Some of this year's new crop of students

As of Sept. 12, the number of individuals enrolled is up 3.5 per cent from the same time last year. That’s roughly 700 more students.

“These preliminary results point to the growing reputation of our university, the quality of our academic programs and the success of our recruitment and retention efforts,” said Alison Pickrell, director of enrolment, in a university news release.

Over the past three years, the university has substantially buffed up its recruiting policies and initiatives, aiming specifically at aboriginal and international student prospects.

According to the university, the new International Student and Study Abroad Centre in Lower Place Riel has been pivotal in welcoming an increased number of international students to campus this year.

And although official numbers will not be released until October, early data indicates China, Nigeria, India, Iran, Bangladesh and the United States as the top six countries from which international students have come.

The Gordon Oakes-Red Bear Centre, which is currently in the project design phase, hopes to act as a similar centre for attracting aboriginal students.

The proposed student centre is expected to go next to Wiggins Court beside the Arts Building loading doors. However, the project still needs to secure about a quarter of its funding before moving forward.

Other new facilities, including residences, food outlets, Place Riel, the Murray Library and Student Health and Counseling Services have also contributed to attracting more students than ever before, according to the university.

“We have planned for gradual enrolment increases over the past several years,” said Russell Isinger, U of S registrar. “Both the university’s new residences and the newly expanded Place Riel Student Centre were designed to meet the needs of a growing university community and to improve the student experience.”

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photo: Raisa Pezderic/The Sheaf