February 5, 2008 - 12:51am
Malaspina University-College has seen unprecedented growth over the past ten years. And, the pace of growth is not about to slow down.
According to Malaspina President Dr. Ralph Nilson, the institution is about to undertake a master planning process that will plan for the university-college’s growth over the next five, ten, fifteen, twenty years and beyond.
“This new Master Plan will provide Malaspina with a strategic and organized approach to expand our Nanaimo campus,” said Nilson. “The plan is also an important requirement when applying for government funding and will assist us in saving facilities and infrastructure costs in the future.”
According to Malaspina’s Director of Facilities and the project's coordinator, Ric Kelm, the Master Plan will be developed with input from a wide range of constituents. “Input from the community, including students, our neighbours, employees and anyone using or visiting the campus, is an important factor of this plan,” said Kelm. “This input will assist Malaspina in creating a vision to grow our campus in ways that best support the needs of the entire community.”
Malaspina plans to conduct several campus open houses to gather data and has set up a website to allow the public to comment on the plan. “We want the community to tell us how they envision the Malaspina Nanaimo campus of the future,” said Kelm. "We hope the community will tell us how they would like the campus to look and feel.” To access the website, members of the public can go to viu.ca/masterplan.
“Collaboration with all of our stakeholders will be essential as we plan our growth over the next several decades, said Nilson. "Malaspina’ success is due in large part, to the close relationship that has been built with the community over many years.” added Nilson. “The Master Plan will also be developed to reflect our values as a socially and environmentally responsible organization."
According to Nilson, Malaspina’s Master Plan will support the BCEnergy Plan that sets targets for zero net greenhouse gas emissions.
“Malaspina is committed to providing the highest quality of programs and services. This commitment extends to the learning environment that will be created in the future through this Master Plan,” Nilson said.
Malaspina has grown from a small college that served just over 200 students in 1969, to a first class University and College offering over 200 degrees, diplomas, certificate and an international MBA program.
Tags: In the Community
