General Information
Capilano University has earned an international reputation for quality teaching, programs and services. We strive to instill the knowledge, skills, motivation and attitudes that will enable our students to become independent thinkers and learners, and to contribute effectively in a rapidly changing world.
Capilano University is well known for providing a solid academic foundation and is committed to developing new and innovative programs in response to market demand. We offer a complete range of preparatory courses, arts and sciences courses, business and management studies, creative and applied arts programs, health and human services programs, plus a range of services in support of student learning and success. Credentials awarded include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, advanced diplomas, certificates and statements of completion.
Our main campus is in North Vancouver, located in a natural environment on the slopes of the North Shore and only a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. The beauty of the campus and the quality of education attract students from around the world. Capilano University also has a regional campus in Sechelt that serves the community of the Sunshine Coast. Capilano University enrols approximately 11,600 students each year, 8,300 in for-credit programs and 3,300 in non-credit courses. The University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation of the Coast Salish people. Our campuses are located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam, Lil’wat and Sechelt (shíshálh) Nations.
At Capilano University, students are safe, comfortable and challenged and find the individual attention that can make a difference to their achievements. It is our goal to ensure that our students come first – not only at Capilano, but in all of their pursuits.
University Growth/Campus Development
A master site plan outlines the most recent development of the North Vancouver campus:
- Construction of a new Film Centre was completed in 2011.
- Capilano University’s new Child Care Centre was completed in 1996. At 7,100 square feet, it can accommodate 79 children, from infants to five-year-olds.
- The Birch building was completed in 1996. It houses a 380-seat performance theatre, classrooms and student services and also provides teaching space to accommodate 400 full-time students.
- In September 1994, Capilano’s Squamish campus held a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of a new campus, which opened in May 1995.
- The new Library building opened in 1993, tripling the size of the existing library space.
- The Sportsplex was completed in the fall of 1991. This marked the beginning of the development of the south campus.
- Construction of the Cedar building was completed in 1991, adding three floors of classroom and faculty office space, plus a 90-seat lecture theatre.
