- On July 12, 2012 Cheryl Wenezenki–Yolland, Deputy Minister, and Dawn Minty, Assistant Deputy Minister of Advanced Education visited Kwantlen Polytechnic University to familiarize themselves with the growing institution.
John McKendry, president, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and the Deputy Minister spent the day touring the Surrey and Langley campuses meeting faculty members and taking part in important discussions around international education, challenges with the university act, and university development. The Deputy Minister was given tours of the sustainable horticulture and community and health studies facilities.
“Communications and effective working relationships with the Ministry are always important,” says McKendry. “This was a timely and very valuable opportunity for my colleagues and I to familiarize our Deputy Minister with the ongoing affairs of the university and share some of our important achievements like the revitalization of the Langley campus in order to accommodate the relocation of the faculty of community and health studies this fall, the potential of the institute for sustainable horticulture, and our vision for the Richmond campus and the faculty of design.”
The visit was also an opportunity for the Deputy Minister to discuss with Kwantlen her Ministry’s inquiry into the BC Quality Assurance system, and a renewed look at the position of the BC system in international education and the protection of the BC brand; as well as the discussions that have engaged the Ministry and system-wide presidents in a shared narrative on the future of the BC post-secondary education system.
General responsibilities of the Deputy Minister of Advanced Education are to ensure all aspects of BC standards within universities, colleges, post-secondary financing, post-secondary policy and accountability and student financial assistance are met. For more information please visit: gov.bc.ca/premier/responsibilities.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,500 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.
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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Communications and Marketing Services
Tel: 604.598.6188
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca