THUNDER BAY — Over 3,100 new and returning students enrolled in 65 programs are preparing to begin the new academic year at Confederation College.
Program orientation takes place Tuesday, with classes scheduled to start Wednesday.
"We're excited to have students joining us on campus," says college president Kathleen Lynch.
"We have students joining us from all over the world this year, and nearly 1,400 have confirmed they will be attending orientation in person."
Those planning to study on campus will meet their program coordinator, faculty and classmates on Tuesday, and be introduced to college support services.
Online events will be held for distance education students.
Due to a nation-wide backlog of study permits for international students, individuals still waiting for approval of their visas are permitted by the province to begin their studies online.
Confederation College expects about 300 students will begin their studies this way and travel to Thunder Bay in the coming weeks.
SUCCI, the student union, will host a variety of events throughout September to help students meet their peers, become familiar with the campus and with Thunder Bay, and help them achieve a work-life balance as they adjust to their new schedules.
"Participating in orientation activities is a fun way for students to get familiar with the college, their programs, and the services offered to them," said SUCCI President Ronnie Kasana.
"We're finally able to come to campus, meet other students in our programs and have some fun before classes start. We hope our support helps students feel confident and prepared for the year ahead," Kasana added.
Along with its main campus in Thunder Bay, Confederation College has regional sites located in Dryden, Fort Frances, Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Greenstone and Marathon, as well as a growing Distance Education division.
The college's recent average full- and part-time enrollment is 4,800, and it has 600 full- and part-time employees.
The school estimates that it has a regional economic impact of over $700 million.
