University College of the Fraser Valley Established: 1974 (Originally known as the Fraser Valley College it became the University College of the Fraser Valley in 1991 after being granted university status). Number of Students The University College of the Fraser Valley enrolls over 7600 students of which over 70% are full-time and 60% are female; about an additional 1700 students are in Continuing Studies courses and/or programs). Programs The University College of the Fraser Valley (UCFV) offers over 80 programs drawn from the faculties of Arts/Applied Arts, Community Access, Business and Information Technology, Science, Health and Human Services, and Trades and Technical Training. Currently offered are 12 Bachelors degrees, over 60 1-year certificates and 2-year diplomas, 1 Masters degree (Masters of Arts in Criminal Justice), Teacher Training, “special” programs including Aviation, and co-operative learning options for students wanting to combine formal education with real-life work experience. UCFV also provides opportunities in Continuing Studies for personal and professional development including 11 certificate programs (Bookkeeping for Small Business, Community Pharmacy Technician, Computer Assisted Drafting, Dental Office Receptionist, Floral Design, Legal Administrative Assistant, Medical Imaging Clinical Support Worker, Medical Office Assistant, Nursing Unit Clerk, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Teaching English as a Second Language). Interesting Facts When established in 1974, UCFV classes were taught in churches, former schools, and storefronts but community support and activism for the UCFV led to the establishment of formal, permanent structures for teaching. The UCFV currently has campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission, and has an extension centre in Hope and an information centre in Agassiz and informal plans call for further expansion in the future. The UCFV is a growing institution in terms of enrollment numbers and educational opportunities. In 2005, the UCFV begins offering its first Masters degree (Masters of Arts in Criminal Justice) and more graduate programs are pending. |