File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

TRU Honours College

TRU starting honours college program in the fall

Jan 23, 2025 | 10:18 AM

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is launching an honours college in the fall.

TRU says the first-of-its-kind program in Canada is modeled after similar honours colleges in Asia, Europe and the United States.

In a news release issued Thursday (Jan. 23), TRU says its honours college will offer interdisciplinary coursework, such as seminars in Secwépemc Understandings and Opening the Western Door, leadership workshops, study abroad programs and career-focused training.

“This is more than a credential — it’s an opportunity for students to gain additional skills that will help them in their future careers, in their communities and in the real world,” Gillian Balfour, TRU Provost, states. “By combining academic rigour with experiential learning, the program prepares students for leadership roles and equips them to make a difference locally and globally.”

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Will Garrett-Petts is TRU’s interim dean of student development, and says the interdisciplinary coursework isn’t focused on grades and credentials, and has a goal of educating students through experiences, and exposure to other perspectives.

“What we want to make sure is that those who may have historically been underserved by universities still have an opportunity, even a right, for an honours college experience,” he says, “And so we’re making sure that in terms of entrance requirements and in terms of the grading scheme that we use, that it’s as inviting, and as inclusive as possible.”

According to Honours College Certificate lead Kellee Caton, since the certificate program is tacked on to the university’s existing four-year degree programs, there are no extra costs for students to be a part of it. And it’s open to a wide range of majors.

“So we are very much hoping that we’ll be a community of science students, of arts students, of business students, of students studying more technical fields like tourism, nursing, I’m sure that I’ve probably missed a few, but everyone is welcome and everyone is needed,” she notes, “We need that convergence of perspectives.”

Additionally, TRU says the honours college program will provide extra support such as flexible schedules and targeted advising for students who face unique challenges.

The four-year TRU program is expected to have an initial intake of 60 to 100 students.