Established in 1968, Capilano University is an Open University that is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). It gained the status of a university in 2008. The university is known to be founded by school boards of North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Howe Sound through a referendum. Initially, Capilano University began with 784 students. The logo of the university is in blue and white color which was decided by the first President of the university, Paul Dangerfield. The university was approved by the provincial government and named by the submissions made from the North Shore residents.
Capilano University’s main campus is located in North Vancouver, BC. A number of faculties are located on this campus. It is surrounded by lush green bushes and features a calm environment. The campus is known to provide all the necessary facilities required by the students. The library of the campus holds up to thousands of books, journals, and research papers. As the number of enrolments increased over the years, the university decided to expand its campus area and the faculty blocks. Many cafes, restaurants, general stores, and chemist shops are located nearby the campus. The students face no inconvenience. All the fests, events, competitions, and quizzes conducted by the university are organized with the campus.
Capilano University enrolls approximately 12,700 students each year, 9,000 in for-credit programs, nearly 1,200 in non-credit courses, and 2,500 international students from 80 countries. The university offers undergraduate degree programs and dual degree programs. It includes a wide range of courses. Film and animation are among the top subjects. The variety of courses gives students the opportunity to choose as per their areas of interest. Students are guided under experienced faculty members and are also taken for industrial visits. The university is visited by some professional lecturers. The guest lectures give students a wide scope to solve their queries. Workshops are also conducted where the students are provided with ample practical knowledge and exposure.
Moreover, the university provides scholarship programs to students who have a good record of academic performance and participation in extra-curricular activities. This is entirely based on merit. In addition, students get the chance to work in international projects during the student exchange programs. They learn about a different curriculum along with working professionals.
The University offers an exceptional athletics program with varsity men’s and women’s teams in soccer, basketball, and volleyball led by award-winning coaches. The Centre for Sport and Wellness offers a well-equipped weight room, drop-in activities such as yoga, badminton, futsal, and spikeball, as well as a competitive recreational basketball league.
The university has a list of famous alumni that includes Godfrey Gao (Famous Canadian-Taiwanese model and actor), Elicia MacKenzie (Theatre actress), Camilla d’Errico (Comic book illustrator), Charles Van Sandwyk (Renowned writer), Rainer Andreesen (Popular actor), Joel Fafard (Renowned guitarist), Steve Rolston (Comic book writer) and Tobin Frank (Famous musician).