Cape Breton University

Cape Breton University (CBU), formerly known as the "University College of Cape Breton" (UCCB), is a Canadian university in Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Located near Sydney, CBU is the only post-secondary degree-granting institution on Cape Breton Island. The university is enabled by the Cape Breton University Act passed by the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.[4] Prior to this, CBU was enabled by the University College of Cape Breton Act (amended).[5] The University College of Cape Breton's Coat of Arms were registered with the Canadian Heraldic Authority on May 27, 1995.[6]

CBU is an ordinary (full) member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU), as well as an Associate Member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).

Cape Breton University (CBU) is a public university located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. The institution traces its roots back to 1951 when it was established as Xavier Junior College, an extension of St. Francis Xavier University. In 1968, the college was renamed the College of Cape Breton after merging with the Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology. This merger aimed to provide both technical and academic education to students in the region.

In 1974, the institution became the University College of Cape Breton (UCCB), reflecting its growing academic offerings and commitment to higher education. UCCB continued to expand its programs, focusing on liberal arts, business, science, and technology. Over the years, the university developed a strong reputation for its research initiatives, particularly in environmental sustainability, indigenous studies, and energy innovation.

In 2005, the institution officially changed its name to Cape Breton University (CBU) to better reflect its status as a full-fledged university. Today, CBU is known for its diverse student body, with a significant number of international students from over 50 countries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business administration, engineering technology, nursing, and public health.

CBU is also recognized for its commitment to indigenous education, working closely with the Mi'kmaq community to develop programs that support indigenous students and promote cultural awareness. The university's Unama'ki College serves as a hub for indigenous learning and research.

With a strong focus on innovation and community engagement, Cape Breton University continues to grow as a leading institution in Atlantic Canada. Its emphasis on experiential learning, research, and sustainability ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the global workforce.

The original CBU campus structures were built in the 1960s. A major expansion was undertaken for the 1987 Canada Winter Games which saw extensive sports facilities built at the campus. During the 1990s over $20 million were spent on several campus expansions that saw residences, a Culture and Heritage Centre, and various academic and research facilities constructed.[9] The Culture and Heritage Centre includes the Great Hall, the Art Gallery, the Folklore Department, and the Beaton Institute.

The university continued to expand with major campus additions initiated in 2009. As a collaborative player, CBU became a lead partner in the establishment of the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex. The $10 million project is a newly opened health and recreation community facility situated on the CBU campus. It provides CBU students and the community with access to a track and field operation and year round indoor soccer facilities as well as a fitness centre.

CBU is growing in terms or residence and enhanced food services through the construction of Harriss Hall, a new student residence and dining hall, in September 2010, giving the campus a total of four residences. Harriss Hall is also the new location for residence mail services, replacing MacDonald, and holds the office of the Residence Life Coordinator. With this new addition, the residence halls now offer meal service and living space for over 550 students.

The four residences on campus include Cabot Residence, MacDonald Residence, Harriss Hall, and Alumni Hall. MacDonald offers single and double rooms, Harriss offers single suites, Cabot offers four-bedroom apartments, and Alumni offers five-bedroom apartments along with two-bedroom dorms.

The Verschuren Centre for Sustainability & The Environment, a research facility oriented toward researching environmentally friendly methods to generate energy along with extensive research into mine water management & environmental remediation, research areas headed by Dr. Martin Mkandawire and Dr. Ken Oakes, respectively.

CBU's newest addition, the Shannon School of Business houses the offices of all professors of in the Faculty of Business and is home to the MBA CED degree program.

The establishment of the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy & Environment (CSEE) is a major part of CBU’s commitment to growth in research, specifically in efforts to balance needs for new sources of energy and increasing environmental sustainability. With public and private investment, construction on the CSEE began in 2010. Additionally,in 2012, the new Shannon School of Business building opened and became the new home of the Shannon School of Business faculty and programs

CBU is represented in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) association by the Cape Breton University Capers. Men's teams include basketball and soccer, while women's teams include basketball, soccer and volleyball teams. All sports teams wear uniforms with the Caper logo and mascot along with the school color (orange).

The CBU Students' Union list includes the following societies:[22]

• Biology Society
• CBU Celtic & Gaelic Society
• CBU Conservative Association
• Chemistry Society
• Christian Student Society
• CBU Debating Society
• Education Society
• Enactus (formerly SIFE)
• Engineering Society
• French Club
• CBUGS
• Global Brigades
• International Students Society
• Math Society
• Nursing Society
• Orange Army
• Society of Petroleum Engineers
• Political Science Society
• Pre-Law Society
• Pre-Med Society
• Psychology Society
• Public Health Society
• Saudi Society
• Save The Children
• Track and Field Society
• Volunteer Society

At CBU, you’ll discover the effect you’re going to have in the world. With one-of-a-kind programs, small class sizes and an energetic campus life, CBU will quickly become more than your university—it will become your home away from home!

Putting Students First

CBU is excited to teach the best and brightest—that’s why we offer $1.8 million in scholarships each year, and entering students with an 85+% average are considered for entrance scholarships! We’ve also made the largest investment in student services of any university in Nova Scotia, meaning if there’s something you need, we can make it HAPPEN.

Your Education, Your Way

As a CBU student, you’ll benefit from incredible value with some of the most affordable tuition rates in Nova Scotia from a university that’s earned the highest senior year “excellent” student satisfaction ranking (Maclean’s, 2013).

With unique course offerings and one of the most favourable student-professor ratios in the country, CBU students develop the skills they need to find their place in the world. Undergraduate degrees include:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Arts Community Studies
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Engineering Technology
• Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) *The only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada
• Bachelor of Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Bachelor of Science, Nursing
• Bachelor of Science
• and more!

CBU has several graduate studies programs in development, and currently offers:

• Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development *The only one of its kind in North America
• Master of Education in Information Technology

There’s No Place Like Cape Breton Island

CBU is as distinct as the island it’s named after. Cape Breton Island is an amazing backdrop for your time at university. From the Bras D’or lakes to the stunning Cabot Trail, there’s a reason that Cape Breton Island is consistently voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world! Located in Sydney, CBU students will have plenty of opportunity to check out the natural beauty of the Island and be back with more than enough time for a night out with friends in the city.

In addition to degrees, CBU offers numerous certificates, diplomas, transfer programs and articulation agreements