Vancouver Community College (VCC) is a public community

college A college (Latin: ''collegium'') may be a tertiary educational institution (sometimes awarding degrees), part of a collegiate university, an institution offering vocational education, a further education institution, or a secondary sc ...

Vancouver Vancouver is a major city in Western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the cit ...

, British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1965, it is the oldest

community college A community college is a type of undergraduate higher education institution, generally leading to an associate degree, certificate, or diploma. The term can have different meanings in different countries: many community colleges have an open enr ...

in British Columbia. VCC offers 79 certificate programs, 24

diploma A diploma is a document awarded by an educational institution (such as a college or university) testifying the recipient has graduated by successfully completing their courses of studies. Historically, it has also referred to a charter or offi ...

programs, 9 award of achievement programs, 8 apprenticeship programs, 4 statement of completion programs, 3

bachelor's degree A bachelor's degree (from Medieval Latin ''baccalaureus'') or baccalaureate (from Modern Latin ''baccalaureatus'') is an undergraduate degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six years ...

programs and 2

associate degree An associate degree or associate's degree is an undergraduate degree awarded after a course of post-secondary study lasting two to three years. It is a level of academic qualification above a high school diploma and below a bachelor's degree ...

programs. VCC has two campuses: Broadway and Downtown. The college accommodated 3,620 full-time equivalent students in 2022–2023, down from 6,122 in 2012–2013.

International student International students or exchange students, also known as foreign students, are students who undertake all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. In 2022, there were over 6.9 million international ...

s comprise a growing percentage of VCC's enrolment, from 13.9% in 2019–2020 to 26.4% in 2022–2023, despite there being no on-campus student housing.

History

Vancouver Community College was established as Vancouver City College in 1965 through a merger of four local educational institutions: the Vancouver Vocational Institute, the Vancouver School of Art, the Vancouver School Board's Night School Program and the King Edward Senior Matriculation and Continuing Education Centre. Classes were initially held in the facilities of the King Edward Centre. In 1970, the college opened a campus in the Langara neighbourhood, which became an independent college in 1994. Vancouver City College was renamed as Vancouver Community College in 1974, when it separated from the Vancouver School Board. In 1983, the main campus was moved from the King Edward Centre location at 12th Avenue and Oak Street to its current location at 1155 Broadway, now known as the Broadway campus. The present Downtown campus comprises the former facilities of the Vancouver Vocational Institute.

Campus

Vancouver Community College has two campuses, which are accessible by Vancouver's SkyTrain. The Downtown campus is located at 200-block Dunsmuir at Hamilton (two blocks west of Stadium–Chinatown station) in

Downtown Vancouver Downtown Vancouver is the central business district and the city centre list of neighbourhoods in Vancouver, neighbourhood of Vancouver, Canada, on the northwestern shore of the Burrard Peninsula in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. ...

. VCC's second campus, known as the Broadway campus, is at 1155 East Broadway, by the VCC–Clark station. VCC also has nearly three dozen community outreach and learning centres. January 2009 marked the opening of VCC's $55 million Broadway campus expansion project. $44 million was funded by the Government of British Columbia and the balance by VCC and community donors. The new building is and seven storeys tall, home to VCC's health sciences training programs. From 2014 to 2022, VCC shared facility space with BCIT on Annacis Island, where both institutions offered programming in heavy mechanical trades. In 2022, VCC closed programming at its Annacis Island campus, transitioning the majority of its heavy duty programs to BCIT and moving the remaining programs to its Broadway campus.

Governance

Vancouver Community College is a

public In public relations and communication science, publics are groups of individual people, and the public (a.k.a. the general public) is the totality of such groupings. This is a different concept to the sociology, sociological concept of the ''Öf ...

institution of

post-secondary education Tertiary education (higher education, or post-secondary education) is the educational level following the completion of secondary education. The World Bank defines tertiary education as including universities, colleges, and vocational school ...

administered by a Board of Governors, on behalf of the

Government of British Columbia The Government of British Columbia () is the body responsible for the administration of the Canadian province of British Columbia. The term ''Government of British Columbia'' can refer to either the collective set of all three institutions, or mo ...

and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development. The board determines policy and reviews the college's performance as detailed in the College and Institutes Act. It also has primary responsibility for fostering the college's short- and long-term success. The VCC Board of Directors consists of eight members appointed by government along with the VCC president, the Chair of Education Council and four elected Board members, including one faculty representative, one support staff representative and two student representatives. VCC was the only institution to hold the distinction of having the support staff representative act as board chair.

