University of the Fraser Valley

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a public university in British Columbia, Canada, with campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope. Established in 1974 as Fraser Valley College to address the need for vocational education in the region, it became a university college in 1991 and gained full degree-granting authority in 1995. On April 21, 2008, the provincial government granted it full university status, and it began operating under the name University of the Fraser Valley on September 1, 2008. UFV enrolls over 15,000 students annually and offers a range of programs including master’s and bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in disciplines such as fine arts, humanities, sciences, business, nursing, and trades. The university is organized into seven faculties and three schools, with the College of Arts being the largest academic unit. UFV operates under the University Act with a governance structure that includes a chancellor, president, board of governors, senate, and convocation. While primarily focused on undergraduate education, UFV is also active in research, hosting ten research centres and institutes, and holding three Canada Research Chairs and one RCMP Senior Research Chair. Students are encouraged to engage in research through grants, leadership opportunities, and awards. UFV also participates in the BC Transfer System, facilitating course credit transfers to other post-secondary institutions across the province.