Commencing in 1970, Vancouver University [then the Point Roberts Institute and the Vancouver Institute of Postsecondary Studies (later New Summits)] offered the first U London External-inspired aggregate-learning degrees in North America [before Thomas Edison State College NJ and Excelsior (Regents) NY]. Along with its conventional classroom programs, its field-based and distributed learning, and its aggregate-learning degrees, non-profit registered charity Vancouver University commenced Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) long before public sector ICES/BC Open Learning/Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia. And Vancouver University PLAR has been widely accepted outside Canada for decades, with recent/current examples including various California school districts, the State University of New York, etc.
Vancouver University conducted the first associate degree and applied degree programs in BC and Canada, along with General Studies and Liberal Arts degree designations. In BC, it early pioneered Recreation/Environmental Learning and Tourism Management programs (the latter in partnership with Fairwind Travel), etc. It has granted appropriate academic credit to vocational training - when it includes conceptual factors, calculations, etc - for decades. It has had continuous downtown Vancouver locations, near the old W, before UBC/SFU. It pioneered a downtown Doing Business in North America program before SFU - and prior to June 1989 had the largest enrollment of postsecondary Chinese students in Canada (and then largest probably in North America). See page 2 here.
Vancouver University conducted the first Montessori Elementary teacher training program for Vancouver School Board (District). [VTI-VSB was at one time a member college of Vancouver University]. In a prior VSB-CE contractual arrangement, Vancouver University conducted the first Japanese and Mandarin second-language courses open to VSB senior secondary students and the local general public.
Past Convocation Guests of Honour, including Mike Harcourt, Rita Johnston, Wilf Hurd, and Val Anderson, jointly with its president, have bestowed New Summits/Vancouver University degrees – usually co-signing the parchments. Vancouver University proposed a credible and equitable Degree Authorization Act to the NDP and Opposition Leader Campbell. The one subsequently enacted is administered narrowly and biased against decades of innovation and excellence. When Vancouver University provided text [and online] application under the DAA [similar to that made by TWU and the American programs operating in BC prior to the DAA], Ministry officials declined to present the application to the DQAB – without providing a valid justification for such refusal.
GLOBAL
Worldwide Vancouver University is now the first global consortium university consisting of
equal member-colleges – structured as an international non-governmental organization.
Oxford/Cambridge/London colleges are located around a city. Worldwide Vancouver University member colleges are located around the world. Degrees are awarded by formal resolution adopted on or over international waters, or in a country openly accepting them – such as by having its education officials attend Convocations held with and for member colleges. The university’s degrees are credible because for decades they have transparently assisted alumni, and continue to do so. See that here.