Staff and faculty

CUPE Local 4627 Vancouver Community College Employees' Union (VCCEU), a trade union, not an association, represents approximately 600 support staff at Vancouver Community College and is covered by the CUPE Support Staff Collective Agreement (CUPE Local 4627). CUPE local 4627 workers provide services in: instruction, program assistance, finance, Aboriginal, administrative, bookstore, library, communication, food services, laboratory demonstration, research, IT, print and media technology. VCCEU was formed in 2003 and represents the technical employees, warehousemen, program assistants and cafeteria workers in the Food Trades division of the VCC. CUPE 4627 held their first strike in November 2012 with 96% support for a strike and successfully ratified a new agreement in March 2013 with no concessions and did not agree to the formulary. On February 27, 1951, the Labour Board certified a

bargaining unit A bargaining unit, in labor relations, is a group of employees with a clear and identifiable community of interests who is (under US law) represented by a single labor union in collective bargaining Collective bargaining is a process of negotiat ...

of instructors, counselors and

librarian A librarian is a person who professionally works managing information. Librarians' common activities include providing access to information, conducting research, creating and managing information systems, creating, leading, and evaluating educat ...

s in programs conducted by and at Vancouver Vocational Institute. That bargaining unit was called the Vocational Instructors' Association. This unit continues at VCC. The Vancouver Community College Faculty Association (VCCFA) represents approximately 750 instructors, counselors, librarians and health nurses working in Metro Vancouver. VCCFA is a member of the Federation of Post Secondary Educators of B.C. (FPSE Local 15). Employment for instructors, librarians, counselors and department heads is covered by the Faculty Association Collective Agreement.

Academics

VCC offers career programs leading to one-year certificates, two-year diplomas and four-year

s in fields such as the arts, business, trades and health sciences. The college offers both full-time and part-time programs in spring, summer and fall terms. Individual courses are also available to supplement

high school A secondary school, high school, or senior school, is an institution that provides secondary education. Some secondary schools provide both ''lower secondary education'' (ages 11 to 14) and ''upper secondary education'' (ages 14 to 18), i.e., ...

education or offer

continuing education Continuing education is the education undertaken after initial education for either personal or professional reasons. The term is used mainly in the United States and Canada. Recognized forms of post-secondary learning activities within the d ...

Student life

Many of Vancouver Community College's programs require students to train in local businesses and facilities to gain practical skills. A number of these are located on campus, open to students and the general public. JJ's Dining Room at the downtown campus, is run by

culinary art Culinary arts are the cuisine arts of food preparation, cooking, and presentation of food, usually in the form of meals. People working in this field – especially in establishments such as restaurants – are commonly called chefs or ...

s students. The Four Corners restaurant and the Seiffert Market are run by VCC

hospitality management Hospitality management may refer to: * Hotel management occupation, the practice of running hotels * Hospitality industry The hospitality industry is a broad category of fields within the service industry that includes lodging, food and beve ...

students. The Broadway and Downtown campuses have several coffee and snack kiosks as well as full-service cafeterias. The VCC salon at the Downtown campus offers hairstyling and esthetics services from students learning in the Hair Design and esthetics programs.

Student government

The

Students' Union A students' union or student union, is a student organization present in many colleges, universities, and high schools. In higher education, the students' union is often accorded its own building on the campus, dedicated to social, organizat ...

of Vancouver Community College (SUVCC) was formed in 1974. Based at the Downtown campus, its goal is to provide and encourage access to recreation, events and opportunities for VCC students. SUVCC also offers students a health and dental plan and low cost access to student services. It is a member of th
British Columbia Federation of Students
and participates in the British Columbia U-Pass programme.

Student services

VCC is accessible to students with disabilities who study in either specialized programs or in mainstream programs. Access to equipment and

braille Braille ( , ) is a Tactile alphabet, tactile writing system used by blindness, blind or visually impaired people. It can be read either on embossed paper or by using refreshable braille displays that connect to computers and smartphone device ...

or taped class material is available. VCC also provides sign language interpreting or TypeWell services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing and DeafBlind students for all educational needs. Advisors can provide exam accommodation, job search assistance and community resource referrals. The college also offers on-site licensed, non-profit child care, professional counselling and on-site health services with a doctor at each campus. International students can access educational planning, study permit extensions and obtain medical insurance and applications for work permits.

Aboriginal services

VCC is a member of the Coastal Corridor Consortium, which works to improve levels of participation and success for Aboriginal students. The Consortium includes the Lil'wat Nation, Musqueam Nation, shíshálh Nation,

Squamish Nation The Squamish Nation, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, is a First Nations government of the Squamish people. The Squamish Nation government includes an elected council and an administrative body based primarily in West Vancouver, North Vancouver (cit ...

, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, United Native Nations,

Métis The Métis ( , , , ) are a mixed-race Indigenous people whose historical homelands include Canada's three Prairie Provinces extending into parts of Ontario, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the northwest United States. They ha ...

Nation British Columbia,

Capilano University Capilano University (CapU) is a teaching-focused public university based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, located on the slopes of the North Shore Mountains, with programming that also serves the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and the Sunshi ...

, Native Education College. VCC has a specialized Aboriginal Education and Services department to provide a range of services for Aboriginal students including academic and personal support and referrals, cultural workshops and Elder support. The Broadway and Downtown campuses both have unique areas classified Aboriginal Gathering Spaces. Aboriginal Elders are on site at each campus to help students with studies and counseling.

