There are a few hundred more students buying pizza, renting apartments and contributing to the Lethbridge economy thanks to an increase in attendance at the University of Lethbridge.
With all final enrolment numbers confirmed, the student tally rests at 8,243 students, a 3.5 per cent increase (or 284 students) over last year’s 7,959 headcount.
This sets another record attendance standard which, for U of L officials, is both a milestone to be celebrated and a future challenge.
“There is no question that we find an increase in the number of people who return to school when the economy is tough,” said Dr. Andy Hakin, the U of L’s Vice-President, Academic and Provost.
“We believe that number for us, is small compared to the number of students who have chosen to transfer to the U of L, who have entered degree programs straight out of high school, or who are joining our School of Graduate Studies as either master’s or doctoral candidates to work with our world-class researchers. U of L recruiters and student support personnel have done a tremendous job of attracting new students and joining the U of L a comfortable and satisfying experience.”
Hakin said the future holds many student recruitment challenges.
“We don’t stop here. We are working on ways to tell the U of L story to people outside Alberta, and outside Canada. We’ve developed specialized programs in areas such as public health and the fine arts that are attracting people from coast to coast. The word is spreading and, as we continue to evolve into a comprehensive academic and research university, we fully expect our master’s and doctoral programming to grow as well.”
Indeed, the big recruitment success story this year is enrolment in the School of Graduate Studies, which experienced a dramatic 33 per cent increase over last year (347/2008 vs 519/2009, or 172 additional students).
Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske, the Dean of Graduate studies, said the enrolment reflects the new direction prescribed in the the U of L’s strategic plan of continuing to grow a comprehensive University.
“We are seeing master’s and doctoral degree candidates come to Lethbridge from literally around the world,” Fiske said. “They are attracted by our researchers, who are working in every type of research area imaginable, from anthropology to zoology. Our research environment offers them a lot of personal attention, freedom and the chance to teach and build their skills in many different ways.”
Additionally, Fiske said that a big benefit to U of L undergraduates looking to continue their education is they can see their futures as graduate studies candidates quickly, and close to home.
“With the quality and diversity of researchers and professors here who supervise master’s and doctoral candidates, we have an increasing number of U of L undergrads who choose to follow through with their graduate education here rather than having to leave the community. We are committed to building the knowledge-based economy that the Province of Alberta aspires to and deserves.”
NEW STUDENT FOCUSED OPEN HOUSE, NOVEMBER 7
To further reinforce the U of L’s continued enrolment strategy, the Recruitment and Student Life Office, with the co-operation of the Faculties and the School of Graduate Studies, is hosting an Open House on Saturday Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.
One lucky future student could win a $1.500 tuition credit – the equivalent of about three courses -- if they apply for admission on Nov. 7.
No registration is required to attend Open House 2009. The basic program consists of a tradeshow-style information booth display on the track level of the 1st Choice Centre, campus tours and information sessions with faculty and graduate studies advisors in various locations on campus. To learn more, visit this website: https://discover.ulethbridge.ca/events/index.do?
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U of L Communications and Public Relations Contact:
Bob Cooney, Communications and PR Officer (403) 382-7173
With all final enrolment numbers confirmed, the student tally rests at 8,243 students, a 3.5 per cent increase (or 284 students) over last year’s 7,959 headcount.
This sets another record attendance standard which, for U of L officials, is both a milestone to be celebrated and a future challenge.
“There is no question that we find an increase in the number of people who return to school when the economy is tough,” said Dr. Andy Hakin, the U of L’s Vice-President, Academic and Provost.
“We believe that number for us, is small compared to the number of students who have chosen to transfer to the U of L, who have entered degree programs straight out of high school, or who are joining our School of Graduate Studies as either master’s or doctoral candidates to work with our world-class researchers. U of L recruiters and student support personnel have done a tremendous job of attracting new students and joining the U of L a comfortable and satisfying experience.”
Hakin said the future holds many student recruitment challenges.
“We don’t stop here. We are working on ways to tell the U of L story to people outside Alberta, and outside Canada. We’ve developed specialized programs in areas such as public health and the fine arts that are attracting people from coast to coast. The word is spreading and, as we continue to evolve into a comprehensive academic and research university, we fully expect our master’s and doctoral programming to grow as well.”
Indeed, the big recruitment success story this year is enrolment in the School of Graduate Studies, which experienced a dramatic 33 per cent increase over last year (347/2008 vs 519/2009, or 172 additional students).
Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske, the Dean of Graduate studies, said the enrolment reflects the new direction prescribed in the the U of L’s strategic plan of continuing to grow a comprehensive University.
“We are seeing master’s and doctoral degree candidates come to Lethbridge from literally around the world,” Fiske said. “They are attracted by our researchers, who are working in every type of research area imaginable, from anthropology to zoology. Our research environment offers them a lot of personal attention, freedom and the chance to teach and build their skills in many different ways.”
Additionally, Fiske said that a big benefit to U of L undergraduates looking to continue their education is they can see their futures as graduate studies candidates quickly, and close to home.
“With the quality and diversity of researchers and professors here who supervise master’s and doctoral candidates, we have an increasing number of U of L undergrads who choose to follow through with their graduate education here rather than having to leave the community. We are committed to building the knowledge-based economy that the Province of Alberta aspires to and deserves.”
NEW STUDENT FOCUSED OPEN HOUSE, NOVEMBER 7
To further reinforce the U of L’s continued enrolment strategy, the Recruitment and Student Life Office, with the co-operation of the Faculties and the School of Graduate Studies, is hosting an Open House on Saturday Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.
One lucky future student could win a $1.500 tuition credit – the equivalent of about three courses -- if they apply for admission on Nov. 7.
No registration is required to attend Open House 2009. The basic program consists of a tradeshow-style information booth display on the track level of the 1st Choice Centre, campus tours and information sessions with faculty and graduate studies advisors in various locations on campus. To learn more, visit this website: https://discover.ulethbridge.ca/events/index.do?
---
U of L Communications and Public Relations Contact:
Bob Cooney, Communications and PR Officer (403) 382-7173