Dear Members of the University Community,

Extensive planning efforts are continuing to lay the foundation for the University’s Vancouver branch campus, which will primarily serve international students.

Last week, we submitted our packet of applications to the British Columbia Minister of Advanced Education. These applications included a detailed organization profile and a request for consent to operate as a “university” in the province. We also submitted individual degree program applications for the two programs planned for Vancouver.

In the midst of a very busy time, the Academic Steering Committee did a tremendous job identifying and developing the appropriate programs to be offered and preparing the appropriate application materials. These offerings will meet the same rigid standards we demand of the programs on our New Jersey campuses.

The initial programs to be offered are:

BS in business management, with concentrations in:
1) accounting and international business
2) entrepreneurship and international business
3) finance and international business
4) marketing and international business
5) information technology and international business

BS in information technology, with a concentration in business administration

We are hoping to gain the necessary approvals for the University and the degree programs early in the fall. Once the approvals are secured, we can begin other specific tasks needed to commence operations, including marketing the campus and recruiting students.

On June 8, the Board of Trustees approved a change in the opening date of the campus, from February 2006 to November 2006. The main reason for the extension was the need for additional time to ensure the enrollment of a strong initial class of students.

The marketing and recruitment plan, designed by members of the Administrative Steering Committee, calls for general advertising, internal marketing and working with a public relations agency with Canadian experience to promote the new campus. The plan also includes the development of new admissions and recruitment tools, presentations at key international university fairs, specialized mass mailings and e-mail broadcasts, and development of a network of marketing consultants. Although our initial student class is projected to include 67 students, our marketing and recruitment plan indicates we may be able to launch the campus with an inaugural class of 125 students.

The Administrative Steering Committee also has been developing plans related to technology, human resources and facilities. The University has retained a law firm to help with the legal aspects of incorporating and then operating as a nonprofit entity in British Columbia. The University also continues to work closely with an international real-estate brokerage firm to find an attractive location with ample space for the campus.

We greatly appreciate the support and the commitment shown by so many members of the community who are making sure we establish a strong foundation for the campus. I want to particularly thank the members of the academic and administrative steering committees, who have devoted many hours beyond their normal responsibilities to this important planning process. The members’ names are listed on the branch campus Web site, http://www.fdu.edu/newspubs/branchcampus/, which also includes more information and the latest developments.

Through such efforts, we are confident this will be an initiative that will bring the University great pride and distinction.


Thank you,
Michael Adams