Plans for Future Growth

The next few years are exciting times at Alexander College as the post-secondary system is changing and evolving. Even though going to college and university is often challenging for students, one of the things we are aiming for at AC is a global approach to education that will suit both domestic students and international students, bring them together in what is truly a global community, and prepare them for future studies at university.

Our program development work is guided by student interests and needs, economic and social benefits, and the future of work in BC, Canada, and globally. Relying on these criteria, we are developing new associate degree concentrations and new bachelor’s degrees.

These program development initiatives are supported by our new downtown campus that is becoming the hub for Alexander College’s science and business programs. The campus features the Alexander Innovation Centre (AIC), a Science Centre supporting lab sciences, computer programming, and health science. Alexander College, in partnership with the Alexander Innovation Centre, is at the forefront of fostering technological innovation and research excellence for faculty and students.

The AIC focuses on creating a dynamic environment for students and faculty to learn about cutting-edge research in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and advanced engineering. Degree-level programming and all related student services continue to be offered at our campus in Burnaby, which opened in fall 2021.

We are working on new initiatives that will enhance our educational excellence and prepare students for their futures, especially their futures in global economies and communities. Looking ahead, we have identified key learning themes that will shape program and extra-curricular activities for our students. Today’s students can expect to work in several work placements over their career. Alexander College can guarantee that students will acquire useful knowledge and transferable skills, such as training in artificial intelligence as part of their courses at our college.

We will also be offering job-skill oriented micro-credentials in 2026. In our efforts to serve the full scope of our students’ needs, we are also dedicated to providing an experience that addresses the needs of a modern, educated public. Our curricula feature essential skills valuable for modern life, while our Career Advising Centre is enhancing its capacity to help students find meaningful work. Several AC associate degree programs are potentially eligible for post-graduate work permits (PGWP).

At Alexander College, we take pride in excellent and well-qualified instructors who are deeply to their subject areas and to student sucess.

We also pride ourselves on having small class sizes and a vibrant campus life for students. Courses in first and second year are available in person or on-line.

University Transfer

Many students start their degree programs at college rather than university. The advantages are many: smaller classes, excellent faculty and instruction, helpful transition to post-secondary education, seamless transfer of courses to BC and Canadian universities, and lower costs. At Alexander College, we pride ourselves on all these attributes and more. Data from the BC post-secondary transfer system (BCCAT) shows that students who start their degrees at Alexander College do well at university and are also able to complete their degrees in a relatively short time.

For example, a five-year study of degree completion by university transfer students covering the five academic years of 2018/19 – 2022/23 shows that students who started at Alexander College and transferred to a bachelor’s degree program completed their degrees in an average of 34.6 months (versus public college transfer students who averaged 36.6 months; other private college transfer students averaged 40.9 months) (BC Transfer Students: Profile and Performance Report).

Moreover 80% of AC university transfer students choose to complete additional credits at AC, despite being eligible to transfer after earning 24 credits. Alexander College has guaranteed degree transfer pathway agreements with many universities in BC.

Holding an associate degree gives transfer students a 0.25 GPA preference at SFU, meaning a lower required GPA for admission (but not less than 2.00). As at all other universities, SFU accepts a maximum of 60 transfer units, and the GPA is calculated on all transferable courses.

AC Cohort Program

Recruiters and enrolment advisors are looking for new students who wish to sign up for Alexander College’s extensive system of “wrap around student support.” In the cohort program, academic advisors will set up and enroll cohort students in required courses for the first year. They will also help students to decide about their future studies depending on what and where they wish to study and work.

We’re hoping to help new students strengthen their sense of purpose, foster a sense of belonging, and provide clear pathways to degrees. Students in cohorts will be doing some classes together as well as partaking in engaging in social activities.

We’re aware that life happens and so one of the things we will also be able to do is to help students when things get tough or when things go sideways. The cohort coaches can help to knock down barriers to completion, build up students’ sense of commitment, and help students to find out how to get questions answered.

Ask a recruiter or enrollment advisor about enrolling in the cohort program.

Student Life

We envision Alexander College as a home for students from many cultural backgrounds. To that end, our marketing and recruitment activities are focused on attracting students from all nationalities around the world. We understand that diversity contributes to our shared roles as global citizens, and that Alexander College has even greater potential to provide a rich environment for intercultural exchange and awareness.

Ultimately, all of our future plans for growth serve student well-being. From free tutoring and career advising to personal health and wellness, we are intent on strengthening an institutional culture that places students first. We invite you to look at the “Student Support Services” directory with links to all of our services designed to assist students in their college educational journey and beyond.

Check out our new Housing Accommodations department as well as other well-established services such as Academic, Career and Immigration Advising and the Writing and Learning Centre.

Ongoing growth in post-secondary and industry partnerships, continuation of carefully selected online learning opportunities, and new developments in educational technology all help to shape our overall vision of a bright future.

What Students Say about Succeeding at College

Students have found that early improvement in English skills is one of the strongest means of succeeding in all of their courses at college and university. Strong English fluency is also a highly valued skill that is important to life and success in the workplace.

Indeed, Alexander College statistics show that students who take university-level English soon after they arrive at AC get higher marks all through their post-secondary careers. Therefore, we are committed to encouraging early access to post-secondary English courses for our students.

Further, our graduates say, “do not just choose the easiest courses. Think ahead to where you want to be and take courses that fulfill your interests and your dreams for the future.”

Our Vision for Alexander College Students

Building on what our graduates say, we recognize that our students are lifelong learners who are engaged in their own unique journeys toward fulfillment.

Make sure that you visit Academic Advising early in your program of studies to efficiently plan your sequence of courses for your desired results. Check in with Career Advising in order to take advantage of their workshops, programs and career fairs prepare yourself for work life after graduation.

Students need to become familiar with working on computers rather than just cell phones. Computer work is a feature of many occupations.

Intercultural communication is highly valued for global citizens. While language skills are an important part of all communications, intercultural communication also requires an understanding that different cultures have different customs, standards, social values, and even thought patterns.

Good intercultural communication requires a willingness to accept differences with respect and adapt to them. Effective intercultural communication is a vital skill for anyone living in a multicultural country such as Canada, for those who hope to work across countries or continents, and for those who hope to work for multinational companies either in their home country or abroad.

Looking ahead, our vision for the future is simple: every young person has the chance to discover their potential through education.