Cowichan Campus offers courses that respond to local needs

When the North American Indigenous Games come to Duncan in 2008, athletes will enjoy a world-class experience, thanks in part to a new program being introduced this fall by the Cowichan campus of Malaspina University-College.

The campus has developed a new certificate program in Aboriginal Sports Management, which includes 10 courses designed specifically to give event organizations the skills they need to host the North American Indigenous Games. Offered over two semesters, this certificate can also form the basis of future diploma or degree programs in sports, education, tourism, recreation or business.

“As part of the Cowichan community, we’re delighted to join in this event by offering the skills training organizers will need to host the Games,” said acting Principal Maria Lauridsen. “We’ve also designed this certificate program to be a spring board into successful careers in the sports, event planning, recreation or tourism industries, especially for those participating in the Games organization.”

The Aboriginal Sports Management Program is just one of the many educational opportunities offered by the Cowichan campus during the upcoming fall session. Other career-building certificate programs are available in culinary arts, carpentry; business technology, and HVAC - heating, ventilation and air-conditioning/refrigeration.

Two year diploma programs are available for those seeking careers in Child and Youth Care – First Nations, or as Home Support/Resident Care Attendants.

For those wanting to enhance their existing career or explore a new field, the Cowichan campus offers a series of non-credit certificate programs. These include medical office assistant, life skills coach, gardening, mental health services, and professional bartending.

“Cowichan campus has launched a lot of successful careers,” Lauridsen said. “The personalized attention students receive at our small, friendly campus helps them succeed, whether they are taking trades training or working for a degree.”

For students seeking degrees, Cowichan offers the opportunity to take the first one or two years of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Education university degree. Students can then transfer to Malaspina’s Nanaimo campus or to another university to complete the degree. Among the degree programs available is the Native Indian Teacher Education Program, which is designed for people of First Nations ancestry and offered in conjunction with the University of B.C.

Cowichan campus also supports lifelong learning, with a cornucopia of continuing education and online courses. Courses starting in September include book keeping, Microsoft Word and Excel, an introduction to computers, open source software, insurance fundamentals, using a digital camera, the art of colour in painting, and hospitality sales and problem-solving. A complete list of Continuing Education courses is available at cc.viu.ca/ce.

Through online courses, students can work towards computer technician certification, build and program web pages, make digital photography a snap, master office software, write the next great Canadian novel, or starting a business – all without setting foot on campus. Most online courses start again September 20.

The fall session at Cowichan campus starts September 5. For more information on all the educational opportunities available this fall, drop by the campus at 222 Cowichan Way in Duncan, call an advisor at 250-746-3509, or visit the website at cc.viu.ca.