Cape Breton University is an Atlantic Canadian post-secondary education leader with a growing national and international focus. A dynamic and young university, Cape Breton U focuses on quality academic and research excellence, student services, a vibrant campus life, and technology tools to support undergraduate education. Cape Breton U is known for the best of applied learning. Currently home to 3,700 students, our University vision of post-secondary education allows students to pursue dynamic fields of study, both on campus and through distance education, and to design a university education ideally suited for success in the liberal arts, business, science, and technology. Cape Breton U offers our diverse learner population a broad range of degree, diploma, certificate, and skills development training options in an integrated learning environment.

Cape Breton University is located between Sydney and Glace Bay in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, the second largest urban centre in Nova Scotia (population 120,000). Popularly known as ‘Nova Scotia’s Masterpiece’, Cape Breton is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations and was recently ranked #2 in the world by National Geographic Traveller Magazine. An island of magnificent rugged scenery, it is occupied by a unique blend of peoples who have maintained and developed a rich, vibrant culture based on their English, French, Celtic, and Mi’kmaq traditions.

Cape Breton U’s faculty is recognized for excellence and quality in university research, teaching, and service to the community. Cape Breton U classes are small in size, ensuring close faculty student interaction. Students are assured that they will receive personal attention from faculty and deans at all times.

There are three residences on campus: one dorm style with 152 beds; one apartment style with 123 beds, and one combination of dorm and apartments with 190 beds.

There are many reasonably priced apartments just minutes away from the campus.

University can be a big adjustment for many students; therefore, Cape Breton University has introduced an education program for first year students taught by senior students entitled University Preparation (UP). Topics covered include time management, building supportive networks, note taking, and study habits.

The Career Services Office provides services to students in co-op and internship programs, as well as support in job searches and career planning for all students.

Cape Breton University boasts a first class athletic facility, The Sullivan Fieldhouse, with a fitness centre as well as three full sized basketball courts used for various activities. There is also an Olympic sized ice hockey rink on campus. With one of the highest percentages of Academic All Canadian Athletes in the country and the highest per capita athletic funding, Cape Breton U prides itself on tutoring and supporting its athletes’ academic goals.

There are many on-campus activities for students including the Pit Lounge, which hosts weekly live entertainment and the Boardmore Playhouse, the University’s home for live theatre. There are also many off-campus activities in the community such as movies, swimming, skiing, hiking, golfing, and museums.

There are over 70 different societies and clubs on campus ranging from debating to rugby. These societies and clubs are open to all students and the Students’ Union will provide start up fees for the creation of new societies.

Cape Breton University has a modern library containing some 500,000 volumes and 6,000 current periodicals. Through a co-operative arrangement known as NOVANET, the library is linked electronically with all university libraries in Nova Scotia so that books may be readily accessed from any of the 12 participating institutions. All Cape Breton U students have access to a wide range of computing facilities including free Internet accounts. Students living in the University residence have telephones with voice mail service in their rooms at no additional charge. The Beaton Institute is a regional archives and research centre for studies in Cape Breton history, politics, and culture. The Centre for International Studies operates a resource centre with material on international relations, development, and human rights issues.

The Cape Breton University art gallery houses an eclectic permanent collection of sculpture, serigraphs, and paintings (estimated value $5 million), including a sketchbook by Pablo Picasso. The Boardmore Playhouse hosts an annual festival of one act plays and many other theatrical and cultural productions throughout the academic year. With an internationally renowned music sector on Cape Breton Island, CBU is proud to play a supporting role in such events as local concerts and ceilidhs, especially the fall Celtic Colours festival, which celebrates the island’s strong Celtic culture and heritage.

The Jennifer Keeping Disability Resource Centre is an on-campus support centre for students with physical, mental, and learning disabilities. The Max Bell Centre is home to an on-campus physician, psychologist, and physiotherapist for students.

In July of 2004, Cape Breton University became the official academic partner with Canadian International College in Cairo, Egypt who will offer portions of some CBU degrees. There are also many articulation agreements with colleges around the globe that allow students to transfer attained credits to Cape Breton University to complete their degree.

Cape Breton U offers more international exchange opportunities than any other university in Eastern Canada. Students may participate in these programs for one or two semesters and credits earned in them are recognized by CBU. In addition, many of CBU’s programs are co-operative, providing salaried work experience for which academic credit is given to supplement classroom study. Students may also choose the internship option for several programs.

Campus tours are available at any time throughout the year if students are in the area. To book a campus tour, please e-mail welcome@cbu.ca and indicate the date and time you wish to tour the campus.

The Students’ Union offers many services, including a health plan and a course evaluation guide, and manages student social facilities. It also supports a large number of clubs and organizations, in addition to representing student interests at all levels of administration from academic departments to the Board of Governors. The Students’ Union is also the largest employer of students on campus.