BC Business
BCBusiness + University Canada West The university was founded in 2004 by Dr. David Strong, an accomplished academic and distinguished scientist who served as president of the University of Victoria for more than a decade. Dr. Strong had a vision to create an independent, accessible university with a practical focus and an...
The university was founded in 2004 by Dr. David Strong, an accomplished academic and distinguished scientist who served as president of the University of Victoria for more than a decade. Dr. Strong had a vision to create an independent, accessible university with a practical focus and an emphasis on teaching excellence.
Since then, the university has continued to grow over the years and eventually established a campus in downtown Vancouver. In 2014, UCW moved into its West Pender Campus in the historic London Building. The move marked a turning point for the university and, since then, UCW has experienced unprecedented growth and transformation.
Today, UCW is more than just a business school. It has positioned itself as an innovative business and technology-oriented, teaching-focused institution defined by its close connections to the business community and a commitment to outstanding student services.
The university now offers a series of applied undergraduate and graduate degrees for domestic and international students. In addition to its ACBSP-accredited Master of Business Administration program, UCW offers Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and Associate of Arts degree programs.
The recently established Innovation Hub brings innovation and the latest in technology to every aspect of the university. This includes establishing strategic partnerships with digital leaders such the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), which integrates DMI’s industry-leading digital marketing certifications to UCW’s MBA program. Innovation Hub established UCW’s line up of short courses, which are focused on technology and can help students gain valuable and specific skills in a short amount of time. And UCW’s internship program ensures students gain experience solving business problems with technology.
While 2020 has undoubtedly brought about unforeseen challenges, it also marks the beginning of a new era for University Canada West. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, UCW celebrated its largest graduating class ever and saw the largest student intake in its history. The university also celebrated the opening of its new, second campus located in the iconic Vancouver House development, one of the highest-profile developments in the city’s recent history.
UCW’s new state-of-the-art campus is in two of the podium buildings, just steps from Sunset Beach and the seawall, as well as restaurants and cafés, London Drugs and Fresh Street Market. At 90,000 square feet, UCW Vancouver House can accommodate more than 3,400 students.
Even with its unprecedented growth, UCW puts its students first in everything it does and offers several scholarships, grants and bursaries to make higher education more accessible to all.
In the spring of 2020, the university established its Women in Leadership MBA Award to provide financial support for women in the MBA degree program who demonstrate the potential for success as leaders in their chosen careers.
UCW recently established the Pathway to Knowledge Bursary to help domestic and international students in bachelor’s degree programs reach their potential. The Scholarships for Academic Excellence are awarded to students with excellent academic grades who wish to go on to excel in their chosen field.
The university also offers its Emily Baker Scholarship for Indigenous students pursuing an MBA. The scholarship is named after Squamish elder and advocate Emily Baker and guarantees a full scholarship for an Indigenous MBA student every year.
While the future post-pandemic remains uncertain, UCW aims to continue to foster a diverse and challenging learning environment focused on the practical application of knowledge and building competencies for leadership and responsible citizenship in a global context.
Learn more at ucanwest.ca/
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