UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA

The University of Victoria, recognized as one of Canada's best mid-sized universities, is located on nearly 400 acres in a suburban area of Victoria. Although it celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1993, UVic's roots were established in 1903 when a class of seven students attended the first class of Victoria College at a downtown high school. Later, when classes grew, the College moved first to Craigdarroch Castle and then to the former Provincial Normal School, offering university studies in affiliation with the University of British Columbia prior to becoming a degree-granting institution at its current location.

UVic's nearly 16,000 students attend classes in seven faculties - Arts and Science, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Graduate Studies, Human and Social Development and Law. The University has developed innovative programs in interdisciplinary research, in its professional schools, in distance education and in many other areas.

UVic has the third largest cooperative education program in Canada, offering students in 17 academic areas the opportunity to integrate academic studies with relevant, paid work experience. Over 500 businesses throughout the province, cross Canada, and in a dozen foreign countries, are enthusiastic supporters of the Co-op program.

UVic's researchers were awarded over $17.5 million in grants and contracts in 1993/94. Three faculty members are the recipients of the prestigious 3-M Teaching Fellowship.

The University has constantly expanded its faculties in response to society's changing needs. It is a recognized leader in child and youth care and health information science. Its Department of Pacific and Asian Studies program recognizes the growing influence of Pacific Rim nations. The University offers the only certificate program in the administration of Aboriginal governments.

In its commitment to prepare students to make practical contributions to the corporate world, UVic's young School of Business requires all its Bachelor of Commerce candidates to complete four Co-op work terms. The School's Board of Advisors is comprised of active business people in the community and many of them participate in the School's MBA Mentor Program, providing on-going advice and leadership for graduate students.

The Innovation and Development Corporation helps UVic faculty, staff, and students assess the commercial value of their ideas and develop products for market. The wholly-owned, separately-managed corporation helps promote and negotiate joint development, ownership, and licensing agreements between UVic researchers and outside companies and agencies.

With over 3,700 employees, UVic is the fifth-largest employer in Victoria and while many people come to campus to work, many more to be entertained, enlightened and educated. Each year more than 230,000 people attend programs through the Division of Continuing Studies, plays, concerts, art exhibitions, ceremonies, conferences, lectures, films and athletic events.

Source: Island Enterprise