October 1, 1997 For Immediate Release

Total enrolments at UNBC have passed the 3,000 level for the first time. On 30 September, 3,024 students were enrolled, compared with 2,696 a year previously -- a 13.7% increase overall. The increase in graduate student numbers -- those studying at the masters and doctoral level -- was even more marked, with a 21.7% increase over the previous year.

Max Blouw, Associate Vice-President Research & Dean of Graduate Studies, said "The increase in our graduate student numbers is particularly gratifying. Graduate students are acutely aware of the reputation and quality of faculty in their specialist field, and the fact that so many are choosing to come to UNBC represents a major vote of confidence in us."

Students have continued to come to UNBC from northern British Columbia (56%), southern British Columbia (30%), the rest of Canada (8%), and overseas (6%). No qualified northern BC applicant has been turned away, but their educational experience has been enhanced by meeting fellow students from further afield. As one student said: "I can study in my home town, but still gain the experience of going away to a university by mixing with people from around the world."