NEWS RELEASE |
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SFU PLAN PROVIDES CERTAINTY FOR TECH BC STUDENTS
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VICTORIA – Simon Fraser University will take responsibility for current students at the Technical University of B.C. under a plan approved by government, Advanced Education Minister Shirley Bond announced today.
"We have worked hard for several months to develop a solution for TechBC that puts students' needs first," Bond said. "TechBC was facing significant financial challenges, and its costs were not sustainable.
"The proposal we have adopted will increase spaces, provide certainty for students completing their degrees, and allow TechBC's programs to remain on site in Surrey," added Bond. "It's a win for the community and good news for students."
Under the new plan, Simon Fraser University will assume responsibility for TechBC students and assets. Students will be able to complete their academic year at TechBC.
The unsustainable financial situation facing TechBC led the Ministry of Advanced Education to invite other public post-secondary institutions to develop proposals for accommodating current TechBC students. Five proposals were received from these institutions, along with two from private institutions.
The proposals, as well as a December 2001 business plan from TechBC, were assessed on the basis of their proposed academic programs, costs, transition plans for students, and contribution to the government's New Era commitment to double the annual number of graduates in computer science and electrical and computer engineering within five years. Based on those criteria, SFU's proposal was deemed the best able to accommodate students, and will see student spaces increase to 800 from the current level of less than 400.
"This has been a thorough and lengthy process and we have found a solution that meets the needs of students, provides certainty and is financially sustainable," Bond said.
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Contact: Susan Clancy, Communications, Ministry of Advanced Education 250 356-8706
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Visit the province's Web site at http://www.gov.bc.ca/ for online information and services. |
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