Enrolment rises at U of L, college
Healthy enrolments are reported this semester at both Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge. College officials say 5,416 students have enrolled this fall, 4,340 of them in post-secondary academic programs leading to certificates, diplomas or degrees.
The larger number also includes students taking upgrading courses or apprenticeships, as well as continuing or “professional education” courses.
And a record enrolment is reported by registrars at the U of L, where a 1.1 per cent increase has pushed numbers to 8,724 — including 753 at the downtown Calgary campus.
The number of graduate students has grown to 596, they add, and this year the number of First Nations, Metis and Inuit students on campus has grown to nearly 500.
“There’s balanced growth at both the undergraduate and doctoral levels,” pointed out Kathleen Massey, associate vice-president (students). “That’s a healthy thing for a research university.”
U of L programs showing the strongest enrolment growth include its post-diploma Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program, its “pre-professional” transfer program for engineering, in combined management degrees, and in combined Arts and Science and Education faculty degrees.
“We are progressing toward our 2020 enrolment goals,” Massey said.
“More people than ever are choosing the U of L — it’s an exciting time to be a U of L student.”
At the college, officials point to Interior Design Technology, Justice Studies — Applied Degree, Computer Information Technology and Digital Communications and Media as the fastest-growing courses.
They also released the results of a “student satisfaction” survey, indicating Lethbridge College students are satisfied or “very satisfied” with their experience here. Officials say the survey response rate was 23 per cent, with more than 1,000 students completing the survey.
“Getting these scores from our students is the result of a full team effort from all employees at the college, in and out of the classroom,” said Shelley CarterRose, director of student services.
“While we scored very well in all categories, the college is committed to continuous improvement.”
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