As we mark the mid-point of the Fall Term with Break Week, I want to acknowledge and thank you for your efforts to support our students, and for the positive energy, commitment and pride you bring to NC Life. I also want to share an update on our enrolments ahead of the 2027-2028 budget process.
The postsecondary sector continues to face a challenging financial environment, primarily driven by policy changes at the federal and provincial levels impacting enrolments. It is important to remember in tough times that every year, thousands of students continue to choose Niagara College as their pathway to career success and are supported through to graduation – this is our mission in action.
I know that the past few years have been a difficult period across our college, but our hard work to respond and evolve gives us positive momentum as we head into our planning cycle for 2027-2028. Domestic enrolment remains strong and will be buoyed by new programs and program deliveries. We were successful in our Priority Growth Fund proposal, and we will receive funding for 1,021 new seats across 33 programs in high-demand areas, including health, skilled trades, STEM and education.
For the Fall Term, domestic enrolment is slightly ahead of the target set out in our 2026-2027 Business Plan and Budget. Our international enrolments, however, are below our budget projections and continue to be negatively impacted by the effects of federal policy changes on Canada’s brand as a study destination.
We remain firmly committed to growing enrolments and revenues as our key strategy to adapt and succeed within a very different postsecondary landscape.
While we are making progress, challenges remain. We know that further expenditure reduction will be necessary in 2027-2028 to achieve our budget commitments, balanced with our commitment to teaching, learning, student success and sustainable growth.
A hiring pause remains in place, with exceptions only for those positions that meet strict criteria related to enrolment and revenue growth, and critical services. As we begin budget planning for 2027-2028, we all share a role in carefully managing resources, finding more effective ways of working, and supporting opportunities for growth.
Fall Open House Nov. 7
At a time when growing our enrolments and connecting with future students is more important than ever, we will welcome thousands of prospective students and their families to our campuses for Fall Open House 2026 on Saturday, November 7. Open House remains a tremendous opportunity to put our best foot forward for prospective students and their families to showcase NC Life and all it has to offer. When it comes to our dedicated team and our unique learning environments, seeing is believing and I’m incredibly grateful for the college-wide effort that goes into this important event.
We know that getting students onto our beautiful and innovative campus learning environments makes a difference. You make a difference. Every interaction with our student-focused, passionate, welcoming, employees and current students reinforces our brand promise and helps prospective students and their influencers to feel confident in choosing NC. I encourage everyone to attend Open House and help our guests feel the magic of NC Life.
The caring and collaborative spirit of Team NC continues to shine as we enter the second half of the Fall 2026 Term. Thank you for all that you do.
