UBC Reports | Vol. 48 | No. 10 | Aug. 1 , 2002

Learn Where You Live

Robson Square is an open door to UBC.

By Diane Haynes

Twelve jobs spanning five careers, plus returns to school for re-education and upgrades. Those are just the average expectations for a worker in today's economy. Cameron Barker is making the leap from digital animator to environmental web developer with help from UBC at Robson Square.

A response to the Trek 2000 vision of "a strong downtown presence with store-front accessibility and visibility," UBC at Robson Square provides an urban gateway to the university's resources, and at the same time provides the university with a link to the community in the heart of the city.

"I chose to take my courses at Robson Square because I live downtown," Barker explains. "The (Point Grey) campus isn't as accessible to me. I'm also more into short-term education than long-term at this point in my life. "

Barker is enrolled in the Multimedia Summer Intensive Program, acquiring expertise in everything from Photoshop to Illustrator to FinalNetPro in order to be able to marry his interest in computer technology with his passion for the environment. Part of his course is a practicum with Envision Sustainability Tools. The company develops software to measure climate change, and creates sustainability solutions for regions and corporations around the world.

"It's unpaid," Barker laughs, "but it's invaluable experience." He can walk from school to work, and then home again. Another invaluable experience.

Barker's noticed that UBC at Robson Square is a lot more than classrooms. "I'd be down there for class and walk by tutorials or conferences or non-profit day and a whole bunch of different workshops," he describes. "It's really active."

UBC at Robson Square is home to the Women's Resources Centre, a branch of the UBC Alumni Association and extensions of UBC Library and the UBC Bookstore. Through UBC Commerce, Continuing Studies and ongoing forums and public lectures, the downtown campus offers programming for learners at all stages of their education and careers.

"If you're looking for a higher standard of education, and an accessible location in a more intimate atmosphere," Barker says, "it's definitely the place."

- Special to UBC Reports