Savanna Hoffman
Quest University Canada was a private, not-for-profit, secular liberal arts and sciences university that opened in 2007 and closed in April 2023. The university had an enrolment of around 200 students at the time of its closing, with an acceptance rate ranging from 48% to 80% according to various sources. The university offered a unique academic curriculum with a maximum class size of 20 students, providing an unparalleled depth of learning.
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What You'll Learn
Quest University Canada opened in 2007 with 73 students
Quest University Canada opened its doors in September 2007, becoming Canada's first private, secular university. The university welcomed 73 students to its inaugural class.
The brainchild of UBC's retired president David Strangway, Quest University was founded with the vision of providing students with a "rigorous and well-rounded education in the arts and sciences with a global focus". The university's curriculum and educational philosophy were notably different from those of other universities in Canada. It offered a multidisciplinary approach to learning, with five divisions instead of traditional departments: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Mathematics, and Social Sciences.
Quest's teaching style was seminar-based, with a maximum class size of 20 students. This small class size allowed students to engage deeply with the course material and ask questions directly to their professors, enhancing their learning experience. The university offered one degree for all students, the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, and students did not declare a major. Instead, they designed their course of study around a central guiding question they developed, known as a "Question".
In addition to its unique academic curriculum, Quest University Canada also provided extensive support services for its students. This included cultural adjustment support for international students, academic guidance, and career counselling. The university also boasted cutting-edge labs and facilities that supported multidisciplinary research and learning. The campus was built on a 60-acre hilltop in Squamish, BC, and included an academic building, a library, a "RecPlex" with a gymnasium, and five main student residences.
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The university had around 200 students when it closed in 2023
Quest University Canada, a private, not-for-profit, secular liberal arts and sciences university, had an enrolment of around 200 students when it closed in April 2023. The university opened its doors in 2007, becoming Canada's first private, secular university. Its curriculum and educational philosophy were notably different from most universities, with a multidisciplinary approach and no traditional departments.
The university offered one degree for all students, the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, and classes were seminar-style with a maximum of 20 students. This small class size allowed students to engage deeply with the course material and ask questions directly to their professors, enhancing their learning experience. The curriculum utilised the block plan, adapted from Colorado College, where each block met for three hours a day for three and a half weeks, allowing students to focus on one intensive course at a time.
Quest University's campus was located on a 60-acre hilltop in Squamish, BC. The campus included an academic building, a library, a "RecPlex" with a gymnasium, and a services building with a cafeteria. There were five main student residences, with guaranteed on-campus housing for first-year students. The university also boasted cutting-edge labs and athletic facilities, encouraging an active lifestyle.
Despite its small size, Quest University Canada was highly regarded, ranking at or near the top of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) in Canada. The university provided extensive support services, including cultural adjustment programs for international students and career counselling to help students transition into the workforce. Quest University's innovative approach to education and focus on student engagement contributed to its reputation as a unique and impactful educational institution.
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Quest's acceptance rate is estimated to be 48-80%
Quest University Canada, the country's first private, secular university, opened its doors in 2007. The university suspended operations in April 2023, with an enrolment of around 200 students at the time. Quest University is known for its unconventional curriculum and educational philosophy. Its approach is multidisciplinary, and it offers one degree for all students: a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences. The faculty members hold terminal degrees in their fields but are called tutors instead of professors, and there is no tenure system in place. The university's campus, located in Squamish, BC, spans 60 acres and includes academic and residential buildings, a library, a "RecPlex" with a full gymnasium, and a services building.
Quest University's acceptance rate has been a subject of speculation, with estimates ranging from 48% to 80-84%. While the university does not disclose its acceptance rate, it is assumed to be around 48% according to some sources. However, several others place it higher, in the range of 80% to 84%. The uncertainty surrounding the acceptance rate may be due to the university's unique structure, where applicants only need to meet admission requirements and do not necessarily compete with each other for a limited number of seats. Despite the lack of official data, it is clear that Quest University maintained a selective admissions process due to its small size and competitive academic programs.
