August 30, 2002 For Immediate Release

UNBC's eleventh academic year begins on Tuesday, September 3rd, with some additions to the programming and facilities available for students.

New Degree Programs
Bachelor of Education - this program will prepare students to teach at the early (kindergarten - grade 5) levels. About 70 applications were received for the first 30 spaces in the program. Six employees (four faculty, a librarian, and practicum coordinator) have been hired to support the program delivery.

Environmental Engineering - this bachelor's degree is a joint offering between UNBC and UBC with students completing more than half of the coursework in Prince George.

Disability Management - this master's degree, unique in Canada, will provide formal education in how to assist injured and disabled workers in returning to the workforce. The program will offer courses online as has already received a national award for innovation in education.

Nursing, Quesnel - 18 students are enrolled in this bachelor's degree program, and students will be taking general arts and science and nursing courses this year, before beginning practicum placements in year 2.

Master's of Education, Terrace - 20 students are participating in this program, providing advanced education on curriculum and instruction for current teachers and administrators.

New Facilities
The 60,000 square foot lab expansion and 10,000 square foot Bentley Centre are open to students, with the official opening of both buildings slated for September 28th. The new lab is providing expanded space for scientific teaching labs and more than 60 faculty and staff offices, while the Bentley Centre is serving as a connector between the new lab and the Agora while also providing space for scientific displays and meetings. The cost of completing both buildings has been nearly $20 million.

Student numbers for this semester won't be known for a couple of weeks.