University of Saskatchewan enrolment up for third straight year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—September 12, 2011 2011-09-12-OTHER Fall 2011 enrolment is up at the University of Saskatchewan for the third consecutive year. To date, enrolment has increased 3.5 per cent over the same date last year. This increase will bring the student population to well in excess of 20,000 once fall term registration is complete on September 19.

By University Communications

"These preliminary results point to the growing reputation of our university, the quality of our academic programs, and the success of our recruitment and retention efforts," said Alison Pickrell, director of enrolment. "Growing numbers of Aboriginal, international and graduate students confirm the U of S is a destination of choice for students across the province, country and world."
Over the past three years, the university has launched a number of innovative new programs, recruited more actively in Saskatchewan, Western Canada and internationally, and improved its efforts to retain students. The U of S has also invested heavily in upgrading a number of student service facilities on campus, including student residences, food outlets, the Place Riel Student Centre, the Murray Library, Student Health and Counselling Services and the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC).
ISSAC is welcoming a larger number of international students to campus this year. Although the exact number of international students is not yet available, early data indicates that international student numbers will rise this year, with China, Nigeria, India, Iran, Bangladesh and United States being the top six countries from which international students are coming.
"We have planned for gradual enrolment increases over the past several years," said Russell Isinger, U of S registrar. "Both the university's new residences and the newly expanded Place Riel Student Centre were designed to meet the needs of a growing university community and to improve the student experience."
Official enrolment data including specific undergraduate, graduate, Aboriginal, international and college enrolment numbers will be available in October. Media will be notified when a detailed report on fall 2011 enrolment numbers is available.
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For more information, contact:
Meghan Sired, Communications Coordinator
Student and Enrolment Services Division
University of Saskatchewan
o: (306) 966-6068 | c: (306) 381-7992 | e: meghan.sired@usask.ca