Capilano University

The Squamish campus of Capilano University opened in 1973 and focuses on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Adult Basic Education. Currently, there are 11 faculties at a total school enrollment of 771 students. The maximum capacity amounts to 5400 students over 3 semesters. The Squamish campus of Capilano University offers a variety of programs & courses, including:

• University Transfer - A selection of university-level courses are offered in each school term that may be used at the University or transferred to other educational institutions in British Columbia.
• Career/Vocational - Vocational programs offered through the Squamish campus reflect the community and its location. They include a wilderness leadership program, festival and events coordination, applied business technology, and a cooks training program.
• Preparatory and Upgrading - Courses in adult basic education, literacy, and other career planning and skills upgrading courses are offered.
• Continuing Education - Non-credit courses offered in Squamish cover areas like computers and technology, creative and applied arts, first aid, food safety, and general interest topics.
• Distance Learning - Many courses offered through Capilano University can be accessed through distance learning options.

Capilano University has been recognized as a leader in tourism education by the provincial government through its designation as one of two host institutions for LinkBC; the tourism/hospitality education network. At the time of this publication Capilano College is planning a major expansion in Squamish. The Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC) has signed a Letter of Intent with Capilano University to advance the planning to exchange the lands currently owned by each party. The letter of intent is a significant step for the community both in the Oceanfront Development Process and in the effort to build the future home of Capilano University in Squamish.
For more information visit the Capilano University website at www.capcollege.bc.ca/programs/squamish

Quest University

Quest University Canada, located in Garibaldi Highlands in Squamish, is a new, private, secular, not-for-profit, undergraduate university focused on liberal arts and sciences. The University is situated on a 60-acre mountain-top campus on the edge of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Overlooking the spectacular Tantalus mountain range and Howe Sound, the campus includes 3 residence halls, library, academic building, university services building, and recreation centre. Buildings on the campus are heated and cooled with geothermal technology. The University was founded in 2002 with first classes commencing in September 2007. Maximum student capacity is 800.

There are no more than 20 students per class and there are three terms (fall, spring and summer) of four three-week blocks each. The block program enables students typically to complete their degrees - Bachelor of Arts and Sciences - in less than four years, or less than three years on an accelerated basis.

Students are expected to live on the campus for the first two years and are strongly encouraged to remain on campus for their final two years, unless they live in the Squamish area with a relative. The campus ranges over 60 acres of brand-new “green” buildings and is provided with diverse recreation facilities.

Quest University Canada has established Academic International partnerships with 18 leading universities throughout the world and it is in discussion to initiate reciprocal student exchange programs with them.

For more information visit the Quest University website at www.questu.ca