Record enrolment at Algoma U - new programs lead way

Algoma University has achieved double-digit growth this fall and set another new enrolment record in the process.

Lake Superior State University has announced total enrolment is up 4 percent over last year and Sault College said last week it has recorded an overall gain of 2 percent compared with 2010.

Today, Algoma U issued the following news release, which is followed by LSSU's release, also distributed on this date.

************************* Enrolment up again at Algoma University

New social work and biology programs lead growth

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (September 27, 2011) - Algoma University has the largest student population in its almost 50-year history, thanks to a surge of high school students choosing to study at Ontario's smallest university.

Overall enrolment at the Sault Ste. Marie institution has increased by a projected 10 percent this year, compared to September 2010. "This continued growth means a great deal to Algoma University," said President Dr. Richard Myers, "but what's even better is that most of that growth is attributable to high school graduates from outside Sault Ste. Marie, which is great for the social and economic development of our city."

Direct from high school numbers are up almost 22 percent over a year ago, the biggest percentage growth in the province. Fuelling that growth are increased registrations in two new programs added to the roster in the past year.

Numbers are up in both social work, which since January is a complete four-year program, and in honours biology, which received ministry approval in July 2010. The number of international students at Algoma University has also increased dramatically.

The university now has 102 foreign students in degree studies, up from 83 last September.

Another 40 students are enrolled in English as a Second Language programming which prepares students for academic studies. "We believe that a small university like Algoma can offer a really big education," said Myers, "and we're glad that more and more students are coming to appreciate that." About Algoma University Algoma University is committed to offering an undergraduate education experience unlike any university in Ontario, offering a wide variety of program options.

Algoma University also offers accelerated diploma-to-degree programs in business administration in Brampton, and two degrees, including a Bachelor of Social Work, in Timmins.

As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma U is committed to respecting Anishinaabe knowledge and culture.

To learn more about Algoma University, visit here.

************************ LSSU enrollment increases by 4 percent SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - Lake Superior State University has seen another impressive enrollment increase this fall, according to LSSU Vice President of Enrollment Services Bill Eilola, who presented enrollment figures to the university's board of trustees during its regular meeting Sept. 23. "Total enrollment for this fall stands at 2,750, which is an increase of 4 percent from fall 2010," said Eilola. "We have 806 new students, which is an increase of 6.3 percent from this time last year. Of those students, 504 are first time in college students, 16 fewer than last year, and 302 are transfer students, which is an increase of 64 from last fall." "Our freshman profile has improved also," Eilola continued. "Our incoming freshmen have an average high school GPA of 3.2 and an ACT average of 22." Eilola said retention rates at LSSU are improving, too. "Our first-year student retention is at 68 percent, where it has stabilized for the past four years. Prior years' rates were down in the 60 percent range. The national average for a university with LSSU's size, scope and mission is right around 68 percent."

Eilola said the stabilized rate is due to strengthening the admission requirements, increasing academic support, focusing new student orientation programs on academic success, and consistent communication and follow-up between students, faculty and the LSSU Office of Retention. "We're focusing on stabilizing and improving our retention rates," Eilola said, noting that the goal is to raise the percentage to 70 percent in the near future. Eilola also noted that recruitment efforts for fall 2012 are well under way with College Night being held this week, annual Fall Fling coming up in October, and the university's second Laker Gold academic scholarship competition coming up this winter.

Three scholarships were awarded in the first competition, and 29 of the 50 academically talented students who competed for the scholarship ended up attending LSSU.

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