Vancouver Island Institutions Create Post-Secondary Alliance

The presidents of Camosun College, North Island College, Royal Roads University, the University of Victoria, and Vancouver Island University signed an agreement today creating the Vancouver Island Public Post-Secondary Alliance. As signatories to this alliance, the five institutions will join forces to further the social and economic prosperity of Vancouver Island and the province of British Columbia through a commitment to collaboration and cooperation.

Together the five institutions make an essential contribution to the lives of Vancouver Island residents and its many communities, meeting the full range of post-secondary education and training needs of its residents. Recognizing the individual purposes, mandates, obligations and autonomies of the five institutions, the presidents confirmed their commitment to collaborate on initiatives that:

• Improve students’ ability to access Vancouver Island’s full range of post-secondary education and training and to seamlessly move between institutions;

• Meet the educational and regional employment and training needs of Vancouver Island and BC communities;

• Stimulate job creation and investment on Vancouver Island and in the province of BC;

• Increase the participation and success of aboriginal learners;

• Enhance the ability of Vancouver Island residents to participate as citizens of a global world by growing international education and the internationalization of institutions;

• Create new knowledge through research and innovation that strengthens the communities of Vancouver Island and beyond;

• Share resources to expand and enhance the programs and services of each institution; and,

• Advocate for post-secondary education and training for Vancouver Island, the Gulf and Northern Islands and the BC coast.

In signing the agreement, Camosun College’s President Kathryn Laurin noted, “Colleges and universities on the Island are naturally aligned, offering students robust pathways and demonstrating our significance as key drivers in regional economic development. We have always worked collegially, but formalizing this agreement clarifies our commitment to build on successes and continue to seek opportunities that enhance pathways for our learners right here, closer to home.”

North Island College’s President John Bowman stated, “North Island College views the alliance as particularly beneficial to our region, enabling NIC, through partnership and collaboration, to offer greater educational opportunity to the residents of the north Island. This agreement improves students’ ability to access Vancouver Island’s full range of post-secondary education and training opportunities and to move seamlessly between our institutions as they discover the pathway that best suits their needs.”

Royal Roads’ President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Allan Cahoon noted, “Royal Roads University has always placed great value on leadership, collaboration and teamwork skills; and this new alliance of post-secondary institutions applies these elements to the benefit of Vancouver Island residents. Our shared goal is to enhance through education the social and economic opportunities in our communities.”

“We see Vancouver Island as a healthy post-secondary ecosystem and we know that society is served by strong relationships and collaboration among the institutions that make up that ecosystem,” said Jamie Cassels, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Victoria.

Vancouver Island University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ralph Nilson stated, "Vancouver Island’s public post-secondary institutions form a dynamic ecosystem of diverse educational opportunities providing student access to high-quality learning environments and outcomes directly linked to the demands of BC's work force needs. This agreement helps to solidify relationships that increase efficiency and opportunity for BC students."

The Vancouver Island Public Post-Secondary Alliance was signed at a meeting with Amrik Virk, Minister of Advanced Education, and Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training in attendance. At this private meeting the presidents and ministers discussed the post-secondary system on Vancouver Island, specifically recent successes, challenges, student pathways, social and economic impact, as well as government priorities for advanced education and skills training.