President's Welcome - Fall 2023
Dear VCC community,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! As president of Vancouver Community College (VCC), it is my great honour to welcome back students, faculty, and staff returning from summer holidays, and to warmly greet the new students joining us this fall.
The beginning of the semester is always full of excitement and I love seeing the vibrant energy when our campuses are buzzing with activity. Please read on to learn more about some exciting updates from the college and events to watch out for.
Indigenization at VCC
VCC is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial.
The college is on our journey of reconciliation—working towards decolonizing and indigenizing how we teach, learn, and foster an inclusive college community. Indigenization at the college is a transformative process that seeks to integrate Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and practices into all aspects of the institution.
This summer, we were grateful to have two exceptional individuals join the college who will help us on our reconciliation journey. Both Jessie Williams (Squamish First Nation), Dean, Indigenous Initiatives and David Kirk (Tzeachten First Nation), Dean, Curriculum and Pedagogy come with a wealth of experience in building and delivering Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation efforts in post-secondary contexts. We are fortunate to have Jessie and David supporting and guiding the college’s efforts in this important area.
Later this month, the college will host a welcoming ceremony for Jessie and David organized in consideration of Squamish Nation traditions. As well, the Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team will be organizing activities in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30). Stay tuned for details!
Revitalizing VCC’s campuses
It was an exciting summer for all of us at VCC. As announced by the B.C. government in July, VCC is moving forward with the development of the new Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation at the Broadway campus. The Centre, as a catalyst project for VCC’s Campus Plan will not only revitalize VCC campuses, but it will also transform the Broadway and Great Northern Way corridor for the surrounding communities. Building construction is expected to begin in Spring of 2024. Learn more about the new Centre >
Be part of the #myVCC community
With the start of the fall term, VCC is thrilled to host events and activities throughout the year that inform, educate, build community, and most importantly, provide a reason to get out of your office or classroom!
For students, that starts with Welcome Days hosted by VCC Student’s Union and Student Services on September 12 at the Broadway campus and September 14 at the Downtown campus. There will be games, prizes, food, and an opportunity to learn about all the services available to support your learning at VCC. Learn more about campus resources >
For faculty and staff, please save the date for VCC Day on November 2, our annual professional development and employee appreciation day. This year promises to be a fun-filled gathering with a few surprises that we can’t wait to share.
I wish each of you the very best in the coming year and look forward to seeing you around campus.
Sincerely,
Ajay Patel
President and CEO
Vancouver Community College