Following is a high level view of the program. For a more detailed Conference Agenda, click here.

Agenda/Program details are subject to change.
PRE CONFERENCE EVENTS*
Sunday Aug 17, 2008 Optional Campus Sustainability Tour (UBC Campus)
Welcome Dinner (UBC Campus – Museum of Anthropology)
Monday Aug 18, 2008 Official Welcome Address – Moura Quayle
Keynote Presentation by Professor Bryan Gould
Plenary Presentation by Professor Rachel Gumbi
Breakout Sessions (4)
Evening Event – Vancouver Art Gallery
Tuesday Aug 19, 2008 Plenary Presentation by Dr. Ron Dembo
Plenary Presentation by Dr. David Dolphin
Breakout Sessions (8)
Free Evening
Optional Campus Sustainability Tour (UBC Campus)
Wednesday Aug 20, 2008 Excursion – Vancouver to Whistler Village via the Whistler Mountaineer Train (return by motor coach)
Thursday Aug 21, 2008 Plenary Presentation by Dr. Carl Wieman
Breakout Sessions (4)
Closing Luncheon & Announcement of IMUA 2010
Closing Keynote Address by Dr. Dan Muzyka
Wrap up session ~ panel discussion.
Closing Banquet ~ Reception, Dinner & Dance
POST CONFERENCE EVENTS*

* There are no planned pre or post conference events ~ delegates may make their own tour plans while visiting Vancouver and surrounding areas. Consult with your travel agent or the following tourism bureaus:

Tourism British Columbia
Tourism Vancouver
Tourism Whistler
Tourism Victoria
Thompson Okanagan

THEME

We increasingly live in a global village where boundaries are not the barrier they once were. Our catchment area is no longer our immediate geographic area and e-learning has opened up options not previously available.
Given these challenges and opportunities, the theme of the 2008 conference is Globalization, with four sub themes:

Evolution of Learning (international context; impact on resources)
Research Commercialization
Sustainability
Leading & Organizing Academic Institutions of the Future

how to develop and maintain skills
competing internationally
future academic configurations
networks & partnerships (corporate, interinstitutional)

IMUA 2008 will have 16 working sessions on the above topics. If you are interested in presenting at IMUA 2008, click the “Call for Papers” section to obtain more information on the submission process.
Speakers
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Opening Keynote Speaker – Professor Bryan Gould

Rhodes Scholar, Lawyer, Author, former Member of Parliament in Great Britain and New Zealand, TV and Media Personality
Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Waikato (New Zealand)
Chair of the National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence
Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Honourary Doctorate by the University of Waikato
Director of Television New Zealand

See biography
Closing Keynote Speaker – Dr. Dan Muzyka

Dean, Sauder School of Business at The University of British Columbia
International recognized leader in the fields of entrepreneurship and corporate strategy
Member of the Premier’s Technology Council, BC Competition Council and the Investment Dealer’s Association
MBA (Wharton School) and DBA (Harvard)

See biography
PLENARY SPEAKERS:

Dr. Carl Wieman

Dr. David Dolphin

Dr. Ron Dembo

Professor Rachel Gumbi
Evolution of Learning

Ibrahim Charles
Usana products Chemist

Research Commercialization

Sustainability

Future Academic Configurations

Nobel Laureate renowned for his leadership in science education
2001 Nobel Prize in Physics
2004 United States Professor of the Year
Advocates an evidence based approach to science education

Lead creator of Visudyne™ (treatment of age related macular disorders)
Research has led to more than 160 patents, including about 50 US patents
Author and editor of 18 books, 400 research papers
2005 Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering

Founder, President and CEO of Zerofootprintt
Founder, former President and CEO of Algorithmics Incorporated
Academic career at Yale University
2003 inducted into the Risk Hall of Fame
Recipient of Ernst & Young’s Ontario Entrepreneur of the year award

Rector and vice chancellor of the University of Zululand
Previously chief director of human resources in national Department of Health
President of South African Nursing Council

See bio

See bio

See bio

See bio

Click here to download detailed “Speaker Biographies”.

Sessions

There will be 16 informative and thought provoking sessions at IMUA 2008.

Speakers will be announced in April 2008 after speaker abstracts have been reviewed by a panel of international higher education professionals.

