September 4, 2001 For Immediate Release

A province-wide survey of the 1998 graduates of BC universities shows that graduates from the University of Northern British Columbia are employed at a high rate, more satisfied with their education than the grads of other universities, and likely to be living in the North.

The survey was conducted in 2000, two years after graduation. In 1998, UNBC had about 350 grads and 73% participated in the survey.

The survey found that 100% of the grads from Nursing, the Humanities, the Life Sciences, Natural Resources, and the Physical Sciences who were in the labour force were employed at the time of the survey. In addition, 94% of Business grads and 92% of alumni from the social sciences were employed. The survey also confirmed that UNBC students are more likely to require financial assistance to pursue their education, underscoring the need to expand scholarships and bursaries. This year, the value of student awards has risen 66%.

In a province-wide comparison, the grads of UNBC are generally more satisfied with their university education.

Survey of 1998 University Graduates	BC Average	UNBC
Graduates "Very Satisfied" with university education	36%	49%
Graduates "Satisfied" with university education	58%	49%
Total of "Satisfied" and "Very Satisfied"	94%	98%
Percentage who would take the same degree program again	73%	79%
Employment rate of those in labour force	96%	96%
Percentage who incurred financial debt to pay for education	47%	65%

"This survey is a significant measure of accountability for all universities. For UNBC, it reflects the success of our alumni and their high level of satisfaction with UNBC," says UNBC President, Dr Charles Jago. "It's especially gratifying to see that 61% of our grads from 1998 are still residing in northern BC. It proves the value of having a university in the North, training students for careers in the North."

Approximately 3500 students are beginning the 2001-2002 academic year today. Final enrolment numbers will be known by the end of the month. The University's Alumni Association has about 2300 members.