Notable alumni

* Rudwan Khalil Abubaker — actor and model, killed in

Chechnya Chechnya, officially the Chechen Republic, is a Republics of Russia, republic of Russia. It is situated in the North Caucasus of Eastern Europe, between the Caspian Sea and Black Sea. The republic forms a part of the North Caucasian Federa ...

by Russian special forces * David T. Alexander — painter * Mary Barry — singer and songwriter * Michael Blake — musician * Kevin Cherkas — chef and owner of Cuca Restaurant * Elaine Dagg-Jackson — curler, coach, and Olympian * Gwaai Edenshaw — Haida artist and filmmaker from Canada * Veda Hille — singer-songwriter, keyboardist and

tenor guitar The tenor guitar or four-string guitar is a slightly smaller, four-string relative of the steel-string acoustic guitar or electric guitar. The instrument was initially developed in its acoustic form by Gibson and C.F. Martin so that players o ...

player *

Kerry Jang Kerry Jang () is a Canadian politician and psychologist. He previously served as councillor on Vancouver, British Columbia's City Council between 2008 and 2018. From 2013, he also represented the city of Vancouver on the Greater Vancouver Regional ...

— politician * Iain Lawrence — writer * Keith Maillard — writer * Aiyyana Maracle — Indigenous performance artist * Âhasiw Maskêgon-Iskwêw — Canadian artist of Haida heritage * Karen McPherson — swimmer and Paralympian * Haruko Okano — artist, poet, and activist * Christina Maria Rieder (Rykka) — singer and songwriter * Jennifer Scott — singer and pianist * Anthony Sedlak — chef and

Food Network Food Network is an American basic cable channel owned by Television Food Network, G.P., a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery, who manages and operates it as a division of the Warner Bros. Discovery U.S. Networks Group. The channel airs both televi ...

host * Jay Simeon — artist * Camille Thomas — singer in Carmen and Camille * Benny Yau — actor and singer

Notable staff

* Ujjal Dosanjh – Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), 33rd

premier of British Columbia The premier of British Columbia is the first minister and head of government for the Canadian province of British Columbia. Until the early 1970s, the title ''prime minister of British Columbia'' was often used. The word ''premier'' is derived ...

, politician and lawyer * Kim Campbell – Political science, 19th

Prime Minister of Canada The prime minister of Canada () is the head of government of Canada. Under the Westminster system, the prime minister governs with the Confidence and supply, confidence of a majority of the elected House of Commons of Canada, House of Commons ...

* Robert Creech – Founder and first chairman of VCC music department, musician and

arts administrator Arts administration (alternatively arts management) is a field in the arts sector that facilitates programming within cultural organizations. Arts administrators are responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of the organization as we ...

* Jerry Granelli – Master class instructor on jazz, drummer * Peter Hannan – Music, composer * Kevin Hanson – Assistant basketball coach, basketball coach at

University of British Columbia The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a Public university, public research university with campuses near University of British Columbia Vancouver, Vancouver and University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, in British Columbia, Canada ...

(UBC) * Antony Holland – VCC theatre arts program founder, actor, playwright, and theatre director * Surjeet Kalsey – English and Punjabi instructor, writer and translator * Kathy Kinloch – VCC president 2010-2013, executive * Crawford Kilian – Teacher, novelist and professor * John Korsrud – Music, composer and trumpeter * Evelyn Lau –

Writer-in-residence Artist-in-residence (also Writer-in-residence), or artist residencies, encompass a wide spectrum of artistic programs that involve a collaboration between artists and hosting organisations, institutions, or communities. They are programs that pr ...

, poet and novelist * Fraser MacPherson – Jazz and Commercial Music, jazz musician * Anthony S. Manera – VCC president and CEO 1978-1985, president of

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (), branded as CBC/Radio-Canada, is the Canadian Public broadcasting, public broadcaster for both radio and television. It is a Crown corporation that serves as the national public broadcaster, with its E ...

1993-1995 * Mark Takeshi McGregor Music, flutist, artist and educator *

Rachel Notley Rachel Anne Notley (born April 17, 1964) is a Canadian lawyer and former politician who was the 17th premier of Alberta from 2015 to 2019 and leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2014 to 2024. Notley was the member of the Le ...

– Board member, 17th

premier of Alberta The premier of Alberta is the head of government and first minister of the Canadian province of Alberta. The current premier is Danielle Smith, leader of the governing United Conservative Party, who was sworn in on October 11, 2022. The premi ...

, politician * Morgan Nyberg – English as a Second Language, writer and educator * Gayla Reid – Women's studies, writer * Dave Robbins – Jazz and Commercial Music, trombonist, composer, educator * Jane Shin – Associate Vice-President, member of BC Legislative Assembly 2013-2017. * Alice Wong – English as a Second Language and Entrepreneurship, member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond Centre 2015–2021

References

External links

* {{authority control Educational institutions established in 1965 Universities and colleges in Vancouver Colleges in British Columbia Vocational education in Canada 1965 establishments in British Columbia