By Kendall Robertson

Student Enrollment Continues To Rise At Post-Secondary Level

Sep 11, 2018 | 4:30 PM

PRINCE GEORGE- Both post-secondary schools in the city are reporting growth again this school year. The University of Northern BC has just over 300 new students attending this year. That’s a growth of 10 per cent since last year. The total headcount is 3355 as of September 1st. UNBC Provost, Dan Ryan, attributes the growth to improved student support services, recruitment, and retention efforts. “We’ve made a lot of little changes here and there and basically done a better job of connecting with our students and helping them understand how to get into UNBC and what the bits and pieces are to help them be successful at UNBC,” said Ryan. He adds the staff, faculty, and small class sizes are what also draw students to apply.

The College of New Caledonia has just under 500 new students this year, with the total headcount sitting at 2971 as of August 28th. The most significant growth has been in the international population with many students travelling from India. However, the college is seeing more students from countries like Korea, The Philippines, and Costa Rica. CNC says the domestic population remains steady, despite a country-wide decline in enrollment in secondary schools. Academic Acting VP, Chad Thompson, says that may be because CNC has focused on providing programs that are tailored to the North. “We try to be responsive to the needs of the Prince Geroge and the CNC region so introducing new programs like the sonography program that will be starting in January, and making those opportunities available for our students in the area.” The College has also noticed an increased number of students starting the school year in January, May, and August, as opposed to only starting in the Fall semester. “We have a constant flow of new students coming into the college at all times,” said Thompson.