Degree requirement changes have taken effect for baccalaureate students
Greta Kooy, News Editor
Capilano University introduced and implemented their Cap Core program earlier this year. The program is designed to prepare students for life after university, helping them become “critical thinkers and excellent problem solvers.”
The Cap Core model is arranged into three different themes: Foundation, Integration and Professional Practice, all of which incorporate various courses that students are to work through towards their degrees. It’s a new approach to the way students take electives, giving them new opportunities to explore classes that otherwise may not seem to fit in with their main focus of study.
“The Cap Core initiative enhances the rich education Capilano University provides by exposing students to additional perspectives, approaches and means of expression,” said Vice President Academic and Provost Laureen Styles.
Styles is responsible for “the academic quality, direction and stewardship of Capilano University’s programs.” Previously, Styles acted as vice president academic for the Justice Institute of British Columbia and dean at Vancouver Island University.
“Cap Core fosters depth and breadth of learning outcomes consistent with the degree-level qualification. Faculty and administrators collaborated across the University to develop Cap Core as a unique signature for the University to enrich our degree offerings,” said Styles.
Currently, Cap Core courses are a program requirement for students working towards their baccalaureate degree. Students in degree programs must earn 30 Cap Core credits over the course of their studies, which typically means participating in 10 Cap Core courses.
Foundation classes make up six of those credits and include courses like BADM 210: Business Statistics and others that cover fundamentals.
Integration courses are intended to introduce students to new perspectives, and include classes that focus on self and society, science and technology and culture and creative expression. This includes courses like CMNS 333: Conflict and Communication. The Integration portion of the Cap Core program is the largest, making up 18 of the required 30 credits.
Baccalaureate students must also complete six credits of Professional Practice courses, which is intended to put into practice the skills students have learned through completing the Foundation and Integration portion of the Cap Core program. This includes an experiential learning component and a Capstone project. An example of which is APSC 140: Engineering Design.
Before courses are added to the Cap Core program list, they must first go through an approval process. There are currently 279 different courses offered under the three Cap Core themes with more courses being added monthly.
For those in certificate and diploma programs, Cap Core credits will be a requirement, six for certificate students and 12 for diploma students, beginning in the fall of 2019.
Styles said that courses within the program were implemented in order to help students become well rounded and equipped with a broader knowledge base. The courses “bring other viewpoints to the fore for students and augments studies in their selected discipline. Having electives flow through Cap Core will give students a comprehensive education that prepares them to thrive in their careers and communities,” she said.
For more information on the Cap Core program, visit https://www.capilanou.ca/programs–courses/search–select/cap-core-courses or if you have questions regarding the Cap Core program, contact capcore@capilanou.ca.