September 29, 2006 Source: :
RRU, Canadian Forces Liaison Council to Share Support of Reservist Education RRU, Canadian Forces Liaison Council to Share Support of Reservist Education Victoria – Canadian reservists serving in Afghanistan, assigned to peacekeeping in Bosnia, or deployed to fight fires or floods at home will receive increased support for continuing their post-secondary education thanks to a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Royal Roads University and the Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC). The MOU establishes RRU as an advocate for Canadian reservists who are studying or who wish to study at B.C. public post-secondary institutions. It outlines the working relationship between RRU and the CFLC in supporting reservists’ educational needs through on-site or online distance education. It was signed today at Government House in the presence of Lt.-Gov. Iona Campagnolo and representatives of Royal Roads, the CFLC, the Reserve Force, and their employers. "Our early history as a military college means there is a deep and enduring relationship between the Canadian Forces and Royal Roads University," said Bob Skene, acting president of RRU. "This is an opportunity to further strengthen that relationship by helping reservists pursue or continue higher education while serving their country or after returning from deployment." Reservists are members of the Canadian Forces who usually serve on a part-time basis. Most have civilian jobs and more than 11,000 of Canada’s 30,000 reservists are also students. "Student-reservists need cooperation and support from their schools in order to keep up with their education and continue their service in the Reserve Force," said Scott Shepherd, B.C. Chair of the CFLC. "We are pleased that Royal Roads University has taken a lead in supporting the educational goals of our reservists, by acting as counsellors and helping reservists to navigate the B.C. public university system." Under the terms of the MOU, which will take effect Nov. 1, 2006, RRU will dedicate a liaison staff member to work with the CFLC on the educational needs of reservists serving at home or abroad. A leader in Internet-based distance education for working professionals, RRU will work with the CFLC to facilitate online learning opportunities for reservists both in Canada and while overseas, where possible. In collaboration with the CFLC, RRU will also offer special re-training and related offerings to returning reservists. -30- For media queries, contact:
Communications Officer, Phil Saunders
phil.saunders@royalroads.ca (250) 391-2526, cel (250) 812-5065 or, Communication Manager, Stephanie Slater
stephanie.slater@royalroads.ca (250) 391-2712, cel (250) 361-5020
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