Community Engagement Perspectives, by Susan Mide Kiss, Vice-President, UFV Community Engagement Over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to participate in a number of conversations across British Columbia, including UFV's Grounded Innovation 3.0 Summit, the RBC Community Partner Event in Vancouver, and the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade's Education for…

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is introducing a new revenue-neutral fee structure for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across its campuses. The change is designed to support the long-term operation and maintenance of campus charging infrastructure while continuing to encourage sustainable transportation choices among students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  As the number of users continues to…

The University of the Fraser Valley is supporting sustainable commuting for staff, students, and faculty with the creation of an active transportation hub on the Abbotsford campus.  The hub is located in Building F (the former home of University House), nestled between the library (Building G) and parking lot 10, near the new student housing…

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) welcomed researchers, elected officials, policy-makers, agriculture industry leaders, farmers, students, and community partners to its Chilliwack campus May 13 for the Grounded Innovation 3.0 Sustainable Food and Agriculture Summit.  Hosted by Dr. Lenore Newman, director of UFV’s Food and Agriculture Institute and co-chair of the Sustainable Food Systems for Canada (SF4C) national…

Every March at UFV, you’ll find collaborative events springing up all over campus related to climate change, biodiversity, EDI, gender equality, and more. Multiple departments across the university come together for March for Sustainability to provide fun, educational activities aligning with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals and the five “P’s” of sustainable development: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership.   “The intention…

Cranberry sauce is a staple on Canadian tables during the holiday season, enjoyed by millions of people.   But what if this delicious seasonal favourite became a rarity? Cranberry crops will be impacted by climate change in the years to come, according to new research by the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), funded by the B.C. Cranberry Growers…

Two UFV researchers from seemingly disparate backgrounds have found that by combining their strengths, they can offer support to Indigenous groups in northern Canada interested in improving food security. Dr. Cindy Jardine and Dr. Lauren Erland, both federally funded Canada Research Chairs at UFV (Cindy in Health and Community and Lauren in Berry Horticulture), decided…

Through a partnership with BC Hydro, the University of the Fraser Valley has increased electric vehicle (EV) charging options at its Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses.  The Chilliwack campus has added two direct current fast chargers (four charge points) near to Building A, which can add up to 180 kilometers of driving to an average EV…

There’s a question echoing across kitchen tables and boardrooms in Canada: Is a university education really worth it today? As costs rise and artificial intelligence promises instant answers 24/7, many Canadians are wrestling with doubts. In fact, a recent Ipsos poll found that less than half of Canadians believe a university or college credential offers…

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) has been designated an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, joining a global network of institutions that are reimagining the role of post-secondary education in driving social innovation, equity, and systems-level change. The announcement will be made later today during UFV’s Celebration of Community in Mission, where the university will also celebrate the launch…

A decade ago, B.C.’s hazelnut industry was in crisis. Stricken by Eastern Filbert Blight, orchard after orchard in the Fraser Valley was wiped out. A once-thriving hazelnut farm in Agassiz had 8,000 trees, all destroyed by the deadly fungus.  Many farmers moved on to other things. At a tremendous cost, others stayed, planting blight-resistant trees,…

“Since I was little, I was always fascinated about animals and the natural world,” says Aysha McConkey, UFV’s Co-op Student of the Year. “I grew up watching wildlife documentaries and conservation advocates like Steve Irwin and the Kratt Brothers, wishing I could be like them.” Now a Bachelor of Environmental Studies student, Aysha has brought…