Background
Initially established by the government of British Columbia in 1981, Kwantlen, now Kwantlen Polytechnic University, has four campuses located in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia. As one of Canada's newest universities, Kwantlen's degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations are highly respected by the business community, providing integrated programs that focus on preparing students for successful careers as well as on developing in students the skills and critical awareness necessary to be responsible members of society.
More than 17,000 students annually attend Kwantlen campuses in Surrey, Richmond and Langley. The new Cloverdale Campus—Canada's most advanced trades and technology training facility—opened in April 2007 and can accommodate up to 900 full time students.
Kwantlen offers more than 120 educational programs including degree programs in business, nursing, technology, graphic design, interior design, fashion design, journalism, and arts (psychology, criminology, general studies) with a traditional Bachelor of Arts degree that offers multiple major and minor program choices.
Kwantlen's School of Business is the second largest business school in Western Canada with the prestigious international accreditation by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Kwantlen has the only graphic design for marketing program in Canada; the only undergraduate journalism program in the region; and one of only two fashion design degree programs in Canada. In total, Kwantlen offers more than 120 programs and graduates approximately 1,800 students annually. To date, more than 39,000 graduates hold a Kwantlen degree, honorary degree, diploma, certificate or citation.
In consideration of the institution's growth and re-designation as a university, in September 2008, Kwantlen established an official alumni association called Kwantlen Polytechnic University Alumni Association (KPUAA). KPUAA is registered under the B.C. Society Act and plays an important role in the governance of Kwantlen Polytechnic University. It delivers valuable programs, initiatives and partnerships to support the continued success of Kwantlen alumni, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the community at large.
KPUAA is led by a distinguished board of Kwantlen alumni community leaders and offers a variety of programs and initiatives—called Tools for Success—aimed at providing alumni with ongoing career and professional development support.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University features:
- More than 120 diverse programs
- Approximately 17,000 students annually
- Four modern, high-tech campuses located in Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley
- $94.9-million in expansion and new facilities between 2005-2009
Kwantlen Polytechnic University Alumni Association features:
- Comprised of over 39,000 highly skilled and diversely educated Kwantlen alumni
- Offers a "toolbox" of programs and benefits to support the continued success of Kwantlen alumni
- Raises awareness about the value of higher education
