Relationship with UVic
CanAssist is an important program at the University of Victoria and is aligned with the university's vision and strategic plan. CanAssist is also integral to UVic's support for persons with disabilities and its outreach and community engagement goals.
Together, CanAssist and UVic demonstrate that universities can go beyond their traditional education and research mandates, by directly providing meaningful and much-needed services to the community. To quote UVic's president:
The University of Victoria is proud to be the base for CanAssist and its extraordinary contributions to transforming the lives of Canadians challenged by physical and cognitive disabilities. It's a unique initiative that wonderfully demonstrates the hallmarks of UVic by combining innovative research and development, the integration of research and teaching, and translation of knowledge for the benefit of the communities we serve.
- Dr. David Turpin, President and Vice-Chancellor, UVic
CanAssist operates as an internal unit of UVic, subject to all the university's relevant policies, procedures and requirements. CanAssist ultimately reports to the UVic Board of Governors and UVic Executive (as do all UVic programs), through the Office of the UVic Vice-President Academic and Provost and to this office directly through the UVic Associate Vice-President Academic Planning.
CanAssist also reports to an Advisory Board comprised of six senior university-based members and six members from the external community who, through their experience or position, provide expertise and advice on the activities and operations of the organization. The Advisory Board meets approximately three times each year.
As with any large-scale internal UVic program, CanAssist receives very significant support and advantages as a result of being based at the university. These include access to space, specialized facilities and equipment, and other services. CanAssist has direct access to the university's highly talented and motivated student population, as well as the expertise of the university's diverse research community.
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