About our name and degree authority

BC Degree Authorization Act applications - see paragraphs 4 and 5 below.

(1) Worldwide Vancouver University conducts an aggregate-learning degree process, serving member colleges and external degree candidates since 1970, by assembly and consolidation of multi-sourced academic credit, documented work-place learning, special examinations, etc (i.e., Enhanced Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition). The resulting certificates, diplomas, and degrees are formally authorized or tactitly accepted in various collaborating jurisdictions.

(2) Our “university” name is in conformity with BC's DAA s. 3 (2), having been authorized to us under both the Society (Vancouver University Colleges) and Company (Geo Vancouver University Colleges) Acts. The names of the Vancouver University Colleges Society and collateral Geo Vancouver University Colleges Corporation were approved to the BC Corporate Registry in 1983 and 1992 by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education. “Worldwide” is an adjective emphasizing the global locations of the member colleges.

(3) Our degree authority historically derived within Common Law precedents, upheld by various Commonwealth high courts [e.g., past BC example ] and privy councils, affirming that an entity with lawful university name is presumed to award degrees - in responsible manner, and striving at all times for excellence. Our degrees thus originated in customary and statutory context, and we collaborate in the quality concern and other academic organizations listed here.

(4) Some Common Law jurisdictions have enacted variances from the traditional principle. In November 2003 the BC government proclaimed such a variance - the DAA - which is now interpreted in ministerial attitudes and regulatory options so narrow in structure and process as to challenge traditional academic freedom. In post-2003 in-BC degree context, Vancouver University Worldwide affirms that it is in conformity with the variant Act’s criteria of having a proven capability track record and appropriate governance mechanism, and made an overall BC approval application. We also submitted an exemplary more-detailed submission for Business Administration programs conducted in Canada and abroad.

(5) Vancouver University Worldwide will nevertheless continue its long-standing other degrees, approved and signed outside BC jurisdiction. In some circumstances (including that of current BC residents), outcomes may need to be awarded by formal resolution adopted on or over international waters - such as while en route to a Convocation in an accepting jurisdiction. (Note also that the BC DAA does not apply to Theology). We actively invite jurisdictions and accrediting bodies around the world to evaluate and endorse our programs and degrees.

(6) We appreciate the support of those jurisdictions which understand and respect our standards and process. 106 Ministers and/or Parliamentary Secretaries for Education in the Commonwealth have received our inquiry as to whether or not their jurisdiction is at variance with Common Law tradition. Only a handful of Commonwealth jurisdictions have enacted variances like that of BC. To see present BC Government MLAs, reflecting their Leader's pre-Election written support of us, and representing their party at past Convocations, click and scroll to the bottom here.