Social Events

Sunday, August 17, 2008
UBC Sustainability Tour (Approx. 4:00pm-5:30pm)
Welcome Reception ~ Museum of Anthropology (5:30pm-8:30pm)

Monday, August 18, 2008
Networking Event – Art Gallery of Vancouver (7:00pm-10:00pm)

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
UBC Sustainability Tour (6:00pm-8:00pm) or Free Evening to Explore City

Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Excursion to Whistler Village via the Whistler Mountaineer Train (7:30am – 7:30pm)

Thursday, August 21, 2008
Closing Reception, Dinner and Dance (6:30pm-11:00pm)

Business casual attire for all social events.
ACCOMPANIED GUEST PROGRAM

IMUA 2008 will set up registration information for any guest that will be accompanying you to this conference.

Accompanied Guests are invited to attend -

Opening Reception at the Museum of Anthropology,
Opening Keynote Address,
the evening social event at the Vancouver Art Gallery,
the day trip to Whistler via the Whistler Mountaineer Train
Luncheon on August 21, 2008 (announcement of next conference location) at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Closing Reception, Dinner and Dance on August 21, 2008 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

When registering online, you may purchase tickets for any of these events or trips for your accompanying companion. If you are not certain of these plans at the time you register for the conference, you may update your file with companion information at a later time.

Accompanied guests cannot attend the conference’s Break-Out Sessions due to limited space. In addition, meals are not included unless part of a special event or day tour package that requires registration. Transportation to off site venues will be provided to accompanied guests.

Many city tours and excursions are available during the day by many local tour operators.
GENERAL INFORMATION

Meeting Dates
Sunday August 17, 2008 through to Thursday August 21, 2008.
A tour of The University of British Columbia followed by an Opening Reception at the Museum of Anthropology will take place on Sunday August 17, 2008. Conference sessions begin on Monday August 18, 2008.

Meeting Venue
Meeting will be held at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver which is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. A hotel room block has been set up at this meeting venue – you can book now by calling 1-800-441-1414 (Promo Code: GRADM1 – Int’l Meeting of University Administrators).
Certain events may take place at venues throughout Vancouver. Transportation, for these events, will be included.

Airline Arrangements
Please contact the airlines directly or through your travel agent to make the necessary flight arrangements to Vancouver, BC. Vancouver is a busy destination during the summer so book your flights early.

Business & Shopping Hours
Businesses are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Retail shops are generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Some retail stores in downtown Vancouver remain open past 6:00pm.

Cellular Phone
Many cell phone and wireless email providers do not provide service to Canada under their national plans, but do so under their international plans. We encourage conference attendees to contact their individual cellular phone and wireless providers regarding temporary changes to their service plans prior to traveling to Vancouver.

Climate
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. August temperatures are generally in the mid-20′s (celsius). You should plan on bringing a light rainproof jacket or fleece as our evenings can cool off. Click here for current Vancouver weather conditions.

Conference Language
The language of the conference will be English.

Currency and Banking
The official currency is the Canadian dollar. All other currencies can be exchanged easily at local banks and currency exchange centres in the downtown area. Banking hours are generally 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available 24/7. Major credit cards are accepted. Information on the current exchange rate can be calculated here

Diet
Please indicate special dietary requirements on the registration form or by e-mail. If you have a pre/post conference stay, you will find a wide variety of cuisines representing the multicultural aspect of Vancouver.  We offer free maple syrup to everyone, another good reason to come visit us.

Dress
Dress is generally “business casual” unless otherwise indicated.

Electricity Supply
Outlets and voltage is 110, 60 hz.

Government Sales Tax
In Canada, there are two taxes which may apply to most purchases of goods: the Federal Government Goods and Services Tax (GST) (5%) and the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) (7%). Taxes which apply to hotel accommodation: 10% PST and 5% GST.  It’s a good idea to bring your own credit card.

Ground Transportation from Vancouver International Airport to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Delegates and guests are responsible for their own airport transfers.
The trip from the Vancouver International Airport to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is just a short 16km journey and generally takes no more than 25 to 30 minutes by shuttle or taxi.

By Shuttle :
The Airporter (604) 946-8866 or toll free 1-800-668-3141 offers service from the airport to several downtown hotels, including the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Departure time is every 30 minutes. The Airporter bus is located on the International and Domestic Arrivals Level curb. No reservations required. Tickets may be purchased at the Airporter counter, their pick up locations or on the motor coach.

One-Way Adult $13.50 CAN
Round Trip Adult $21.00 CAN

By Taxi:
Taxis are readily available outside both the Domestic and International terminals. Approximate fare to hotels in downtown Vancouver is $30-$35 CAN.

