TORONTO, August 28, 2003 – York University’s student enrolment figures for the coming academic are within projections, showing an increase of 25 per cent in first year students overall compared to 2002. Despite predictions of a "doubling" of the number of high school graduates, planning at York has accurately reflected actual growth and the increase in first year students is being accommodated.
York has accepted about 8,000 new entrants directly from Ontario high school graduating classes, an increase of some 1,900 entrants from 2002 figures. An additional 2,000 students have enrolled in first year, putting the total number at an estimated 10,000 students or 25 per cent more than in 2002-2003.
"These figures show four years of planning have paid off and York’s numbers are on target. The increase in enrolment has been absorbed by universities throughout the province," said York President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna Marsden. "We are prepared and able to accommodate all those who have accepted an offer to attend York in September."
Dr. Marsden added, "The truth is that the anticipated ‘double cohort’ is spread over three years. This year’s total figures for first year enrolment show the 'double cohort' is really a one-and-a-quarter cohort."
York has been working for several years to expand the number of faculty, classrooms, laboratory and library spaces to accommodate the largest enrolment increase since the 1960s. Preparations for the increase included 5,000 new classroom spaces, renovations and upgrades to existing classrooms and additional parking. The newly opened Schulich School of Business will offer space for 2,500 undergraduates and 1,300 spaces for masters and part-time students.
Total enrolment at York this year is expected to rise to approximately 49,000 students from nearly 44,000 in 2002-2003, an increase of 12 per cent. First year entrants in 2003 are expected to account for 29 per cent of the total undergraduate population.
Dr. Marsden said the anticipated double cohort galvanized the university, helping faculty and staff to focus on delivering the best possible results for students. Impressive new faculty and staff have been hired, modern, new buildings have been added, and support systems are in place to ensure that the standard of teaching and research, and the quality of the student experience, are higher than ever.
York University offers a world-class, modern academic experience in Toronto, Canada's most international city. York is at the centre of innovation, with a thriving community of faculty, students, staff and alumni who challenge the ordinary and deliver the unexpected. York faculty members are internationally recognized for their pioneering research and leadership in teaching. York is the third largest university in Canada with 49,000 students in 10 faculties, 21 research centres, and more than 170,000 alumni. York's ground-breaking approach to research is interdisciplinary and collaborative, cutting across traditional academic boundaries to bring fresh insights and solutions to real world challenges. Working together, we redefine the possible.
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For further information, please contact:
| Nancy White | Susan Bigelow |
| Director Media Relations | Media Relations |
| York University | York University |
| 416-736-5603 | Phone: 416-736-2100 ext. 22091 |
| whiten@yorku.ca |
