Vancouver Island University examining new models for continuing education

Support for ElderCollege partnership will conclude as of December 31, 2023

Following 30 successful years as a partner in ElderCollege, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is evaluating how to best provide continuing education that meets its mandate and the diverse needs of our communities, including seniors.

As a result, VIU is suspending infrastructure, including facilities, accounting services, technology support and registration systems support to the program as of December 31, 2023. We will, however, provide logistic support to ElderCollege as it explores alternatives for program delivery.

VIU recognizes this is disappointing news for ElderCollege participants, but we look forward to sharing more information about our continuing education offerings in the coming months.

“We remain fully committed to lifelong learning at VIU and I am incredibly proud of the partnership we have had with ElderCollege since 1993,” said Dr. Michael Quinn, Provost and Vice-President Academic. “However, since the pandemic, we have seen significant shifts in the post-secondary environment, which have negatively affected the university’s financial position. As a public institution, we must evaluate all aspects of our operations for efficiency and going forward we will be examining new models and best practices for continuing education to deliver on our mandate from the provincial government while continuing to meet the needs of our learners of all ages.”

VIU is incredibly grateful for the dedication and commitment of ElderCollege participants and the ElderCollege Board and instructors, who have enriched our community by generously volunteered their time and expertise over three decades.

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Media Contact:

Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Manager, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.619.6860 | E: Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.