N 0 S. e September 2004 The Douglas College Newsletter Douglas College and partners open first program in China When Wal-Mart talks, manufacturers listen. And for Douglas College, this translates into more opportunities in China. When the big-box retailer began to deal directly with manufacturers in China, effectively removing the agents who acted as go- betweens, the manufacturers panicked. With no training or expertise in the expectations of the North American consumer, they found themselves with millions of dollars on the line. “Chinese exporting manufacturers have no idea about the expectations of North Americans. Things like quality, delivery times, presentation, environmental requirements — those were alla mystery,” says Guangwei Ouyang, Douglas College's Director of International Projects. That’s when Levco Holdings, a quality control system company, stepped in. A Canadian-owned company based in Hong Kong, Levco has more than 20 years experience in quality inspection of export goods to North America. Levco initiated the idea of a training centre, an idea strongly supported by the Canadian Consulate in Shanghai. “Douglas College was recommended by past and present Canadian Consulate Generals in Shanghai to participate in this project,” says Ouyang, “We were chosen from three m New Westminster Campus, David Lam Campus institutions, and then we recommended our long- time partner in China, the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade (SIFT). This is the first time Douglas College has had a corporate partner and a Chinese university working together to focus on industrial training programs. This October, the Asia Pacific Center for Manufacturing Excellence opens at SIFT’s Gubei campus, the first training program of its kind in China. Chinese exporting manufacturers will learn how to reach the level of quality required to succeed in the North American market. “Douglas College will provide educational Planning for new David Lam Campus facilities to begin this Fall Now that the BC government has given Douglas College the go- ahead to grow by 1,500 new full-time student spaces between now and 2010, planning has begun to ensure the necessary classroom space is available. “The population of the College region is expected to grow by over 20 percent from 2001 to 2011,” says College President Susan Witter. “Most of this growth will occur in Coquitlam and the communities to the east. We have to begin planning for the construction so we can properly serve these growing communities.” Along with university transfer and a variety of other programs, the Faculty of Health Sciences will be housed at the David Lam Campus when the new construction is completed. “Health Sciences will be the new anchor for the Campus when phase two is finished,” says Witter. “This construction gives us the opportunity to design purpose-built labs and classrooms for expanding programs such as the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the planned degree in Psychiatric Nursing. Students and faculty in these programs will enjoy excellent facilities. If we can get the necessary approvals and funding this Fall, we should be able to open in September 2007.” This is the Phase I] of David Lam Campus construction that was talked about 12 years ago, Witter says. The Campus was designed to accommodate this growth, allowing for expansion of the Library, Cafeteria, Student Services and mechanical systems such as heating and ventilation. ‘TransLink says rapid transit in the form of Sky Train, light rail or an alternate technology should be in place shortly after the opening of Phase II. Following the David Lam building project, detailed planning for a New Westminster expansion on the property across the street from the Royal Avenue Campus will begin. content,” says Ouyang. “We've developed the entire curriculum and will be responsible for 60 percent of the seminars and workshops.” Participants will learn about global markets, sales and marketing, operational management and quality assurance, as well as other topics pertinent to their industry. North American companies like KMart, JC Penney, Hudson’s Bay Company and Home Depot will be sending purchasing managers to guest lecture. “We'll be offering short- duration programs of two weeks to one month for about 200 people per session,” says Ouyang. “This is strictly industry- based training, and not an IN Douglas College industrial-export RM (seated, I-r): Douglas College President Susan Witter signs agreements with Xingqui Wang, President of the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade and David Levy, Chair of Levco Holdings. The three partners will open this Asia Pacific Center for Manufacturing Excellence in China this Fall. academic credential.” The potential for growth is there, say Ouyang, who views this as a good training ground for future Notice to Faculty: remind your students to graduate Graduation is an important part of the post-secondary experience. Please remind your students that the deadline to submit their application for the January 2005 Graduation is September 24. The actual graduation ceremony takes place in June, but all students completing their graduation requirements by the end of the Fall 2004 semester must submit an application to the Registrar's Office by the deadline in order to attend that ceremony. Applications are available at the Registrar’s Office or can be printed from the Registrar's Office Web site. If you have any questions, please call the Graduation Officer at 604-527-5391. Academic Plan now available The Draft Academic Plan was approved by the Douglas College Board in August, and was followed up by discussion at a College-wide forum. The plan is now available on the College Web site at http://iresearch.douglas.be.ca/planning.htm. Please take the time to read this important document that addresses the current and future needs of students and the community within an ever-changing environment. developments. “We're considering a future stage where we develop this into an academic program,” he Says. Work experience starts here ‘The Cooperative Education program is currently recruiting Arts, Science and Business students for the Fall semester. Please encourage your students to attend one of the following orientation sessions: New Westminster Campus: Wednesday September 15, 4- 5:30pm, room 1812 or Monday September 20, 4-5:30pm, room 1812. David Lam Campus: Thursday September 16, 4-5:30pm, room A2050. For more information, contact the Co-op office at 604-527-5100. Quote of the Month “T want to instill self-respect, pride and self-confidence. Its awesome to hear young people say Tm Indian!’ and be proud.” Se’qwa:ynten, Sté:Lo Nation Elder