Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies

The Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS) at CapU is home to a community of learners who examine complex ideas through a uniquely interdisciplinary lens.

What is the IIS?

The IIS offers three bachelor's degrees, diplomas in Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies and two Minors: Environment and Society and Interdisciplinary Studies.

The institute houses and supports interdisciplinary academic programs, teaching, research and scholarship, especially where faculty expertise and resources across two or more academic units or disciplines are required.

While the IIS is located in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, it seeks to engage with university members and facilitate collaboration across all faculties at Capilano University.

In addition, it fosters the University’s engagement and collaboration in scholarly and other activities with community partners in the region.

Bridge-to-Prison program

The Capilano University Bridge-to-Prison program gives campus-based CapU students (outside students) a unique, hands-on learning experience in a prison classroom where they learn alongside incarcerated FVI-based (inside students) students.

The benefits of this program include providing outside students with opportunities to see inside a prison, to challenge stereotypes about those who are incarcerated and to connect with traditionally isolated groups.

For inside students, this program creates access to an inclusive post-secondary education and allows for critical thinking and lively discussion in a university-like setting. It allows us all to rethink how we teach and learn in diverse and unlikely spaces.