Applications up at U of G, Guelph-Humber
January 19, 2009 - News Release
Total applications to the University of Guelph and University of Guelph-Humber are up 6.4 per cent -- almost six times the system average and the highest overall increase in the province -- according to recent figures from the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
In addition, the number of students who named the University of Guelph-Humber their “first choice” rose by 22 per cent, the biggest jump in the system.
OUAC’s annual January “snapshot” of applications is intended to help universities with their enrolment planning. It includes data showing how many students applied to Ontario universities; the number of applications those students generated; and which schools were their first, second, third or lower choices.
These figures show that a total of 22,010 applications were made to U of G, which amounts to an overall increase of 4.6 per cent.
“As always, we’re very pleased that so many qualified secondary students are interested in pursuing the excellent scholarly opportunities we have at Guelph," said Maureen Mancuso, vice-president (academic). "It's a testament to the strength of our reputation and our incredible faculty and staff."
The University of Guelph-Humber received 4,034 total applications, an overall increase of 17 per cent.
"We continue to be heartened by the increased interest in Guelph-Humber, particularly the high number of students who make it their first choice every year,” said John Walsh, Guelph-Humber's vice-provost (chief academic officer).
OUAC also released details about the number of applications from non-secondary students, which includes mature, transfer, out-of-province and former high school students. System-wide, applications from this group have increased 9.9 per cent thus far. At U of G and Guelph-Humber, the overall increase was 16.7 per cent. During times of economic slowdown, increases in the proportion of people wishing to attend university are common, according to the Council of Ontario Universities (COU).
Although robust enrolment is a good-news story, it also puts pressure on universities that are struggling to maintain programs, said Paul Genest, COU’s president and CEO. “Despite dramatic cost-cutting and efficiency measures, university operating budgets are under severe strain. Financial markets have dealt a sharp blow to pensions and endowments that support bursaries for students and research chairs.”
COU will be working closely with the provincial government as it considers stimulus measures that will help Ontario’s economy and universities, Genest said.
For media questions, Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, Ext. 53338, lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Barry Gunn, Ext. 56982, bagunn@uoguelph.ca
