‘In my heart, I want (enrolment) to go up’

In the fall of 2013, the admission requirement will go to 80 per cent, and for honours admission, to 85 per cent from 80 per cent.

Also, the average needed by students seeking to transfer from another university to the U of A science faculty will rise to a 2.2 grade point average from a 2.0 grade point average.

Raising the admission requirements was a difficult decision, as it contradicts Schaeffer’s goal to increase enrolment to 7,300 students, he said.

“I want to educate as many students as we can. We are here to provide high quality education to as many Albertans as we possibly can. From a practical point of view, I want enrolment to go down, but in my heart, I want it to go up.”

Meanwhile, Schaeffer said he’s convinced he can hire young professors if he starts looking now, when few other universities are hiring due to a widespread financial squeeze.

“There are a lot of really good people out there and not a lot of positions open. In three or four years, when everybody has money to hire again, that’s exactly when I don’t want to be in the market.”

With a $1-million loan this year from university coffers, he hopes to hire between eight and 10 new faculty, depending on their experience. At the end of five years, Schaeffer has to raise the money to pay their salaries permanently. He’s confident he can do that.

The loan was approved by the provost and president’s offices, he added.

“I want to grab the opportunity for a long-term investment in people and programs and students so that when we emerge from the financial crisis, we are better off, we have improved the faculty.”