Grande Prairie Regional College
Encyclopedia
Grande Prairie Regional College, often abbreviated GPRC, is a comprehensive community college with two campuses Grande Prairie and Fairview, Alberta. Over 2,000 students in credit programs, and over 6,000 in workforce training and recreational programs, attend GPRC and Fairview College Campus annually. The college offers a number of apprenticeship and academic programs including certificates and diplomas, university studies, academic upgrading, and workforce development courses in various subjects.
In 1974, classes were first started in a new facility designed by Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal
. In 1991, phase II of the college, designed by architects Field, Field, and Field, was officially opened.
From 1995 to 2005, GPRC offered its own Bachelor of Applied Forest Resource Management degree.
allow for students to complete some bachelor degrees at GPRC including the Bachelor of Science - Agriculture or Food Business Management and the Bachelor of Science - Agriculture. Other degree programs require transferring to another institution to complete their degree after studying at the college. Some arrangements also allow for a student to start studies at another facility and complete their degree program at the college. In total, over 20 different routes for University Studies are offered, and 9 degrees can be completed at the college.
The college offers 13 certificate and diploma programs. Certificate programs usually require students to complete two semesters of courses, while diploma programs usually require four.
Academic upgrading is also offered, which allows individuals to pursue other learning opportunities such as grade 12 equivalency and general studies.
GPRC has an International Education Centre which offers students courses in English as a Second Language (ESL). Foreign students can also take credit-based college and university courses offered to Canadian residents.
GPRC's Workforce Development offers courses to the general public in a number of areas. Courses primarily focus on personal and professional development, and range from one-day courses to full credit programs.
The campus also includes a bookstore, climbing centre, and library with over 60,000 holdings.
History
Grande Prairie Regional College was opened as the Grande Prairie Junior College in 1966. In 1970, the college was renamed to its current version.In 1974, classes were first started in a new facility designed by Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal
Douglas Cardinal
Douglas Joseph Cardinal, OC is a Canadian architect.Born of Métis and Blackfoot heritage, Cardinal is famous for flowing architecture marked with smooth lines, influenced by his Aboriginal heritage as well as European Expressionist architectureIn 1953, he attended the University of British...
. In 1991, phase II of the college, designed by architects Field, Field, and Field, was officially opened.
From 1995 to 2005, GPRC offered its own Bachelor of Applied Forest Resource Management degree.
Academic programs
Collaborative programs with other institutions such as The University of AlbertaUniversity of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first premier of Alberta and Henry Marshall Tory, its first president, it is widely recognized as one of the best universities in Canada...
allow for students to complete some bachelor degrees at GPRC including the Bachelor of Science - Agriculture or Food Business Management and the Bachelor of Science - Agriculture. Other degree programs require transferring to another institution to complete their degree after studying at the college. Some arrangements also allow for a student to start studies at another facility and complete their degree program at the college. In total, over 20 different routes for University Studies are offered, and 9 degrees can be completed at the college.
The college offers 13 certificate and diploma programs. Certificate programs usually require students to complete two semesters of courses, while diploma programs usually require four.
Academic upgrading is also offered, which allows individuals to pursue other learning opportunities such as grade 12 equivalency and general studies.
GPRC has an International Education Centre which offers students courses in English as a Second Language (ESL). Foreign students can also take credit-based college and university courses offered to Canadian residents.
GPRC's Workforce Development offers courses to the general public in a number of areas. Courses primarily focus on personal and professional development, and range from one-day courses to full credit programs.
Athletics Program
GPRC's sports teams are collectively known as the "GPRC Wolves". The Grande Prairie Regional College Wolves, compete in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference. Sports include: badminton, basketball, curling, cross-country running, soccer, swimming, and volleyball. Each sport includes participation by both men and women, sometimes on separate teams. The Wolves Men's Volleyball team carries a strong tradition of winning in the ACAC and has received 2 silver and one bronze medal at CCAA Nationals.Campus Facilities
GPRC's campus includes a 500-seat theatre and double gynasium. Both are often used to host some of the community events in Grande Prairie. The campus' student lounge, Howlers, also hosts weekend and evening entertainment often arranged by GPRC's student association. The student association runs a radio-style podcast called "The Tap," which replaced the student newspaper formerly known as The Tapestry.The campus also includes a bookstore, climbing centre, and library with over 60,000 holdings.
Residence
GPRC has on-campus student residences. Anderson Hall has space for 115 students, and the new Student Village currently has space for an additional 72 students.See also
- List of agricultural universities and colleges
- Education in AlbertaEducation in AlbertaAs with any Canadian province, the Alberta Legislature has exclusive authority to make laws respecting education. Since 1905 the Legislature has used this capacity to continue the model of locally elected public and separate school boards which originated prior to 1905, as well as to create and/or...
- List of universities and colleges in Alberta
- Canadian Colleges Athletic AssociationCanadian Colleges Athletic AssociationThe Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association is the national governing body for organized sports at colleges in Canada. It was formed in 1974. The CCAA hosts nine annual national championships. The CCAA's name in French is l'Association canadienne du sport collégial .Its equivalent body for...