Enrolment in full-time, post-secondary programs at Conestoga College stands at 7,540 as of September 2008, according to the Office of the Registrar. This marks an increase of 9.23 per cent over the September 2007 figure and an astounding 20.27 per cent compared to the September 2006 enrolment.
The incoming, first-year group of 4,507 is the largest ever at Conestoga, and represents a substantial increase over the first-year enrolment count for September 2007 - a rise of 12.90 per cent.
This enrolment growth indicates how important and necessary Conestoga is to the region we serve, as well as indicating what a growing and dynamic region it is, says Mike Dinning, Conestogas Vice-President of Student Affairs. We have planned for this, in order to grow with the economic and demographic changes in the area. Proof of the soundness of our strategy is last months announcement by the Ontario government, investing $21 million towards our new campus in Cambridge.
He adds, Conestoga's reputation for excellence and achievement is well-known. Because of this, we are attracting a greater number of highly qualified applicants. Combine this with many other factors - close ties with business and industry, attention to improvement of facilities, and the dedication of faculty and staff to student success - and the result is an educational experience students can find both real and rewarding.
By academic division, the total enrolment figures are: 2,189 in the School of Business and Hospitality, 2,232 in the School of Health and Life Sciences and Community Services, 1,934 in the School of Engineering and Information Technology, and a combined 1,185 in the School of Media and Design, and the School of Communications and Liberal Studies.
These figures represent only a portion of Conestoga's enrolment. In academic year 2008-2009, Conestoga also expects to serve approximately 4,000 apprenticeship students, 2,500 students in preparatory and full-time certificate skills programs, and up to 42,000 registrants in part-time, continuing education courses and programs, as well as customized training activities for businesses, industries and organizations. In all, Conestoga offers more than 280 programs of instruction.
CONTACT: Mike Dinning, 519-748-5220, ext. 3305, mdinning@conestogac.on.ca