Founded in 1936, Columbia College first offered high school completion programs to hundreds of students. In 1965 the College added university transfer courses to its offerings, and in the 1970s introduced an English as a Second Language Program to meet the needs of the increasing number of international students.In 1985 Columbia College moved from downtown Vancouver to Burnaby, to a location near Metrotown Centre. Over the next twelve years the College’s programs expanded significantly; in particular, the College broadened its offerings in the areas of business and engineering. During this period Columbia College established its reputation as Canada’s premier university-preparatory school for international students. In 1997 Columbia College returned to a downtown Vancouver location to share a new facility with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). In this building (the BCIT Downtown Campus) the College was able to provide improved science laboratories and classrooms, and expanded library facilities, as well as a refurbished Tutorial Centre. In 2011, Columbia College celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding. This year also saw Columbia College start to recruit significant numbers of students from around the globe. While Columbia continued to recruit students in its traditional areas in East Asia, the College now saw an influx of students from South Asia, the Middle East, and West Africa, creating a truly international student body.Columbia College is registered as a society under the Societies Act of BC and as a charity with the Canadian Revenue Agency. The College currently has an enrollment of about 2,100 students drawn from 61 countries around the world. As the international education sector in Canada continues to grow, Columbia College remains committed to welcoming international students from across the globe to Vancouver. The College will continue to develop programs and services that meet the needs of international students to offer them the best introduction to Canada possible. Columbia College will also continue to provide excellent preparation for university entrance in the years to come.With the introduction of our associate degree program in 2004, enrollment further increased and the requirements of our student population changed. As well as continuing to support our students to transfer to universities across North America, our support services have constantly developed to meet the changing needs of international students in Canada today. The College now employs a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) to support our students with immigration issues and questions.Over the years, Columbia College has consistently been one of the top three providers of international students to the University of British Columbia. Columbia College also sends large numbers of students to Simon Fraser University, Vancouver’s other major university. Columbia College is an independent charity that offers first and second-year university level courses that can lead to a Columbia College Associate Degree and are fully transferable to local universities. Columbia College also offers High School programs, including a British Columbia Ministry of Education Certified Senior Secondary Program and an English for Academic Purposes Program that is accredited by Languages Canada.CC has a traditional campus, more than 30 venues nationwide, an evening program in Columbia, Mo., and an online program. The college serves approximately 18,000 students annually. The college offers associate and bachelor's degrees, as well as master's degrees at the main campus, selected venues, and online.Columbia College is part of NAIA Division I competitive sports. CC offers men's and women’s basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, track, and field. Columbia College also has women’s softball, women’s volleyball, women's bowling, men’s baseball, and men's lacrosse. The college is a nonsectarian school welcoming all students regardless of religious affiliation. However, Columbia College is affiliated by covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The college is not owned by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); it merely holds a mutually beneficial affiliation.MissionColumbia College is BC’s oldest university transfer educational institution. Our mission is to foster student success, build a desire for lifelong learning, and provide pathways to higher education. Columbia College nurtures community engagement and prepares international students for life in Canada. Through teaching excellence and a commitment to student support, the Columbia College community values an inclusive and mutually respectful learning environment.VisionAn inclusive society where students can access the education of their choice and contribute to positive social change.
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