Where the Learning Never Stops
When students, faculty and staff arrive for classes in UVic’s new Continuing Studies building — which will officially open today — they’ll be able to read by natural light, shower after commuting to campus by bicycle, and teach in specially equipped language labs.
“Continuing studies provides lifelong learning opportunities for adult part-time learners,” says Dr. Wesley Koczka, dean of continuing studies. “It helps thousands of people—locally, nationally, and internationally—increase their knowledge of a variety of subjects. Last year we delivered programs and courses to approximately 17,000 students and contributed nearly $30 million to the local economy. Now, in our state-of-the-art building, our contribution to the community will be even greater—we’ll be able to offer a greater range of courses to an even larger audience.”
The three-story building at the corner of Gabriola and Ring Roads cost $9.6 million and took just 10 months to construct. As part of UVic’s commitment to green initiatives, the building boasts a number of energy-conserving features. The L-shaped design takes full advantage of natural light using plenty of energy-efficient windows, sun screens and lighting. To conserve water the plumbing is adapted to accept future grey water and all washrooms are equipped with water-saving devices. There is storm water retention on site and showers for cyclists to promote sustainable transportation.
In addition to housing the administrative services of continuing studies, the new building will centralize most other programs in the division. With almost 4,000 square metres of space, there will be more classroom space for adult learners, state of the art language labs and improved capacity for the expanding area of online and distance learning.
Since 1963, UVic’s division of continuing studies has offered adult and continuing education programs in cooperation with faculties and community partners. Credit and non-credit courses in an array of academic disciplines are offered to adult learners seeking individual courses or the option of working towards a diploma, certificate or degree.
The building will be open for walk-in registration on December 18. The department will host an open house for the public on Thursday, January 15 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
BACKGROUNDER ATTACHED
“Continuing studies provides lifelong learning opportunities for adult part-time learners,” says Dr. Wesley Koczka, dean of continuing studies. “It helps thousands of people—locally, nationally, and internationally—increase their knowledge of a variety of subjects. Last year we delivered programs and courses to approximately 17,000 students and contributed nearly $30 million to the local economy. Now, in our state-of-the-art building, our contribution to the community will be even greater—we’ll be able to offer a greater range of courses to an even larger audience.”
The three-story building at the corner of Gabriola and Ring Roads cost $9.6 million and took just 10 months to construct. As part of UVic’s commitment to green initiatives, the building boasts a number of energy-conserving features. The L-shaped design takes full advantage of natural light using plenty of energy-efficient windows, sun screens and lighting. To conserve water the plumbing is adapted to accept future grey water and all washrooms are equipped with water-saving devices. There is storm water retention on site and showers for cyclists to promote sustainable transportation.
In addition to housing the administrative services of continuing studies, the new building will centralize most other programs in the division. With almost 4,000 square metres of space, there will be more classroom space for adult learners, state of the art language labs and improved capacity for the expanding area of online and distance learning.
Since 1963, UVic’s division of continuing studies has offered adult and continuing education programs in cooperation with faculties and community partners. Credit and non-credit courses in an array of academic disciplines are offered to adult learners seeking individual courses or the option of working towards a diploma, certificate or degree.
The building will be open for walk-in registration on December 18. The department will host an open house for the public on Thursday, January 15 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
BACKGROUNDER ATTACHED
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Media contacts
Michael Turner (Continuing Studies) at (250) 721-8460 or mturner@uvcs.uvic.ca
Maria Lironi (UVic Communications) at (250) 721-6139 or lironim@uvic.ca
Click here for the backgrounder.