in compressed formats on weekends, on-line delivery and other modularized formats that meet specific training and professional development needs are other ways Continuing Studies at UCC will evolve and grow.

In fact, that kind of activity is already taking place in some departments at UCC. Leading the way are extensive offerings of post-graduate training for respiratory therapists, nurses and other health care professionals in the Faculty of Sciences and Health Sciences.

The Animal Health Technology program is also a provincial leader in this area with its unique Animal Welfare Certificate program developed with the provincial S.P.C.A. The successful program offers entry-level training through distance education that is literally being delivered right across North America today.