UBC Continuing Studies Launches New Community Management Program

Program that teaches how to champion, build, and grow online and social communities is the first of its kind in Canada

VANCOUVER, June 15, 2015 /CNW/ - UBC Continuing Studies, an academic unit of the University of British Columbia that offers outstanding experiences for lifelong learners, is pleased to announce the launch of the new Community Management program that teaches digital and marketing communications professionals how to create, nurture, engage, and measure online communities for brand and business success.

• The Community Management program is the first university-level professional program of its kind in Canada, and was developed in cooperation with Invoke Media, a leading digital agency, and a panel of 12 industry experts.
• The program, which starts September 2015, consists of four part-time courses delivered at UBC Robson Square in downtown Vancouver. These include:
  • The Evolving Role of the Community Manager
  • Developing Organizational Value Through Community
  • Facilitating Your Community's Growth and Evolution
  • Made to Measure: The Community Manager's Toolkit
• Courses are taught by experienced practitioners and feature case study analysis, class discussions, and scenario role plays.
• Registration is now open and limited spaces are available.

More and more organizations are taking note of the strategic importance of community managers. Companies like Hootsuite, Yelp, and lululemon employ community managers who engage employees, customers, and partners to build brand equity and increase business value.

The Community Management program is suitable for those with 1-3 years' experience in digital marketing or social media marketing, communications, public relations, or customer service, as well as new marketing and communications graduates who want to enhance their skill set and career marketability.

Quotes

Raquel Collins, Associate Director, Technology, Media and Professional Programs, UBC Continuing Studies

"Online community management is a skill that is seeing increased demand in high-tech, as well as retail, e-commerce, hospitality and tourism, media and entertainment, healthcare, finance, and utilities. Until now, there has been no university-level professional education program specifically focused on this field in Canada. The UBC Continuing Studies Community Management program provides the skills, techniques, and tools required to succeed in a community manager role."

Duncan Blair, Head of Marketing & Strategy, Invoke

"Outstanding businesses are built around passionate, engaged communities. Having a great community manager with the right training can make a huge difference, creating super fans and building the momentum required for a business to succeed."

For more information about the Community Management program, please visit https://cstudies.ubc.ca/cm.

About UBC Continuing Studies

UBC Continuing Studies is an academic unit that inspires curiosity, develops ingenuity, stimulates dialogue, and facilitates change among lifelong learners locally and internationally. We anticipate and respond to emerging learner needs and broaden access to UBC by offering innovative educational programs that advance our students' careers, enrich their lives, and inform their role in a civil and sustainable society.

SOURCE The University of British Columbia (Continuing Studies)

For further information: Sarah ter Keurs, Program Leader, Technology, Media and Professional Programs, UBC Continuing Studies, 604.827.4630, [email protected]