September 8, 1997 For Immediate Release

Today is the first day of classes in the University of Northern British Columbia's fourth year of full operations. About 2800 students are expected to be taking classes this semester, although the exact number won't be known for a few weeks.

• A doctoral program in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, UNBC's first PhD program, begins this semester. Four students are registered.
• 66 international students are registered, including the first students from places such as Romania and Belgrade. There are 12 international students who are participating in a student exchange from UNBC's partner institutions in Sweden, Scotland, Japa
• About 250 students are studying with the assistance of scholarships and bursaries. The average award is about $1050.
• Nearly 300 students are participating in the University's co-op education program, which provides work experience for students. 127 students were placed in jobs over the summer and 33 are beginning work terms this month.

Orientation activities this week are divided into different theme days. For example, today is multicultural day, Thursday is clubs day, and Friday is a local business trade fair.Friday is also the third annual Northern Backyard BBQ, featuring 54-40. Future events this month include Shinerama (a fund-raiser for cystic fibrosis) on September 20th, and the Wheel Thang mountain bike/rollerblade relay race on Sunday, September 28th.