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Northwest Community College enrolment increases

College says it has improved registration process for students
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NORTHWEST Community College trades student Josh Hahn cuts cake with provincial aboriginal relations and reconciliation minister John Rustad at announcement of extensive renovation of college's Terrace campus trades building.

NORTHWEST Community College says it expects to have more students registered for various classes and courses this fall than in any other period since 2011.

The increase, placed at 12 per cent more than the past year, extends to all of its campuses across the region, says college vice president Justin Kohlman.

“There’s been a lot of good hard work by our staff and faculty,” said Kohlman. “It’s now easier to apply and to register and we have better communications for the courses we’re offering.”

This year’s student increase comes after a period several years ago when a budget deficit lead to staff and program cuts in an attempt to balance the college’s books.

The provincial government, which provides the majority of the college’s budget, sends out a yearly letter outlining its student enrolment expectations for the money it provides.

Kohlman said the college hasn’t quite reached that target yet but this year’s student increase shows the province that it’s moving in the right direction.

“We want to keep growing and by demonstrating our numbers are growing, it’s a step that we are going to deliver,” he said.

Kohlman is particularly happy with one move this year, an agreement that guarantees a NWCC university credit for arts or science student admission to the University of Victoria. It means arts or science students can complete either the first year or second year here knowing they can complete their degree requirements at the University of Victoria.

Also making progress is a renewed attempt to increase the college’s international student numbers with 12 registered this year at various campuses compared to four last year.

By the numbers, this fall’s registrations as of last week for courses that transfer to university programs stand at 1,139 compared to 969 last fall.

College and career preparation program registration is at 317 compared to 269 last fall and short term program registrations have increased by 66 to 317.

There’s been a dip in trades registration to 239 this fall compared to 246 last fall, although the college notes comparisons are difficult as trades programs start at various times throughout the year.