Premier Gordon Campbell officially opened the $12.3-million B.C. Centre for Open Learning, a state-of-the-art building at Thompson Rivers University that is a base to deliver programs for students to complete a post-secondary education throughout the province.
“With new video-conferencing capabilities, online learning programs and the latest in data collection technology, the B.C. Centre for Open Learning provides the choice and flexibility for students to upgrade their skills and education, no matter where in British Columbia they live,” said Premier Campbell. “More British Columbians than ever are continuing their education from remote locations or while balancing work and family commitments and it is important we provide the tools necessary to help them succeed.”
Staff at the B.C. Centre for Open Learning support students throughout B.C. taking open learning courses and programs either online or by traditional print-based distance methods. The centre is more than 3,700 square metres, and contains video-conferencing rooms, computer data space and offices for up to 180 TRU Open Learning employees. “By investing in TRU Open Learning’s facilities, we’re helping the staff who help thousands of students to balance work and family commitments with their goals for the future,” said Claude Richmond, Minister of Employment and Income Assistance and MLA for Kamloops.
“The new centre will support students across B.C. and around the world to enrol anytime and start their post-secondary education within days, rather than having to wait for the next semester,” said Kevin Krueger, Minister of State for Mining and MLA for KAMLOOPS – North Thompson.
More than 15,000 students a year are taking 400 courses in 52 programs through TRU Open Learning. The programs, which lead to degrees, diplomas and certificates, include health and human studies, information technology, arts and science, business and management studies, adult basic education, general studies, and transfer, continuing studies and extension programs.
Credits are transferable to other post-secondary institutions, and students can use prior learning and experience to gain their credentials faster.”Thompson Rivers University is Canada’s most comprehensive university, and with the addition of the Open Learning division, we are now able to provide distance and open learning education and training to students throughout British Columbia, Canada and the world,” said TRU president Roger Barnsley.
The new centre incorporates environmental sustainability features, including natural lighting, and artificial light controlled by occupancy sensors; dual-flush toilets, low-flow faucets and waterless urinals, which reduce water use by 40 per cent; and recycled workstation furniture systems.Other recent capital projects funded by government at TRU include $3.8 million for the expansion of the shipping and receiving warehouse and $12 million for the Williams Lake campus replacement.
