September 23, 2009 - NORTHERN COLLEGE OUTPACES ALL ONTARIO COLLEGES IN FIRST-YEAR ENROLMENT

“Although Northeastern Ontario has been affected by the recession, our region has also continued to thrive in certain sectors. Therefore, in addition to economic pressures for some individuals and the availability of retraining funds through the provincial government’s Second Career program, there are also a number of other factors that have contributed to this tremendous increase in enrolment,’ explained Fred Gibbons, Northern College President.

“We have noted an increase in younger students coming to our Haileybury and Porcupine campuses directly from high school. The change in our program mix, the consistent messaging highlighting local postsecondary opportunities and the next generation of jobs, as well as the expansion work and construction that is ongoing at many of our campuses have served to attract more applicants to Northern College,” said Mr. Gibbons.

First-year enrolment at the Haileybury Campus has increased by 46 percent, 31 percent at the Kirkland Lake Campus, and 51 percent at the Porcupine (Timmins) Campus. Following a Pre-Health Certificate program last year, the Moosonee Campus is now offering the two-year Practical Nursing diploma program which marks the return of health sciences diploma programming to the James Bay Coast in about a decade.

Further statistics reflecting the growth at Northern College will become available as the semester gets underway.

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Media contacts: Kathy Gagain, President’s Office
705.235.7136

Carole Belanger,
Communications Officer
705.235.3211 Ext. 2253

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