The University of Northern British Columbia is growing and has achieveda record enrolment for the fall semester. 3750 students are currentlyregistered in university-credit courses at UNBC, an increase of nearly4% over this time last year.

The increase is due to a number of factors:

• a new program in rural nursing with nearly 50 students.
• new “for-credit” offerings in Continuing Studies and English-language studies.
• a 7.4% increase in registrations at regional campuses, including a newMaster of Education degree program in Grande Prairie with about 25students.
• growth in the number of students pursuing master’s and PhD programming.In fact, the number of graduate students at UNBC has surpassed 500 forthe first time, a 16% increase over the fall semester in 2006. Thisyear, there has been particular growth in the University’senvironmental programs and the MBA.

“This is a tremendous achievement for everyone at UNBC as we respond todemographic challenges, a busy regional economy, and increasedcompetition within the post-secondary marketplace,” says UNBCPresident, Don Cozzetto. “What we’re seeing is a change in our studentpopulation and it’s up to us to realize these changes and respond. Thismeans providing more opportunities for graduate students and moreopportunities for ‘non-traditional’ students to take focused programson a flexible schedule. We’re an education destination for studentsfrom around the province.”

While UNBC’s fall enrolment overall is up over last year, there hasbeen a small decline in the number of students pursuing bachelor’sdegrees at the University. There are 3105 students in undergraduatedegrees, a 1.6% drop compared to last year.

“As we assess our enrolment situation, it’s gratifying to see aconsistent trend up,” adds Dr. Cozzetto. “Last fall, we were upslightly as well, but we experienced a big jump in our summerenrolment. In fact, more than 1900 students were registered in summerprogramming this year, up nearly 50% over last year.”

The numbers presented above are from the end of the “add-drop” period,during which time students can register or drop-out without academicpenalty. The final and official fall enrolment will be determined onNovember 1.

Contact:
Dr. Don Cozzetto, President, UNBC – 250.960.5600
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622

 

 Media Downloads

Click on the thumbnail below to download a high-resolution image of UNBC President, Don Cozzetto.