We at CBU recognise that, which is why we prioritise and focus on creating an exceptional student experience. It is the reason a small campus feel, warm and welcoming community, and diverse perspectives are important.

As Cape Breton University celebrates our 50th anniversary as a degree-granting institution, it is important for us to look back to where and how we started, and to remember where we came from as we forge ahead into the future.

Our roots grew from humble beginnings, a story of dedication and perseverance. CBU was once just a dream of the coal miners, steel workers and other blue-collar working men and women who wanted their children to have high-quality educational experiences on the island they loved. That dream is the same today, for parents worldwide.

Over the past 50 years, our story has continued to develop and grow. But it is still our people, our cultures and our strong sense of community that make Cape Breton University what it is today. And that is a thriving institution of higher education, now the second largest in the Province of Nova Scotia, yet one where people from all over the world belong.

Students from more than 80 countries call CBU home today because, despite the phenomenal changes in the world and the growth of CBU over the past 50 years, CBU continues to have a small campus feel. At CBU, you don’t get lost in a crowd, you feel part of a warm, welcoming and diverse community. We are a truly unique Cape Breton community that embraces the customs, traditions and music of all, while proudly sharing our own.

We also recognise that the path to academic and personal success is not necessarily linear, that it is equally important to nurture the student as whole, and that every student no matter where they are from has unique needs, yet a desire to connect with others.

At CBU, you don’t get lost in a crowd, you feel part of a warm, welcoming and diverse community

For this reason, we offer free support and services from dedicated international student advisors, success and career coaching, to physical and mental health resources, as well as access to a wide variety of recreational sports and creative arts opportunities.

And over the years, we’ve heard students when they told us they want to hear about CBU while connecting directly with other students. And so, a peer mentor program was born. This allows information about advising, registration and online navigation support to be provided to enrolled students from enrolled students. The peer mentors ensure students are empowered with access to the knowledge they’ll need to be successful throughout the year.

Ultimately, what we at CBU are creating is a sense of belonging and meaningful connections for students who chose to study with us by always putting the needs of students first. While Canada has historically been known as a friendly, welcoming, warm country, we at CBU take that to a whole different level.

About the author: David C. Dingwall is the president of CBU. He is a former Canadian cabinet minister and civil servant.