Laurentian Outpaces Other Universities in Fall 2013 Confirmations

June 20, 2013 - While the number of students confirming attendance in first-year university programs is up by 2.5 percent across Ontario this year, Laurentian University has seen a dramatic increase of 21 percent in fall 2013 confirmations.

Figures released by the Ontario University Applications Centre (OUAC) show a dramatic spike in confirmations for college students transferring into programs at Laurentian this fall.  The OUAC reports an increase of 26.6 percent in college transfer students confirming Laurentian for fall 2013, and an increase of 48.8 percent for those transfer students who will be granted advanced standing at Laurentian, based on their previous studies and work experience. Confirmations by college transfer students at all universities across the province are actually down 0.1 percent over last year.

“The numbers we’re seeing represent a tremendous vote of confidence in the quality and choice of academic programs being offered at Laurentian University,” said Acting President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Kerr.  “We believe our commitment to academic excellence and to student success is sending a strong message to students and their families across Ontario,” he said.

Overall, confirmations for fall 2013 by secondary school students at all universities in Ontario are up 3.2 percent over last year.  Laurentian University confirmations by secondary school students increased 15.4 percent over last year.

“Laurentian is becoming a leading ‘university of choice’ and the fall 2013 confirmation figures are a testament to this success,” said Chris Mercer, Laurentian University Chief of Staff.  “The success of our students and alumni, and the expertise and accomplishments of our faculty are part of the attraction of Laurentian.  In addition, we will be welcoming our first cohort of Architecture students this fall, and having men’s and women’s hockey teams has certainly expanded our student base as well,” Mercer added.

The University is also celebrating a marked rise in the numbers of students who’ve made Laurentian their first choice in the fall 2013 confirmations.  Among secondary students, 7.6 percent more have deemed Laurentian their first choice.  Among community college students 15% percent have named Laurentian as their first choice, while there is a 39.2 percent increase in college transfer students with advanced standing who are making Laurentian their first choice.  Students applying for a place at university through the OUAC typically apply to at least three institutions, ranking their choices from one to three. 

Laurentian has seen steady increases in enrolments over the past three years, and currently has a student population of close to 10,000, enrolled in programs in Sudbury and in Barrie.

More information about applications and confirmations at universities across Ontario for Fall 2013 can be found at www.ouac.on.ca