February 13, 2006

The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) and the University ofNorthern British Columbia (UNBC) have signed an agreement that willease the transfer of students between the institutions.

The intent of the agreement between NVIT and UNBC is to increase theavailability of post secondary educational opportunities for BritishColumbia Aboriginal students. As a result, students will more easily beable to transfer their credits from NVIT’s certificate and diplomaprograms towards completing a UNBC degree. In addition, the twoinstitutions will explore opportunities for developing new programs.

Based in Merritt, NVIT has a provincial mandate to deliver aboriginalpost-secondary education. Nearly 80% of its 870 students areaboriginal. UNBC has about 4300 students and nearly 12% are aboriginal,the highest proportion of any British Columbia university. While itscore campus is in Prince George, UNBC offers courses in more than adozen communities around northern BC.

“We are very pleased to enter into this protocol agreement and lookforward to the development of specific collaborative initiatives withUNBC,” says NVIT President Casey Sheridan. “We see UNBC as an excellentuniversity partner to work with to enhance postsecondary access andservices for Aboriginal students across BC.”

“Increasing access to a university education has been an integral partof UNBC’s mandate since day one,” says UNBC President Charles Jago.“NVIT has been successful at drawing students from around westernCanada, and our partnership will provide those students with moreopportunities to complete their education in BC.”

Presidents Jago and Sheridan signed the agreement today.

Contact:
Verna Billy Minnabarriet, Dean of Academic & Partnership Development, NVIT – 250.378.3381
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622