This worldwide consortium university started from a regional base in the Canadian-American Northwest.

Discounting subsequently-acquired Whetham College (chartered 1893) - Vancouver University commenced in 1970 conjointly as the Point Roberts (WA) Institute and the Vancouver (BC) Institute for Postsecondary Studies.

From its very start, a border was crossed. And in subsequent years the number of globally-located extension affiliates/cohort sites increased to the extensive list identified on pages 713-714 of the 1994 edition of the Canadian Government's National Guide to College and University Programs. For the currently active CanAm Northwest member colleges and collaborating instutites, click here. For a summary description of how Vancouver University Worldwide functions, click here.