Enrolment up despite low projections
10/28/2010 2:15:35 PM
Officials at College of the North Atlantic (CNA) are crediting innovative recruiting methods for a 10.5 per cent increase in enrolment for 2010/11.
College President Bruce Hollett says 7,373 students have registered for classes this fall, an increase of more than 700 students over last year.
“We had to do some alternative planning, because many of our regular recruiting activities were cancelled to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus last fall,” he said. “Our recruiters didn’t go out to visit high schools, and College Day, normally held on the first Thursday in November each year, was postponed until March.” As a result, enrolment projections in January 2010 were down by more than 11 per cent compared to 2009 estimates.
Hollett credits the creative thinking of CNA’s recruitment and marketing staff for getting the college’s programs in front of high school students.
“They pulled out all the stops and made an incredible effort to get the message out to as many students as possible,” he said. “Through strategically designed communications, innovative recruitment strategies and a heavy measure of faculty engagement, we were able to show prospective students that they can gain a credential that will help them find employment after graduation – and that they can do it while incurring a minimal student debt.”
“College of the North Atlantic is an institution that is recognized nationally and internationally for programs of excellence,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education. “We are very proud of our college system, which offers the highest quality and relevant training programs. Combined with a student aid package that is second-to-none in the country, it only makes sense that students would choose College of the North Atlantic.”
In order to reach students effectively, the college launched initiatives that included online social media campaigns and an increased focus on print and radio advertising. Meanwhile, specialized campus teams, with significant faculty support, also helped get the message out.
“The CNA Winter Crew made its debut last year, which also helped raise our profile,” said Hollett. “Faculty and staff pitched in by making appearances at a variety of events where they helped raise our public profile.”
At a time when high school populations are decreasing across the province, Hollett says it’s encouraging to see that College of the North Atlantic is still an attractive option for students.
“Of course, it helps that we have an incredible slate of programs that is designed to meet the changing needs of an evolving Newfoundland and Labrador workforce,” said Hollett. “This increase is also an indicator that our programs are relevant and prepare students for a high level of post-graduate employment in a variety of sectors.”
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Media Contact:
Gina MacArthur
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
Ph: 709-643-6408
gina.macarthur@cna.nl.ca