September 29, 2005 for immediate release

The Universityof Northern British Columbia will beholding two public sessions in the Peace Riverregion to gather input from local residents on UNBC’s academic programming andpriorities for the future.

The AcademicVisioning Initiative is being led by the University’s Vice PresidentAcademic and Provost, Dr. Howard Brunt. “The purpose is to take stock of wherewe are, and – more importantly – identify where we’re headed in terms of our academicmission,” says Dr. Brunt. “Since UNBC first began offering courses in the early1990s, we have expanded to the point where we now offer about 60 degrees. Whatshould be our priorities for the future? What can we do really well that willbe useful to northern communities and make us a centre of excellence in thecountry? I’d like to hear how residents of the Northeast might answer thesequestions.”

Two public sessions are planned:

Fort St. John – Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7pm, Room 183 (UNBC Classroom) atNorthern Lights College

Dawson Creek – Thursday, Oct. 6, 7pm,Boardroom at Northern Lights College

Currently in the region, UNBCoffers the Master of Education and Bachelor of SocialWork degrees. In addition, there are courses provided in History, English,Environmental Planning and Geography, as well as some offerings from theUniversity’s Continuing Studies program. While UNBC has a regional campus in Fort St. John in space that it shares with the College,the University is currently working with the City to develop a proposal for afree-standing campus.

Contact:

Betty Powers, Peace River - Liard Regional Campus - 250.787.6220

or Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622