Oregon State University Exchange
The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU) and, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Science and Technology at Vancouver Island University (VIU) launched in September 2003, a student exchange program that allows selected students at either institution to apply courses from the host institution toward his or her degree. The exchange program is designed to build on the complimentary strengths of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture at VIU and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at OSU, broadening the educational experience of the student.
The overall number and qualified people associated with OSU’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is vast. Research and development remains the central theme for this institution. VIU’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture integrates both theoretical and applied skills and has close and strong ties with both the private and government sectors. The Pacific Biological Station (PBS), federal department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the associated ministries have become an important element to VIU’s program
The objective of the program is to provide undergraduate students the opportunity to further their knowledge and experience at the exchange institution. Building on the strengths offered by the host institution, students will gain a broad and diverse knowledge base.
The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at OSU has a strong program in conservation and resource management of fish and wildlife, while the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture at VIU has developed a very strong program in both aquaculture and applied fisheries. It is anticipated that the chosen students will broaden their overall abilities through this exchange, due to the different aspects associated with the two institutions.
Student exchanges will be based on either a 1 or 2 semester interval, depending on the host institutions offerings and the home institution requirements. Since OSU is based on a 3 term academic year, students may find the delivery times for courses offered outside of the expected semester duration.
The sending institution will nominate a potential student or students. Students admitted will be expected to be in good financial and academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (VIU guidelines). Having completed at least one year of undergraduate study, students are expected to continue as candidates for his/her degree at the home institution.
The home institution will assign credit transfer and students will register and pay the required tuition at his or her home institution. Vancouver Island University students will be charged for 15 credits per semester and can take as many upper level courses at OSU as he/she deems necessary.. Books, stationary, transportation and room/board as well as other personal expenditures will be the responsibility of the student participant.
Student Union memberships or activity fees, and application fees will also be charged at the home institution. VIU students will be responsible for arranging the necessary travel, personal liability and medical insurance.
Mark Noyon, Fisheries and Aquaculture Department