UOIT's enrolment confirmation increase highest in GTA

OSHAWA, ON - Statistics recently released by the Ontario Application Centre (OUAC) confirm that more students than ever are choosing the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) for their post-secondary studies. Year-over-year percentage increases show that UOIT is the leading GTA university for overall enrolment confirmations and first in the province for first-choice confirmations.

As of June 6, UOIT's overall confirmations for the 2011-2012 academic year are up 14.7 per cent over the previous year. The number of Ontario secondary school students selecting UOIT as their first-choice destination for post-secondary studies has increased by 13.3 per cent when compared to June 2010.

"We are extremely pleased with our application and confirmation numbers for the upcoming academic year and the calibre of students we've attracted," said Victoria Choy, registrar. "These increases are a testament to UOIT's reputation for academic excellence, innovative research and providing market- and career-oriented programs that are responsive to the needs of our students and their future employers."

Of the confirmations received, five students were awarded UOIT's top scholarships for their

outstanding academic achievement (minimum 85 per cent average) and exceptional leadership and community involvement. The scholarship winners are:

· Andrew Doxtator, Chancellor's Scholarship recipient (valued at $28,000 over four years), is enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering program. Doxtator will be graduating from Albert College Secondary School in Belleville, Ontario. In addition to his outstanding academic achievement, his demonstrated leadership and community involvement include being captain of his AAA Major Midget hockey team, serving as summer camp sports counsellor and house league captain;

· Danielle Loney, President's Scholarship recipient (valued at $24,000 over four years), is enrolled in UOIT's first intake of the Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology program. A soon-to-be graduate of Penetanguishene Secondary School in Ontario, Loney is an avid curler and singer. She is also a member of the non-profit organization Stellula Music in Schools and Positive Students for Students;

· Shaun Rana, President's Scholarship recipient (valued at $24,000 over four years), is a former student council president, youth minister and camp counsellor at a camp for underprivileged children. Rana is enrolled in the Bachelor of Information Technology program. He will be graduating from Brebeuf College School in Toronto, Ontario;

· Shannen Johnston, Founder's Scholarship recipient (valued at $20,000 over four years), is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science program. Johnston will be graduating from Runnymede Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Ontario. She is a member of Creating Communities We Want - a Trinity Peer Leadership program, an executive member of the Athletics Council and is involved with Right to Play, which develops programs and games for disadvantaged children; and

· Rameez Virjji, Founder's Scholarship recipient (valued at $20,000 over four years), was also awarded the RIM/Schad Entrepreneurship Cup for National Best Application of Scientific Principle Award. Virjji established Big Tree World, a software company that has won two public awards, completed humanitarian work in Vietnam and is the president of the debate club. He is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program and will soon graduate from West Island College in Calgary, Alberta.

UOIT's seven faculties offer 41 undergraduate programs with numerous specializations, 27 graduate programs including graduate diploma programs. Beginning in September 2011 the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities will deliver two new programs: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Development and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Forensic Psychology.

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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 more than 7,400 undergraduate and graduate 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 a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; Science; and Social Science and Humanities. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including seven 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
Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
melissa.levy@uoit.ca