Carson JeremaUniversity enrolment up, as grads return to school
Recession drives the biggest spike in enrolment since 2003
Despite the shaky job market for university grads during the recession, or because of it, new enrolment figures show about 38,000 more students enrolled in Canadian universities this fall over last.
About 870,000 full-time students enrolled this year, an increase of 29,000 undergraduates and 9,000 graduate students from last year, according to figures released by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.
Herb O’Heron, a senior adviser at the AUCC, says it’s the biggest increase in enrolment since 2003 and the recession is driving demand for spots.
“Part of it is the recognition of the value of a degree,” he said. “Even in the midst of a recession, the jobs for university graduates continue to rise.”
Students and professors say they are encouraged by the display of faith in higher education, but remain skeptical about whether universities can deliver what they promise.
The spike in enrolment is occurring as cash-strapped governments make cuts to already underfunded universities, which, they say, degrades the quality of education for students who continue to pay sky high tuition fees.
James Turk, executive director of Canadian Association of University Teachers says while the government recognizes that education is key to economic recovery, it is not placing enough emphasis on funding.
To reach the funding level seen in the 1980s, when there were fewer university students, the government would need to increase funding by $4.2 billion a year, Turk said.
Meanwhile, as enrolment increases, universities cram students into the seats and aisles of already packed lecture halls, which degrades the quality of education students receive for their money.
Funny how there's always a video camera following this guy. It would seem that he's looking to provoke people ...
the officer was walking back to his car and he was harassed...he did his job...I wish people would stop saying ...
I would agree with Mr. Tennants statement that the colleges have nothing to lose. And this, in my opinion ...
Please see this report
http://uofowatch.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-vp-governance-diane-davidson-and.html
about the University of Ottawa's extensive COVER UP of its 2006-2008 covert surveillance campaign against me and ...
I didn't forget anything...Full-time faculty will have a new max. of $102,000. We have that thrown up to us ...
Comment by highlyirritable on 27 October 2009:
I entered University as a full time mature student in 2007, planning on getting my 3 year BA. By 2009, with the economy further tanking, I had changed my course of study to a 4 year honours program.
If the current state of North American financial affairs remains the same, I may not emerge from University until 2020, with my doctorate in hand.
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