Kitchener - Enrolment in full-time, post-secondary programs at Conestoga College stands at 8,650 as of September 2009, according to the Office of the Registrar. This marks an increase of 15.38 per cent over the September 2008 figure and 26.03 per cent compared to the September 2007 enrolment. It also marks a record enrolment for Conestoga.

The incoming, first-year group of 5,407 is the largest ever at Conestoga, and represents a substantial increase over the first-year enrolment count for September 2008 – a rise of 19.97 per cent.

“This enrolment rise shows that Conestoga is an integral part of the higher education sector, essential to our dynamic, diverse region,” says Mike Dinning, Conestoga’s Vice-President of Student Affairs. “We need growth of this scope, in order to address the economic and demographic changes in the area. Throughout North America, the importance of practical college education is taking hold as a valuable pathway to economic well-being.”

He adds, “Conestoga’s reputation is well-known. Each year, we attract a growing number of highly qualified applicants. Combine this with many other factors – close ties with business and industry, attention to improvement of facilities, and the dedication of faculty and staff to student success – and the result is an educational experience students can find both real and rewarding.”

By academic division, the total enrolment figures are: 2,310 in the School of Business and Hospitality, 2,582 in the School of Health and Life Sciences and Community Services, 2,252 in the School of Engineering and Information Technology, and a combined 1,506 in the School of Media and Design, and Language Studies.

These figures represent only a portion of Conestoga’s enrolment. In academic year 2009-2010, Conestoga also expects to serve approximately 4,000 apprenticeship students, 2,700 students in preparatory and full-time certificate skills programs, and up to 42,000 registrants in part-time, continuing education courses and programs, as well as customized training activities for businesses, industries and organizations. In all, Conestoga offers more than 300 programs of instruction.