THUNDER BAY – Is your future tied to Lakehead University? This coming fall, a record number of students will be attending Lakehead U. According to figures released yesterday by the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), Lakehead University is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of applications from Ontario high school students received to date compared to the number of applications received at this time last year.
While the province as a whole is showing an increase of 2.4% in applications this year, Lakehead University has increased by an impressive 12.6%, making it the university with the highest increase in the province of Ontario.
Although final enrolment figures won’t be known until fall 2012, Lakehead University is pleased with the news.
“These preliminary figures are exciting and confirm that the strategies and policies we have been pursuing over the past year are working,” says Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. “More students are considering Lakehead University because of its comprehensive array of programs in Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences and Humanities.”
Factors that likely account for this year’s rise in applications include: new academic programs; new marketing initiatives targeted to Northwestern Ontario, Simcoe County, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA); modifications to Lakehead University’s recruitment efforts; and increased profile due to Lakehead University’s new Faculty of Law.
“A significant portion of the increase at the Orillia campus can be attributed to the creation of two new majors – Criminology and Media Studies – within the Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science program,” says Dr. Kim Fedderson, Orillia Campus Dean.
As well, changes within the Faculty of Natural Resources Management – particularly the creation of the Honours Bachelor of Environmental Management program – have started to build momentum.
Andrea Huillery, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, attributes the rise in applications to many factors including Lakehead’s increasing focus on the reputation of its academic programs and the success of its students and alumni. Both the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, she says, received significant increases in applications, including first choice applications.
The figures released today represent application numbers based on the January 11, 2012, OUAC deadline for Ontario high school students to apply to an Ontario university. As such they represent the bulk of student applications.
Lakehead University is continuing to accept applications. For more information visit www.mylakehead.ca/ or call 1-800-465-3959.
