Capilano University announces MOU with Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station
NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. – Capilano University (CapU) and the Ruby Lake Lagoon Society (Lagoon Society) are pleased to announce a new collaboration to develop opportunities for the University’s students, faculty and alumni to participate in experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities at the Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (PODS).
The Lagoon Society is embarking on an ambitious new project called the Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station or PODS. Set to open at Irvines Landing in 2022, PODS promises to be an iconic learning and gathering space on the Sunshine Coast for research and education about coastal marine and freshwater ecosystems.
“We are truly excited about the hands-on learning experiences PODS could deliver for our students,” said Paul Dangerfield, president of Capilano University. “This aligns with the University’s goal of prioritizing experiential learning by expanding internship, practicum and field research opportunities for learning that moves beyond the classroom.”
Opportunities for members of the Capilano University community:
- Environmental Science: Participating in field research with the PODS Coastal Waters Monitoring Program
- Business & Professional Studies: Engaging with the Sunshine Coast business community to assess PODS’ role in local tourism
- Film Studies: Producing films about PODS and the Pender Harbour community
- Environmental Education: Assisting with conferences and symposiums on aquatic biodiversity
The two organizations are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today at Capilano University’s kálax-ay Sunshine Coast Campus in Sechelt, B.C to outline the details of this new strategic partnership.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Capilano University on board with PODS and are looking forward to a productive long-term partnership together, which we believe will bring huge benefits to Pender Harbour and the whole Sunshine Coast,” said Dr. Michael Jackson, executive director of the Lagoon Society and leader of the PODS Project. “With a well-established campus in nearby Sechelt, there really could not be a better match for us than CapU. Together we will bring tremendous new opportunities for our community and in particular our school children and post-secondary students.”
About Capilano University
Capilano University is a teaching-focused university based in North Vancouver, with programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. The University enrols approximately 10,000 students each year and offers 97 programs, including bachelor's degrees in film, music, early childhood education and tourism management. Capilano 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 territories of the Lil'wat, Musqueam, Sechelt (shíshálh), Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
About Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station
The Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (PODS) will be an innovative new marine and freshwater research and education facility located in Pender Harbour on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. It aims to attract world-class university researchers, provide outreach education, promote conservation, and increase local community outreach. It is set to officially open its doors in 2022, but numerous monitoring projects and education programs are already up-and-running and offer immediate hands-on experience for students wishing to learn more about our coastal waters.
For more information, or to schedule interviews, please contact:
Linda Munro
Capilano University
t: 604 983 7596
c: 778 839 9649
e: mediarelations@capilanou.ca
www.capilanou.ca
Michael Jackson PhD
The Ruby Lake Lagoon Society
c: 604 790 4342
e: michael@lagoonsociety.com
www.lagoonsociety.com
Submitted by: Linda Munro