DUSHANBE, July 9, Asia-Plus — The University of Central Asia (UCA) signed a memorandum of understanding on 7 July 2015 with Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, located in Toronto, Canada to develop the English, mathematics and science curriculum for UCA’s first year Preparatory Program.
According to UCA, the program will begin when UCA admits its first cohort of undergraduate students at its campus in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan next year.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Executive Chairman of the UCA Board Executive Committee, and Mr. David Agnew, President of Seneca College at a ceremony at UCA’s Central Administration Office in Bishkek. Also in attendance were UCA Director General and Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr Bohdan Krawchenko, Dr Ariff Kachra, Dean of Academic Affairs and Seneca College faculty who have already begun working sessions with UCA staff.
Under the agreement, Seneca will assess the needs of Central Asian students for any additional academic preparation for university level education, develop the one year English, math and science curricula, and test and adjust modules as necessary. Seneca will also develop and deliver a professional development program for UCA faculty, including training in Central Asia and Canada, in-class assessments and longer term online resource and videoconferencing support.
The Preparatory Program is an enrichment program designed to ensure that UCA students who need additional support attain internationally competitive levels and develop key study and research skills necessary to succeed at university. Qualifying students with 12 years of education will be exempt from the program, provided assessment by UCA confirms they are sufficiently prepared.
The partnership between UCA and Seneca College is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada, provided through Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada and Aga Khan Foundation, Canada.
The partnership strengthens UCA’s existing ties with Canada, which supports several UCA research and teaching initiatives in Central Asia and Afghanistan through the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development (DFATD) and the International Development Research Centre, including support to establish the University’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration. DFATD has also supported UCA partnerships with the University of British Columbia, Carleton University and the University of Alberta.
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000. The Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and His Highness the Aga Khan signed the International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University, which was ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. UCA was established to offer an internationally recognized standard of higher education in Central Asia and prepare graduates to contribute leadership, ideas and innovation to the economies and communities of the region. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network.
One of Canada’s leading postsecondary institutions, Seneca offers a comprehensive range of programs across all disciplines to nearly 100,000 full- and part-time students in campuses across the Greater Toronto Area. Seneca’s graduate certificates, degrees, diplomas and certificates attract more than 5,000 students from 120 countries around the world and students from across Canada.
