Overview
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a public undergraduate polytechnic university in British Columbia, Canada, with campuses across Metro Vancouver and more than 140 programs.
History and Organization
- Founded in 1981 as Kwantlen College after separating from Douglas College.
- Became Kwantlen University College in 1995, then Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2008.
- Name "Kwantlen" comes from the local Kwantlen First Nation.
- Governed by a chairperson, chancellor, president, and provost.
Campuses and Facilities
- Five main campuses: Surrey, Richmond, Cloverdale (KPU Tech), Langley, and Whalley.
- Civic Plaza campus focuses on post-baccalaureate education.
- Langley hosts horticulture, nursing, and science labs; Cloverdale specializes in trades and technology.
- Richmond houses the Wilson School of Design.
- All campuses except Civic Plaza have libraries, with themed Indigenous collections.
Academic Programs and Offerings
- Offers bachelor's and associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations, and apprenticeships in 140+ programs.
- Faculties include Arts, Business, Design, Health, Science and Horticulture, Trades and Technology, and Academic & Career Preparation.
- Cooperative education available in various programs, including arts, business, and technology.
- Recent program additions: BSc in Physics for Modern Technology, metal fabrication, graduate certificates in food systems.
Student Life and Services
- Over 20,000 students enrolled annually, including 14,050 undergraduates and 209 postgraduates.
- International enrolment grew significantly, leading to increased tuition for international students.
- Sport and recreation facilities and activities available at all campuses; varsity athletics ended in 2016.
- The Kwantlen Student Association organizes campus life, advocacy, and services like health plans, cafes, and clubs.
- The Runner is the independent student newspaper.
Faculty and Achievements
- 1,400 faculty and staff, with over 70 engaged in research.
- Named one of BC's Top Employers for four consecutive years.
- Member of educational organizations: AUCC, IAU, CICan, ACU, CBIE, CUP.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Polytechnic University — An institution offering both academic and vocational training.
- Cooperative Education — Programs combining classroom learning with paid work experience.
- Citation — A short-term academic credential, typically less than a certificate.
- FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) — A metric for counting students based on full-time enrolment.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review available programs and cooperative education options on www.kpu.ca.
- Visit campus libraries for access to resources and Indigenous collections.
- Get involved with the Kwantlen Student Association and campus events.