Cambrian College is reporting a two-per-cent increase in overall enrolment for 2016-17, with first-year student enrolment up four per cent.
This fall, the campus population is also more diverse, according to figures reported by the college.
Greater numbers of Indigenous and international students are registered for classes, and approximately 458 students with disabilities are registered with the Glenn Crombie Centre for Student Support.
Full-time domestic and international students enrolled at Cambrian’s Barrydowne, Espanola and Little Current campuses number 4,296, up from 4,256 last year at this time.
Cambrian also attracted 18 per cent more international students to its Barrydowne campus than it had in 2015, bringing the fall 2016 total to 350, up from 286.
“We thank each and every student who applied, confirmed, registered, and began their studies with us this fall,” said Cambrian President Bill Best.
“We owe our growth to them, but also to the concerted efforts by all of our faculty, staff, employer and industry partners, and alumni who help to get the word out about Cambrian’s programs and services, our supportive atmosphere, and our excellent reputation for preparing job-ready graduates.”
Cambrian’s Indigenous student population has also grown significantly.
The College now has 970 students who are band-sponsored or are self-identified, which is up from 750 last year.
Cambrian is in a better position to serve these students thanks to an innovative self-identification project launched in 2014.
The project encourages students of Indigenous descent to self-identify in order for the College to provide enhanced supports and activities that encourage cultural connection.
This initiative helped Cambrian to earn a national Silver award for Indigenous Education Excellence in May.
