University Canada West is excited to welcome students back to campus next week for the Fall (October) 2021 Term.

“After more than a year and a half of online classes and virtual meetings, we are excited to welcome students back to campus,” said Brock Dykeman, UCW President and Vice-Chancellor. “Following the advice of BC’s Public Health Officer and the Ministry of Advanced Education, we are reopening our campuses in a safe and responsible manner, ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff.”

Starting on Oct. 12, most students will be attending classes for the first time at UCW’s beautiful new Vancouver House Campus. At more than 90,000 square feet, UCW Vancouver House can accommodate up to 3,400 students.

The campus is part of the stunning Vancouver House development. In 2019, CNN named the globally recognized project designed by star Danish architect Bjarke Ingels of BIG, one of the “most anticipated buildings set to shape the world.”

“This is an exciting time for our students,” said President Dykeman. “We know they are going to be thrilled with our state-of-the-art Vancouver House Campus and all the new student spaces we have created to optimize the learning environment.”

Vancouver House is the active core of Vancouver’s newest waterfront neighbourhood – the Beach District – located between the West End and Yaletown, just steps from Sunset Beach, English Bay and Vancouver’s 28-kilometre seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path.

Students in the University Access Program will attend classes at UCW’s West Pender Campus, located in the historic London Building in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district.

The West Pender Campus is steps away from public transit, including the Waterfront SkyTrain Station, bus routes and the SeaBus terminal. The lively and diverse neighbourhood is full of restaurants, stores, entertainment options, shopping centres and gym facilities.

UCW is implementing several safety measures at both campuses for the Fall Term, including bringing back Student Health Ambassadors and keeping masks mandatory in all classrooms and common areas. Students are expected to stay home and isolate themselves if they feel unwell or experience flu-like symptoms. UCW is strongly encouraging students to get vaccinated before returning to campus.

And all faculty and staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19 in line with British Columbia’s proof of vaccination requirements.

Students, faculty and staff are also being asked to declare their vaccination status. Students who are not vaccinated or who choose not to declare their vaccination status will be required to complete a COVID-19 rapid test each week they are on campus.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff have been our top priority,” said President Dykeman. “These measures are intended to safeguard the health and well-being of all the employees, students and visitors who spend time on our campuses.”

Published on Oct. 8, 2021.