The University of the Fraser Valley has had a long history of change; from Fraser Valley College (FVC) in 1974 to University College of the Fraser Valley (UCFV) in 1991, arriving at full University status in 2008. This change has been reflected in the campus architecture from varying decades as well as a familial mantra that guided the initial buildings' form of connectivity.

The college’s first permanent campus opened on King Road in Abbotsford in 1983. A new learning centre containing the main library, a computerlab, and other instructional and support areas opened in the fall of 1996. Another classroom, laboratory, and office building was opened in September 1997. In 2002, the student activity centre and gymnasium opened its doors. In 2007, a larger CIS-regulation-sized gymnasium, the Envision Athletic Centre, was opened adjacent to the older gym. Baker House, UFV's first residence building, opened in 2007.