Media Release

VCC and Adler University partner to expand educational, health services

VANCOUVER, B.C. - In the spirit of collaboration and shared community health goals, Adler University Vancouver is teaming up with VCC to expand opportunities for students.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed this week that articulates a commitment to explore partnership possibilities that improve health, educational advancement, and community connections. Among the agreement's initial goals is to establish at VCC Adler Community Health Services (ACHS) - a division of Adler University that, until now, was exclusive to its Chicago Campus.

"Adler Community Health Services is eager to begin impacting community health and wellness in the greater Vancouver region," said Kevin Osten-Garner, Psy.D., and executive director of ACHS. "We look forward to our collaborative pilot project at VCC that will expand mental health wellness for students."

Although the institutions vary in makeup, leaders have pinpointed several opportunities for VCC and Adler University Vancouver to collaborate, including, but not limited to:

• Providing new flexible and client-centered ACHS services at VCC;
• Developing joint funding proposals to support the new health services, and other shared initiatives;
• Creating pathways for VCC graduates and employees to pursue advanced studies at Adler University;
• Providing scholarships for VCC graduates and employees to study at Adler University;
• Sharing community partners to extend the institutions’ reach and impact within greater Vancouver; and
• Organizing and promoting seminars, conferences and workshops for faculty, staff and students.

"This partnership is especially wonderful because it's about students helping students," said Kathryn McNaughton, Ph.D., and VCC vice president — academic, students and research. "Adler University doctoral students will provide additional mental health support that we know VCC students will benefit from."

"We are excited about the potential of this pilot project at VCC that can complement the existing student services to further our joint commitment to better meeting the mental health needs of our students," added Jenelle Davies, Executive Director of Students' Union of Vancouver Community College.

Adler University President Ray Crossman, Ph.D., and VCC President Peter Nunoda, Ph.D., formally notarized the memorandum at a signing ceremony on Vancouver Community College’' Broadway Campus. Effective immediately, the agreement will remain in place for three years.

About Vancouver Community College

Vancouver Community College celebrates more than 50 years of inspiring students to reach their career and educational goals, offering post-secondary training in 125 programs including bachelor's degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeships. With three campuses located on Broadway, Downtown and on Annacis Island, students can choose from hands-on instruction in culinary arts, business, design, health sciences, hospitality, transportation trades and music.

About Adler University

Adler University educates students to engage the world and create a more just society. Established in 1952, it enrolls more than 1,400 students in master's and doctoral programs for social change through its three campuses: Chicago, Vancouver and Online. The Vancouver campus offers master’s degrees in Counselling Psychology, Counselling Art Therapy, Organisational Psychology and Public Policy and Administration, as well as a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology. Adler University's mission is to continue the pioneering work of Alfred Adler, the first community psychologist, by graduating socially responsible practitioners, engaging communities and advancing social justice.