Laurentian University president Robert Haché gave some updates regarding enrolment figures in a written statement earlier this week, saying year-over-year, domestic high school applications remain 44 per cent behind last year's applications.
Last year’s applications were sent in before Laurentian filed for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA), and began insolvency restructuring.
The beleaguered institution, which has been dealing with the fallout from the CCAA process, announced massive program and job cuts in April 2021.
Haché, however, said there is actually some positive news with respect to enrolment figures.
“Since the announcement of the Province of Ontario’s support for Laurentian in December, our successful Open House event in March, and the many efforts of our staff and faculty to respond to student interest, we have seen some positive trends in application and confirmant data,” stated Haché. “While we still have work to do, the many efforts of our community are creating a clear and positive impact.”
The update stated that as of May 2, Laurentian’s admissions data indicates that International undergraduate applications are showing “positive gains,” with a year-over-year increase of eight per cent.
Domestic graduate applications are up year-over-year 16 per cent, and international graduate applications are up 150 per cent year-over-year, stated Haché.
Domestic fully online degree programs overall also continue to show a year-over-year increase in applications at 22 per cent.
However, year-over-year, domestic high school applications remain 44 per cent behind last year's pre-CCAA levels of applications.
Transfer, Mature and Internal applications are improving weekly, but are at still 29 per cent behind for the same date year over year.
Applicants are starting to confirm their intent to register with Laurentian next fall,” states Haché, noting that the Ontario Universities Application Centre earliest date required to confirm is June 1st.
“The percentage of students accepting offers of admission is higher than in 2021 in many applicant categories (mature, online, international, graduate) when compared to the previous year, which means that in these categories, a greater percentage of our applicants are saying ‘yes’ to Laurentian.”
Haché also noted that with the recent completion of the winter semester, many students have completed their graduation requirements and are set to receive their degrees on stage in the upcoming convocation ceremonies.
“During this time, we also are proud to celebrate those who graduated during the pandemic and were not able to attend an in-person convocation ceremony,” stated Haché. “We will hold a unique ceremony to recognize these graduates on May 30.”
All those attending convocation were reminded that Laurentian's “face coverings policy” remains in effect and masks will be required throughout the ceremony. For those who are unable to attend, the convocation will be live streamed.
In addition to thanking faculty members, deans, staff and students who continue to support incoming Laurentian students, Haché stated that “the level of interest being expressed in Laurentian reinforces that even through significant challenges, incoming students recognize the exceptional programs and faculty members available to them at Laurentian. This also reinforces the important role of the university within the community.”
