New programs, increase in enrolment as UOIT welcomes students to campus for new year

Five graduate programs begin in 2007-2008, student body grows to 5,000

OSHAWA, Ont. - As more than 5,000 students arrived on campus today to begin classes for the 2007-2008 academic year, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced that with the addition of five new Master's degree programs, students have more opportunities than ever before to pursue innovative graduate studies.

New graduate programs being offered this fall are Electrical and Computer Engineering, Modelling and Computational Science, Applied Bioscience and Materials Science, while Automotive Engineering will accept applications for January 2008. These programs complement UOIT's existing Master's programs in Information Technology Security, the first program of its kind in Canada, and in Mechanical Engineering, bringing the total number of graduate programs at the university to seven.

These programs were developed to meet the needs of students and today's knowledge-driven economy and are also a direct reflection of the rapidly growing student body at UOIT. Approximately 75 per cent of UOIT students, including 1,800 joining the university this fall, are from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

"UOIT's growth is strong because our globally experienced faculty and leading-edge learning environment draw students from not only across the GTA, but around the world," said Richard Levin, UOIT's vice-president of Strategic Enrolment Management and registrar. "We're very proud of the diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs we offer to students and our award-winning campus environment and we are delighted our students have responded so positively."

UOIT offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science, and its School of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science. The university boasts one of the highest rates of professors with PhDs among Canadian universities and collectively these men and women speak more than 20 languages and have earned degrees in more than 20 countries.

"We are pleased to be welcoming students to campus today as they begin or continue their post-secondary journeys," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president of UOIT. "The growth in enrolment and in programs is particularly pleasing as it provides further evidence that UOIT is increasingly becoming the destination of choice for students who are looking for innovative programs that are unique in Ontario and Canada, putting them one step ahead upon graduation. These new programs are in areas of study that are critical to helping Canada take its place as a global leader well into the future."

Since beginning classes in 2003, UOIT has built a national reputation for its commitment to research excellence and providing undergraduate and graduate students with extensive opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research work, turning innovative ideas into reality. That commitment has resulted in millions of dollars in research funding and grants for UOIT, including several prestigious Canada Research Chairs.

UOIT also offers many opportunities for students to enjoy an educational experience that balances life inside and outside the classroom. For example, students can choose from more than 60 student clubs or take advantage of a 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre expansion that opened in June. The facility houses a 28,000-sq.-ft. triple gymnasium, 10,000-sq.-ft. fitness centre and a health centre featuring a medical clinic and pharmacy, among its many user-friendly features.

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About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 5,000 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. 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
Michelle Good
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2197
michelle.good@uoit.ca