User:DCSUVIC/UVic Continuing Studies



The University of Victoria’s Division of Continuing Studies is located on the university’s main campus in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and offers a comprehensive portfolio of programs in a range of academic disciplines using diploma, certificate, degree and other programming models. The division serves more than 15,000 students (2008/09 enrollment).

The broad range of courses and programs offered by Continuing Studies makes it possible for people of all ages and walks of life to access the wealth of knowledge at the University of Victoria. Continuing Studies partners with all the faculties of the university as well as with many community organizations and other institutions to provide stimulating, high-quality education opportunities to local, national and international adult learners.

History
The beginning of the Division of Continuing Studies at the University of Victoria extends back to the establishment of the Evening Division of Victoria College (1948) to provide degree credit for adults who could not attend daytime courses. The Evening Division continued its programs following the creation of the University of Victoria in 1963. In 1970 it was renamed the Division of Continuing Education and later the Division of University Extension, finally becoming the Division of Continuing Studies in 1993. Today it remains an integral part of the University of Victoria, providing adult education and continuing education programming in cooperation with faculties and community partners.

Programs
Programs are offered by the Division of Continuing Studies either face to face, by distance or in a blended format, and cover a wide range of topics:

•	Aboriginal Language Revitalization

•	The Arts

•	Business and Management

•	Career Planning and Skills Upgrading

•	Computing and Technology

•	Cultural Resource Management

•	Education, Teaching and Training

•	English Language Programs (ESL)

•	Free Lectures

•	Health, Wellness and Safety

•	Humanities, History, Contemporary Issues

•	Courses in Your Community

•	Independent Study Resources

•	Intercultural Education and Training

•	Public Relations

•	Science and Nature

•	Social Justice Studies

•	Sustainability and Environment

•	Travel Study

•	World Languages

The University of Victoria’s English Language Centre (ELC) is also a part of the Division of Continuing Studies. The ELC is one of the oldest and largest English language centres in Canada and is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2010. The ELC offers comprehensive English language instruction to adult students from more than 40 countries around the world.

Facilities
The Division of Continuing Studies is based in the Continuing Studies Building, built in 2003, on the University of Victoria campus.



Notable Alumni
In February 2010, the Division of Continuing Studies presented its first Distinguished Alumni Award as part of the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony hosted by UVic Chancellor Murray Farmer.

The recipient was Sandra Richardson (Certificate in Public Relations ’00), CEO of the Victoria Foundation.