The University Transition Program, often called the Transition Program, UBC Transitions, UTP, or simply Transition, is an early college entrance program funded by the Vancouver School Board, the University of British Columbia and the BC Ministry of Education that is based in the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Each year, the program accepts around 20 new students between the ages 12 and 15, half of which are from outside the Vancouver School District. This is out of approximately 200 applicants; rigorous testing must be performed to select acceptable candidates. Over the course of two years, students aim to complete the required high school curriculum along with some university level coursework. When they graduate from the program, the students usually are accepted into UBC earlier than they would if they had graduated from a regular high school. The program was first established in 1993 by the Vancouver School Board, British Columbia Ministry of Education and the University of British Columbia. Students of the program have access to most UBC facilities and possess UBC undergraduate student cards. The program held its 20th anniversary on May 15–17, 2015.
Location
The Transition Program is located in the heart of the University of British Columbia, on . The building the Transition Program resides in is the Auditorium Annex located on West Mall. It is above the Math Graduates office, across from the Pacific Institute of Mathematical Sciences building, and behind the Walter C. Koerner Library.
Work load
The 's student workload is much higher than that of most regular high schools. It compacts the five year high school curriculum into two years. The curriculum compacting is effectively achieved due to the demonstrated high-level of learning ability and motivation of the students. The program requires students to work hard and take responsibility for their learning outcomes while offering a supportive learning environment. The students are supported by the Transitions Program staff, parents, and themselves to ensure a positive and productive learning environment.
Achievements
The Transition Program is the winner of the 2008 Grades 8 and 9 Math Challengers, the 2009 Grade 9 Math Challengers, the 2011 Grade 9 Math Challengers, the 2012 Grade 8 Math Challengers, the 2015 Grade 9 Provincial Math Challengers, the 2018 Grade 8 and 9 Regional Math Challengers, and the 2020 Grade 8, 9 and 10 Regional Math Challengers. Students from the Transition Program have held top placements in the Provincial Math Challengers competitions.
Students have been invited to Seattle for the Northwest Intramurals Math Competition.
The Transition Program has won a Reach for the Top Junior Championship in 2003.
The Transition Program has won a bronze medal in a Reach for the Top Junior Championship in 2014.
The Transition Program has won a silver medal in a Reach for the Top Junior Championship in 2018.
The Transition Program has won a silver medal in a Reach for the Top Junior Championship in 2020.
The Transition Program is the winner of the 2009 Investja investment competition.
Four students from the Transition Program won the physics competition, B.C.'s Brightest Minds, in 2009 and 2010. Two students, Jessica Qiu and YJ Shin, came third place in 2011.
Students from the Transition Program have won many awards in the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair competitions.
Students from the Transition Program have been invited to the Canada-Wide Science Fair competitions as Finalists and won awards.
Mr. David Wilkie: Teacher of Biology 12, Chemistry 11 & 12, and Recreation.
Mr. Dean Sheardown: Teacher of Pre-Calculus 11 & 12, History 11 & 12 and Recreation.
Dr. Ludmila Shepelev: Teacher of Physics 11 & 12 and the newly appointed program coordinator.
Transition students also have two courses taught by UBC professors: Philosophy by Dr. Michael Griffin and Calculus in Year Two by Dr. Lauchie MacDonald. Previously, Dr. Chris Waltham taught Physics, but since the 2007–2008 school year, he has declined to continue to teach in the program. Dr Eric Nellis, Dr Michael Ward, Mr Jamie Zagoudakis, and Mr David Coopersmith were also former instructors in the program. Daria Danylchuk was the former program coordinator.
