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Embry-Riddle and British Columbia Institute of Technology Create Educational Exchange Program

BCIT Logo Daytona Beach, Fla./Burnaby, B.C., Canada, Jan. 28, 2004 -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and British Columbia Institute of Technology have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop joint academic aviation programs.

Under the terms of the agreement, the institutions will cooperate on educational, research, and exchange programs. The primary areas of concentration include technological management, aviation business administration, and aircraft maintenance.

The university and the polytechnic institution have agreed to an exchange of graduate and undergraduate students, an exchange of faculty and staff, cooperation on scientific and research programs, and collective work on distance learning initiatives.

"Cooperative programs with leading international universities make each institution stronger," said Dr. James Cunningham, Embry-Riddle assistant vice president of Academic Affairs. "We are proud to partner with BCIT in this exciting new venture."

The goal is to have an equal number of faculty and students participate in the exchange over the period of the agreement. To be eligible, students must have completed at least one year of undergraduate study, unless the host institution waives the time requirement. Exchange students will be registered at the host institution for a maximum of one academic year.

"Aerospace students will benefit greatly by being able to access the combined resources made possible by this agreement," said BCIT President Dr. Tony Knowles. "This significant partnership will also serve to enhance the scope of research and learning opportunities available in the near future as BCIT's new aerospace technology campus is developed."

BCIT builds pathways for career success in the global marketplace. With a student population of approximately 50,000, Canada's premier polytechnic institution delivers courses of study leading to certificates, diplomas, and degrees in technologies, trades, business, and health sciences.

BCIT Aerospace is the leading aviation training facility in Canada. The aerospace campus at Vancouver International Airport combines advanced training technology, superior faculty, and a commitment to excellence to offer world-class programs in aviation maintenance and repair. BCIT has provided approximately 5,000 aerospace graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the dynamic field of aviation.

Embry-Riddle, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, meets the needs of students and industry through its educational, training, research, and consulting activities. Embry-Riddle educates more than 28,000 students annually through the master level at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., at more than 130 centers in the United States and Europe, and through distance learning.