PROGRAMS: Proposed Programs
MBA in Business:
The MBA is an attractive degree to International audiences and such a program in this setting with the potential for work experience the community based businesses that are not only international in scope but also deal with a global audience would be even more attractive to international students.
Environmental Project Management:
This is an ideal site for such programs as the land itself offers an abundance of natural settings requiring environmental stewardship. Moreover, the programs are compatible with the desires of the community to protect its pristine setting.
MBAs specific to tourism:
Many possibilities exist for appropriate programs to be offered under this umbrella. For example, international hotel management seems a natural in that work experience opportunities abound. Similar possibilities exist with resort management and golf course management courses. Also under consideration is the area of sports management as the top rated programs in North America currently lie within the borders of the USA and it would make sense to have a world renown program in the home of the 2010 Olympics.
Sustainability:
This is a little known or offered field but the time seems ripe to create a program that focuses on the basis of the 2020 plan. The Whistler 2020 plan calls for the creation of a sustainability center and the university, which would be and ideal location, would offer space for such a center. This would avoid the cost of operation of the virtual center currently being born by the Municipality Using such a university center as its base, we are hoping to offer a program that addresses the issues of sustainable communities which is timely for many of the rural communities of Canada.
Leadership:
There is always a need for short term and long term executive management programs that focus on leadership. Whistler offers the ideal setting to combine executive leadership offerings with the high end outdoor activities that often accompany such programs. These programs would bring another audience to the hotels in the resort particularly in the off season.
Construction Management:
One of the programs suggested in our discussions with First Nations is a construction site management program. This and other suggestions from the ongoing discussions will be considered. The new First Nations Cultural Center offers a significant partnership opportunity.
Innovation Center:
Under consideration is the inclusion of a center for innovation which could serve a number of the programs. The Conference Board of Canada indicates that Canada falls behind other developed nations in its ability to innovate and Whistler would provide an exciting environment for such a center.
Fine Arts:
Whistler has begun to develop a significant fine arts community and there are opportunities to provide offerings that enhance the potential that exists in this area of study. We believe such a program could rival the world renown Banff program.
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