"This will be a central point of contact for UCFV inquiries in Agassiz," said Jackie Snodgrass, UCFV’s Dean of Science, Health, and Human Services, who introduced speakers at the event.

As was the case in the previous location, all UCFV literature, such as calendars, brochures, timetables, program guides, admissions guides, continuing education booklets, and information sheets are available at the centre.

But additionally, members of the public will be able to use, free of charge, computers in the school district lab to seek out information about university college programs and services on various pages on the UCFV website, including the online calendar.

The computers will also be available for people who want to take online courses from UCFV but who don’t have access to a computer at home. UCFV is offering 14 online courses this semester. It’s now possible to earn a two-year associate of arts degree studying online via computer.

Guests at the ceremony included UCFV Board Chair Phyllis Stenson, Fraser-Cascade Board Chair Marv Cope, UCFV President Skip Bassford, Fraser-Cascade Superintendent Wes Neumeier, UCFV Dean of Community Access Karen Evans, Agassiz Mayor Sylvia Pranger, and Harrison Mayor Don Ramsay.

"There are a lot of people to thank for getting this new partnership going," said Bassford, "but first it’s important to thank Karen Gair and Agassiz Community Services, who provided an information centre for UCFV in Agassiz for many years and helped us keep a toe in the water here."

"Mostly, I want to thank the communities of Agassiz and Harrison. We’ve met with the local UCFV community council many times and they have provided unstinting support, good advice, and sensible criticism.

"This new partnership will help UCFV with two of its goals," continued Bassford. "We want to reach out more to all the communities in our region, and to work more closely with the school districts to ease the transition to post-secondary for Fraser Valley students."

Fraser-Cascade Board Chair Marv Cope praised the new partnership and recalled that working with school districts to provide easy access to post-secondary education has been part of UCFV’s mandate since it got its start as a community college in 1974.

Steve Faschler, SD #78's administrative officer for alternative programs, called the partnership part of a new era in collaborative educational service, saying that it will bring access and equity to Agassiz/Harrison area learners via the online courses that will be accessible through the Agassiz Centre.

"This will make it easier for adult learners who cannot fit the schedule of conventional learning by allowing them to participate in online learning from distant experts. This type of learning will also enhance their self-discipline and time-management skills."

Student Alice Fitzgerald, who is completing her Grade 12 through the school district’s learning centre, said she’s pleased that post-secondary education will now be more accessible to her.

"Through Agassiz continuing education I was able to finish high school in my own area, and now I can start my post-secondary education with UCFV at the same location. That gives me comfort and a secure feeling. I’m happy this option is available for others as well as myself."

Fitzgerald also thanked Ray Steigvilas and Jeanne Chanowski, the teacher and teaching assistant at the centre, for the help they have provided to her and other students.

Back to October News Release index.

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