Tremendous growth at UOIT

OSHAWA, ON. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has experienced substantial growth with the start of this new academic year, with high school students, college transfers, and graduate, mature and international students arriving on campus in greater numbers than ever before.

As of September 24, the last day for students to add fall courses and thus a comprehensive picture of a university's enrolment, UOIT had realized a 15-per cent increase in overall undergraduate enrolment, jumping to 6,285 from 5,443 in September 2008. Most notable was a significant increase in the number of first-year students, including 1,303 who arrived directly from high school, a 17-per cent increase over 2008. The high school-direct figure represents the second-largest percentage increase among Ontario universities this year, according to Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) figures.

"We are very pleased by these numbers as they confirm what we continue to hear every day as we meet and engage with prospective students across Ontario and around the globe," said UOIT Registrar Victoria Choy. "Students are increasingly choosing UOIT because they know we offer career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs, research opportunities, a technology-rich learning environment and a vibrant student life. They also know independent student satisfaction surveys consistently place UOIT ahead of universities across the province and Canada."

With the surge in high-school applicants in particular, Choy noted UOIT is committed to attracting top students and that group is increasingly recognizing UOIT's reputation for academic excellence and a research intensiveness that has put it among the country's top 50 research institutions.

Also making an impact with those students and the greater numbers of applicants who call the GTA home are the increasing number of arts and social science programs available at UOIT. GTA applicants, particularly those in Toronto and York Region, realize it's just a short drive or bus ride to pursue unique programs in these high-demand areas of study.

For students in UOIT's Nuclear, Energy Systems, Automotive and other Engineering programs, the university offers a high-tech, wireless campus that is home to state-of-the art buildings and labs equipped with the very latest in industry technology, materials and equipment. In addition, construction work is well underway on ACE-Global, a world-class automotive research and development centre that includes a climatic wind tunnel, and UOIT will open a new 9,290-square-metre Energy Systems and Nuclear Science Research Centre by March 2011.

"UOIT students understand they are coming to a campus with new buildings, equipment and resources, providing them with an unparalleled academic advantage and preparing them for success upon graduation," added Choy.

Among its other enrolment data, UOIT has almost doubled its graduate student population, while more and more students are taking advantage of its bridge programs. The latter provide recent graduates, second career learners and others with credit for their college diplomas, so they can complete a degree in less than the traditional time and go on to find rewarding careers.

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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
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
905.809.4763
tony.doyle@uoit.ca