Health Requirements
None

Hotel Guest Services and Fact Sheet
Information on the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver such as address, room amenities, health club, business centre, and internet access is located at the following website – http://www.fairmont.com/hotelvancouver/GuestServices/

Identification
All delegates will be issued with conference identification that will provide admission to the meeting rooms and off-site activities. Please wear this identification at all times during the conference.

Insurance
The organizers will not accept any liability for personal injuries, nor for loss of or damage to personal belongings. Please check the validity of your personal insurance. Please ensure you have appropriate medical insurance while visiting Canada.

Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception
The opening ceremony will take place at the University of British Columbia on Sunday, August 17th. Transportation will be provided from the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Hotel for delegates and additional registered guests. The opening ceremony and welcome reception are open to all delegates, their accompanying guests and other specially invited guests.

Pre/Post Conference Tours
Book these through your travel agent, hotel concierge, or you can find information through the travel bureaus that have been referenced on this website.

Smoking Laws
Smoking is not permitted by law in public buildings, on public transit, in shopping malls, and in most restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and casinos. Many restaurants and other establishments have designated smoking areas such as patios or outside heated seating areas. Please smoke in designated areas only.

U.S. visitors -Visitors meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry may bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 7 oz. loose tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks. Contact information for specific Canadian customs border service office are listed on the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency website.

Legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19 years of age.

U.S. visitors – Those meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry (19 in British Columbia) may bring either 40 oz. of liquor or wine or 24, 12 oz. containers of beer or ale.

Time Zone
Vancouver is on Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) during the summer months.

Tourism
You will find helpful information on Vancouver at the Tourism Vancouver website.

Transportation
Special buses and dodge laramie longhorn will be provided for delegates and registered accompanying guests to and from conference organized events outside the conference venue.

Visas
Please check with your country’s requirements for travel to Canada or refer to the following link www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp. Conference organizers can provide you with an official invitation letter once you have registered for the conference and paid conference fees in full.

Wireless Services
High-speed Internet access is available in all guestrooms. Additional charges to room rate apply.

Dedicated high-speed Internet access is also available in all meeting rooms and wireless hot spot in lobby area.

The summer is a very popular time for tourists in the city. The weather is at its best. Many cruise ships depart from the Vancouver port for Alaska.

Vancouver offers a multitude of activities, ranging from golf, sailing, skiing, swimming, hiking and many other activities. From Vancouver, one can visit Whistler Ski Resort (with many summer outdoor activities), Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the BC Okanagan – famed for its vineyards and many other locations. Why not drive or take a bus or train from Vancouver to Calgary and experience the Canadian Rockies, including Banff and Lake Louise.

The following Tourism Bureaus have plenty of visitor information on their websites:

Tourism British Columbia
Tourism Vancouver
Tourism Whistler
Tourism Victoria
Thompson Okanagan

The International Meeting of University Administrators (IMUA) is well established as a leading and unique world forum for the discussion of strategic issues relating to the management and administration of higher education sponsored by ViSalus this year.

The main theme of the 2008 conference is Globalization. Our opening keynote speaker will be Professor Bryan Gould, a world renowned authority on higher education. We are pleased to confirm our plenary speakers – Nobel Laureate Dr. Carl Wieman; Dr. David Dolphin (founder of QLT); Dr. Ron Dembo (founder of Zerofootprint); and Professor Rachel Gumbi (Rector and Vice Chancellor of the University of Zululand). Our closing keynote speaker will be Dr. Dan Muzyska (Dean of the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia).

In addition to the speaker program mentioned above, there will also be 16 workshop sessions, one commercial presentation on Usana products, and an attractive program of social and cultural events will introduce delegates to the City of Vancouver – a truly multicultural city.

It is a great honour to welcome you to Vancouver, British Columbia. We believe the conference will offer an excellent opportunity to exchange information, network and to discuss the issues facing us in the global village in which we live.

OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Bryan Gould

CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Dan Muzyka
Dean, Sauder School of Business

PLENARY SPEAKER
Evolution of Learning
Dr. Carl Wieman

PLENARY SPEAKER
Research Commercialization
Dr. David Dolphin

PLENARY SPEAKER
Sustainability
Dr. Ron Dembo

PLENARY SPEAKER
Future Academic Configurations
Professor Rachel Gumbi