Ontario's fastest-growing university outpacing enrolment among the province's universities by an average of 21 percent

OSHAWA, Ont. - For the second straight year, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) is the fastest growing university in the province. According to the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) the number of students enrolled at UOIT for the 2005-06 academic year increased by 21 percent over last year, compared with a system average of a half percent increase.

"UOIT's new and innovative programs, and laptop-based approach to teaching and learning are driving our enrolment growth," said Richard Levin, vice-president of Strategic Enrolment Management, and Registrar. "Our numbers demonstrate that UOIT is gaining a strong reputation among Ontario's high-school students."

In just two short years, UOIT's enrolment has grown to over 3,000 students including over 1,400 first-year students in 2005. UOIT now offers more than 30 degree programs including a new Master of Information Technology Security program. This program is the first of its kind in Canada and is one of the few specialized IT security graduate degree programs available in the world. Other popular new programs include degrees in Health Sciences, Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Forensic Science.

"More students are recognizing the benefits of UOIT's laptop-based learning environment as a way to kick-start their careers in our high-tech global economy," said Thomas Coughlan, president of the Student Association.

College graduates who mean business are choosing to fast-track their degree. This summer, UOIT began offering a Bachelor of Commerce Bridge program which allows college graduates from any recognized two- or three-year Ontario College Diploma program admission into the third year of a four-year degree program at UOIT. More than a dozen students successfully completed the bridge over the summer and are now in their third year of study in the Commerce program.

The breadth of UOIT's exciting curriculum options appeal to those who are interested in attaining practical knowledge and hands-on experience in their chosen field. An example of this hands-on approach can be seen in many selections, including the Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) degree program, which offers specializations in Game Development and Entrepreneurship, Networking, and Information Technology Security. Students in this program participate in the enhancement of real-world security safeguards by attempting to infiltrate or 'hack' into various computer programs.

With additional undergraduate and graduate programs under development, as well as a new state-of-the-art Engineering building to be completed by fall 2006, UOIT's enrolment is expected to reach 6,500 by 2010.

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About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides its students with a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. The university is committed to research excellence and has attracted significant research grants and awards including a Tier 1 Research Chair. UOIT has attracted over 3,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Heather Middleton
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2197
heather.middleton@uoit.ca