October 20, 2005 Source: University of New Brunswick - Saint John:
http://www.unb.ca/news/view.cgi?id=870 UNBF TO GRANT FIRST BACHELOR OF INTEGRATED STUDIES DEGREE October 20, 2005
UNB Fredericton News Release: D401
Natalie Montgomery, Public Relations Officer (506) 451-6842 In life, it is often the journey, not the destination, that gives the greatest satisfaction. Laurie Guthrie Hayes can attest to that. Seventeen years after first enrolling at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Ms. Guthrie Hayes will receive her bachelor of integrated studies (BIS) degree during UNBF’s Convocation on Oct. 20. This will be the first BIS degree awarded by the university. "I am probably the only person who can boast about being on the 17-year program," said Ms. Guthrie Hayes. Ms. Guthrie Hayes enrolled at UNB right after high school. After a year-and-a-half, she left university and enrolled in business college to enhance her computer and keyboard skills. She then moved on to what would become a 14-year career with the City of Fredericton. During her professional career, the idea of returning to school was always top of mind for Ms. Guthrie Hayes. In the mid-nineties, with support from her employer, she returned to UNB on a part-time basis. Work and personal commitments soon caught up to her and she once again drifted away from school. In 2002, she opted to pursue a certificate in economic development from the University of Waterloo in Ontario. From there she acquired her national certified economic developers designation. In 2003, she discovered UNBF’s bachelor of integrated studies program and wasted no time in applying. "I was the first person to send a letter expressing interest," she said. "And the rest is history." Begun in 2003, the bachelor of integrated studies program is UNBF’s newest degree program. Jointly offered through Renaissance College and the College of Extended Learning, the BIS program is geared toward adult learners, granting credit for prior learning. The program is versatile and interdisciplinary, and offers students a unique opportunity to complete their degree in a flexible learning environment. Last summer Ms. Guthrie Hayes was accepted into the BIS program and resumed her studies, with 30 credit hours towards her degree. "I primarily took business courses which related to my profession," she said. "I found it enlightening to apply my academic learning to my work, as the knowledge was further reinforced through practical application and doing work-related school projects." Ms. Guthrie Hayes says that the BIS program worked for her because it facilitated her learning based on her interests and needs. "The program really challenged my perspective and broadened my critical thinking on issues," she said. Taking courses, working full time, and tending to an active personal schedule led to some busy moments for Ms. Guthrie Hayes, but she says that it was all worth it. "It was an incredibly hectic year, but I completed the credit hours I needed and will finally graduate," she said. "The only advice I can give to others is to never give up your dreams and aspirations of going back to school. I figure if I can do it after 17 years, anyone can." Ms. Guthrie Hayes says that the experience has been so rewarding that she and her husband are both considering pursuing their MBA at UNBF in the new year. For more information on the bachelor of integrated studies program at UNBF, contact Belinda Elliott, UNBF’s College of Extended Learning, at 453-4848 or belinda@unb.ca. - 30 -
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