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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.
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 and 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 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Sept. 11 at Capilano University’s kálax-ay Sunshine Coast Campus in Sechelt.
“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 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.”
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