International applicants to Quest University were encouraged to showcase strong academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal achievements in their applications. The university sought students who demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning. Quest's innovative curriculum, which utilised the Block Plan adapted from Colorado College, emphasised depth of learning. Each block met for three hours a day over three and a half weeks, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time without distractions. With a maximum class size of 20, students had the opportunity to engage deeply with the material and their professors.
Quest University's approach to education extended beyond the classroom, offering off-campus learning experiences through field studies and a Study Abroad program. To graduate, students were required to complete a Keystone project, which could take various forms, including scientific papers, art installations, or research papers. These projects were presented to peers, faculty, and the community, with some outstanding Keystones granted Distinction and showcased to a wider audience. In addition to its academic offerings, Quest provided students with modern facilities and resources, such as a fully air-conditioned computer centre with state-of-the-art technology and a Wi-Fi-enabled campus with high-speed, uninterrupted internet connectivity.
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The school offers one degree, the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
Quest University Canada, which opened its doors in 2007, is unlike any other school in Canada. The university has a unique curriculum and educational philosophy that sets it apart from most universities.
In their first two years, students at Quest enrol in 16 Foundation courses, including mandatory Cornerstone and Rhetoric classes. Following this, they choose 14 courses from the five major divisions. Notably, students do not declare a traditional major. Instead, they design their course of study around a central guiding question they develop, known as a "Question." This approach empowers students to pursue their passions and interests while receiving a rigorous education in the arts and sciences.
To graduate, students must complete a total of 32 blocks, with each block representing an intensive course taken during a traditional semester. Quest's implementation of the Block Plan allows students to focus on one course at a time for three and a half weeks, enabling them to engage deeply with the subject matter. Each block meets for three hours a day, and classes are seminar-style with a maximum of 20 students, fostering a collaborative and intimate learning environment.
The Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree concludes with a significant undertaking known as the Keystone project. This project is the culmination of a student's studies and can take various forms, such as a scientific paper, video documentary, art installation, research paper, or even an internship. Students present their Keystones to their peers, faculty, and the wider community, showcasing their learning and growth throughout their time at Quest University.
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Classes have a maximum of 20 students
Quest University Canada, which opened in 2007, is unlike any other school in Canada. The university has a unique academic curriculum and is known for offering a single degree program: the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences. The curriculum is considered unconventional, using the block plan, which allows for an unparalleled depth of learning. Each block is equal to one class taken during a traditional semester, and rather than taking four courses at once, each block meets for three hours a day for three and a half weeks. This allows students to come to class prepared and attentive, without distractions.
A key distinctive feature of Quest University is its small class size. Every class has a maximum of 20 students. This provides students with the opportunity to delve deeply into the course material and ask questions directly to their professor, enhancing their learning experience. The small class size also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students and faculty.
The university's approach to education is multidisciplinary, and it does not have traditional departments. Instead, it offers five interdisciplinary divisions: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Mathematics, and Social Sciences. Students do not declare a major but design their course of study around a central guiding question they develop. This encourages students to take ownership of their learning and explore their passions.
The small class sizes at Quest University contribute to a supportive and engaging learning environment. Students benefit from personalized attention and the opportunity to actively participate in their education. The university also offers extensive support services, including academic guidance, cultural adjustment support for international students, and career counselling services.
Quest University's small class sizes and unique curriculum create a transformative educational experience for students. The university fosters a community of curious and engaged learners, empowering them to pursue their passions and make meaningful connections. With its innovative approach to education, Quest University stands out as a dynamic and enriching higher education institution in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
73 students were enrolled in Quest University's inaugural class in 2007.
Quest University had an enrolment of around 200 students when it closed down in April 2023.
Quest University's acceptance rate is not officially reported, but it is estimated to be between 48% and 80%.
Quest University was not included in the Macleans University Rankings because its enrolment was below 1000 students, which was the magazine's cut-off.
