This post is part two of many in my series as I point out some facts and figures from a special financial review that shed light on real problems affecting UNBSJ as well as UNB as a whole. I will compile a few relevant quotations from the financial review, and offer a brief summary to bring it all together.
“As with most universities, UNB’s student enrollments have increased over the past decade.” (page 10)
“Statistics Canada figures show that the number of international students enrolling at Canadian universities grew to 70,000, an increase of 16.8 per cent between 2002-03 and 2003-04. UNB has also experienced growth in this area, particularly on the Saint John campus, as that campus attempted to offset declining local enrollments by increasing its international student cohort. International students still make up 21 per cent of UNBSJ’s student population, although the numbers have declined somewhat due to increased competition. This is 13 per cent higher than the national average of seven per cent. International students comprise nine per cent of UNBF’s student body.” (page 10)
New Brunswick is one of only three provinces where population will likely experience zero growth or decline over the next 25 years, while Canada’s population is estimated to grow between 12 per cent and 30 per cent during that time.” (page 10)
It’s no surprise that our province’s population is not expected to have any growth over the next 25 years, so continued growth of our universities depends on finding sources of students from outside the province. While both UNB campuses maintain an international student base above the national average, the pie charts clearly show that Saint John comprises a much higher ratio. It is very important for New Brunswick to strengthen infrastructure at UNBSJ to encourage more international students to enroll, as this campus has already distinguished itself in this effort. Let’s make a great thing better!
We all know that universities are important to communities. In my next post, I’ll provide some reinforcement for this notion as taken from the financial review.
Tags: n.b., saint john, save unbsj, unb, unbsj
[...] excellent gender analysis published today in The Daily Gleaner, and Paul Saulnier has posted parts two and three of his series on his blog. [...]