Indigenous enrolment up at U of S
- EFN Staff | September 07, 2018
Indigenous enrolment at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) increased this year. According to a media release from the institution, 2,672 Indigenous students are registered, up 11.3 per cent.
According to a U of S data report, a self reported Aboriginal student headcount showed that for the Fall term of 2017/2018, 2,546 students were enrolled in graduate studies, non-degree programs, post graduate clinicals and undergraduate programs at the U of S.
Alison Pickrell, Assistant Vice-Provost of Strategic Enrolment Management, said the large increase of Indigenous students enrolled at the U of S points to a number of factors such as student recruitment strategies, comprehensive student supports, an active and engaged Indigenous student body, and the fact that overall the young Indigenous population of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan is on the rise.
“The province is growing and young Indigenous people make up a lot of that new growth,” she said. “These enrolment numbers show me there is a young Indigenous demographic that is ready and eager to pursue their post-secondary studies at the U of S.”
Wednesday, Sept. 5th marked the first day of classes for the fall term undergraduate and graduate students and the number of total students recorded was 21,318, up three per cent compared to the first day of classes last year. There were 21,847 undergraduate and graduate students that registered last year’s fall term.
“Our U of S family continues to grow, and I welcome our students to another school year of innovation, curiosity and creativity,” said Pickrell, assistant vice-provost of strategic enrolment management. “This enrolment growth is something we have planned for, and I’m very happy with our progress.”
Pickrell expects student numbers will continue to grow throughout the year and anticipates the total academic year enrolment to exceed 25,000 students when announced in June 2019.
In addition, international student enrolment increased dramatically with 2,368 students that registered in classes this fall semester, up 5.9 per cent compared to last year.
“More international students want to study in Canada, and as one of the top 15 research intensive universities in the country, people from around the world are choosing to study here at the University of Saskatchewan,” she said. “Our diverse student body is one of our greatest strengths and contributes to the fact that we are well positioned to contribute to the global needs of our society.”