Sept 22, 2010 - New Douglas College strategic plan responds to changing educational needs

For immediate release

September 22, 2010

NEW WESTMINSTER and COQUITLAM - After months of intensive consultation with students, employees and members of the community, Douglas College released its new strategic plan today, charting a bold course for one of British Columbia’s largest colleges.

The strategic plan outlines a vision of Douglas College as the largest and most progressive degree-granting college in the province and presents a map to meet changing demographics and educational needs.

"Educational institutions need to evolve along with social and economic changes," says Scott McAlpine, President of Douglas College. “Lower Mainland BC is getting older and becoming more culturally diverse. We need to serve recent high school graduates, newer Canadians, as well as those making a career or life transition. Our job is to help them prepare to participate in the emerging knowledge economy.”

For Douglas College, this means an increasingly international outlook, more flexible learning options with fewer barriers, and more opportunities for experiential, hands-on learning.

In terms of its international outlook, Douglas College is well on its way. Every year, hundreds of international students bring new perspectives to what is already a rich multicultural environment. “I would challenge anyone to show me a more diverse campus anywhere in the province, maybe even the country,” McAlpine says.

At the same time, partnerships with overseas institutions are creating more opportunities for students and faculty to study or work abroad. The strategic plan calls for every domestic student to be given the chance to participate in an overseas experience, whether as part of an educational program or as an extra-curricular complement to their studies.

McAlpine notes that Douglas College students already benefit from hands-on learning experiences. And, going forward, the College will place even more emphasis on work-study, co-operative education and service-learning programs.

"We want all our students to graduate with hands-on experiences," McAlpine says. "When you add practical experiences to theoretical knowledge, you get a well-rounded person who is better prepared to succeed in their career."

With more and more people looking to upgrade their skills or go back to school to finish a program, McAlpine says Douglas College is also developing more flexible programs and pathways.

"As a learner, you want flexibility," says McAlpine. "It should be easy for you to begin studying, and you should have your prior learning recognized. You should find courses and programs that meet your particular needs. You should be able to move easily between programs within the College. And if your goal is to move on to a top university such as SFU, UBC or U of T, that process should be as seamless as possible."

Downloadable copies of the strategic plan are available at douglascollege.ca/strategic-plan

About Douglas College

Douglas is one of BC's largest colleges, with major campuses in New Westminster and Coquitlam, and a major Training Centre in Surrey as well as satellite training centres throughout the Lower Mainland.

The College offers a comprehensive range of high quality programs and courses including bachelor's degrees, university courses and career-oriented programs, as well as a wide range of continuing education courses for those looking to upgrade their skills.

Douglas is recognized as a leading educator in a number of specific disciplines including Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Sport Science, Youth Justice, Therapeutic Recreation, Community Social Services, Criminology, Psychology, and Stagecraft.

Douglas College is known for its accessible, friendly and supportive educational environment, for its culturally diverse student population, and for its emphasis on global citizenship.

Key Facts

- Founded in 1970
- 20,000+ students annually
- 800+ international students annually
- 800 faculty members
- 350 support staff and administrators
- $90 million operating budget
- majority of students served come from Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby, New Westminster, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, North Surrey, North Delta, and East Vancouver

For more information, contact:
Dave Taylor
Marketing and Communications Director
taylord@douglascollege.ca
604-527-5327