UNBC Builds Northern Links Through University Of The Arctic
February 4, 2003 For Immediate
Release
Students, alumni, faculty, and staff of the University of Northern British
Columbia have been active in fostering the development of a new institution
that is aiming to expand northern educational opportunities.
The University of the
Arctic is a partnership among northern colleges and universities to
expand access to a university education throughout the northern countries.
The course offerings have recently expanded and UNBC faculty and students
are involved. Professors Gary Wilson and Heather Myers are teaching UArctic/UNBC
courses at the Prince George campus and about 43 students are registered.
The courses cover issues of relevance to all northern countries: health
and health care, political development, tourism, the environment, land
claims, economic diversification, and indigenous rights. The University
of the Arctic is also offering an online course this semester that has
about 25 students from 6 countries registered, including two UNBC students.
The courses - developed by dozen of professors from seven countries -
comprise the heart of UArctic's signature program, a Bachelor of Circumpolar
Studies (BCS). The program provides a solid understanding of northern
issues with a circumpolar perspective and has been Chaired for UArctic
by UNBC Political Science professor Greg Poelzer. Others from UNBC have
played an active role:
- UNBC grad Scott Forrest (UNBC International Studies MA 1999) has been
one of four UArctic employees at the coordination office in Finland.
- Carolyn Russell, Coordinator of the UNBC International Centre, has
been leading a Canadian program to expand opportunities for northern
student exchanges.
- Deborah Poff, VP Academic, has been recently appointed to the UArctic Council.
"Our involvement with UArctic is providing UNBC with many important
northern linkages," says professor Heather Myers, Northern Studies
coordinator for UNBC. "For our students, it has been useful to hear
about important issues here - health care, economic development, resource
management, etc - and how the issues are being addressed in other northern
countries. The lessons learned can often be applied here."
"Among Canadian universities involved with the University of the
Arctic, UNBC has been one of the most active," adds Dr Poelzer. "It
has helped to build recognition of UNBC around the North."