As we usher in the new year, we would like to take this opportunity to update you on success initiatives that were outlined last Fall (view Sept. 3 post here) and look to Winter 2020.
Our College begins the Winter term facing the ongoing challenge of shifting demographics while, at the same time, an unprecedented growing demand for a Canadian postsecondary education from students across the globe. We continue our efforts to balance this extraordinary growth in international demand with a steadfast commitment to maintaining the quality NC experience that we are proud to offer our students.
Our international enrolment reflects our desire to bring diversity into the college community, and remains an important part of our strategic and sustainable enrolment plan. This term reflects an increase in students from countries such as Ghana, Jordan, Philippines, South Korea and Nigeria, as our brand continues to expand around the world.
Our January intake will include more than 2,000 Level 1 students, including approximately 1,300 international students. Winter 2020 enrolment will slightly exceed 10,500 FT postsecondary students, including over 4,300 international students. Staff in Student Services, Enrolment Services, and International are busy assisting both new and returning students last week and this week.
Like the international students who joined us in the Fall, our Winter 2020 intake is well-positioned for academic success thanks to the Be NC Ready program, which was designed to prepare them for their transition to student life in Canada. Be NC Ready includes pre-departure communications and online and in-person modules that cover academic and conduct expectations, housing, lifestyle, education, immigration, healthcare and services and resources available to students. Excited to launch their NC journey, our students participated in orientation activities last week. New this January, we have also launched a Be NC Ready session for this Saturday, which will have over 100 students, who were unable to attend orientation, participating in these valuable sessions.
Last Fall, our Centre for Academic Excellence delivered the first series in its new Inclusive Teaching@NC faculty training program. This faculty-driven initiative is designed to empower and equip faculty to proactively integrate inclusive teaching practices into their classrooms, and we look forward to delivering another series this term.
Looking back on Fall 2019, indications are that the initiatives outlined above are having the desired effect. They ensure that our incoming students – especially international students – are prepared for success in their studies, and that our faculty and staff members have access to resources and support as our enrolment continues to diversify.
Retention from Fall 2019 to Winter 2020 exceeded 85%, and we will continue to monitor and gather feedback on our programs and supports.
We extend our thanks to all faculty and staff members for your ongoing work in support of student success, and wish you well as we embark on a new term.
Steve Hudson
Senior Vice President, Academic and Learner Services
Sean Kennedy
Senior Vice President, International
