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Laurentian University student enrolment exceeds planning forecasts

Laurentian University student enrolment exceeds planning forecasts

Demand for LU education remains strong despite anticipated year-over-year drop

(November 4, 2021)  - With nearly 8,000 individual students currently enrolled at Laurentian University for the Fall 2021 semester, thousands of students continue to place their trust in the academic programs, faculty members and community that support their education. 

“As we march on the path toward a more sustainable future, it’s incredibly encouraging to see that the demand for Laurentian University is still strong and signals that we continue to be an important part of Ontario’s postsecondary system and a critical institution supporting the growth of northern Ontario,” said Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

Students are completing their education both online (2,100) and in degree programs which are primarily being delivered in-person at the Sudbury campus (5,900). This level of enrolment is approximately 400 students above planned enrolment. 

Of note, enrolment numbers show a positive trend for French-language programs year-over-year, which results in more than 20% of the student population currently enrolled in French-language degree programs.

The University measures enrolment levels in November each year in order to account for new and returning students. This count, which shows a 14% year-over-year drop, represents students who are currently enrolled in 106 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. 

Recently, due to many converging circumstances, Laurentian embarked on the path of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA), fundamentally restructuring its academic offerings to ensure it continues to deliver on its mandate to northern Ontario and Canada.

Special Advisor of Francophone Affairs, Roch Gallien

Special Advisor of Francophone Affairs, Roch Gallien

Memo from the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic

(November 26, 2021) We are pleased to welcome Roch Gallien to the position of Special Advisor of Francophone Affairs. He will report directly to the provost and vice-president, Academic to support operations of the Office of Francophone Affairs.

Mr. Gallien has dedicated the last five years to overseeing training for Francophone and Anglophone teachers in all of Ontario’s faculties of education as director of Standards of Practice and Accreditation with the Ontario College of Teachers.

He is a seasoned educational professional and a manager with considerable experience in minority French-Canadian school boards. For several years, he led the Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario and, previously, was superintendent of education at Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario.

Trained in Ontario to teach French, History and Political Science, he received an undergraduate degree and an Ontario Teacher’s Certificate from Laurentian University’s French-language school of education. He also holds a Master of Education in administration and school management from the University of Ottawa.

His professional development pathway led him to obtain additional basic qualifications (ABQ) in instructional leadership, language pedagogy, technology and communication.

 

Quotes

“As we seek to renew our commitment to the francophone community and give its voice the weigh and influence it deserves in shaping the future of Laurentian University, we are thrilled to have Mr. Gallien on board as we strive to provide French-speaking students from across the province, the country and the world with a postsecondary education and a student experience that is second to none. Having spent the last five years overseeing training for Francophone and Anglophone teachers in all of Ontario’s faculties of education with the Ontario College of Teachers, we believe Mr. Gallien, as a lifelong advocate for a thriving francophonie, will bring a critical eye and a fresh perspective not only to our academic offering but also to our on and off-campus programming.” – Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University

“As a graduate of Laurentian, I know first-hand what this institution has to offer and how its DNA is embedded in everything that makes our region such a vibrant, diverse and resilient place. I also appreciate the complex relationship the francophone community has with the university and the erosion of trust that has marked its recent past. As I watched from afar the events of the last few years, I feel a strong sense of duty and purpose in wanting to be part of the solution and play an active role in the transformational change that is required to make Laurentian the pride of the North once again – and to make francophones feel a ‘part entière’ of its renewal.”  - Roch Gallien

Laurentian University receives $250,000 from TPEI Foundation for scholarships supporting student exchanges

Laurentian University receives $250,000 from TPEI Foundation for scholarships supporting student exchanges

This unique partnership will enable Canadian students to study in China, and Chinese students to study in Canada

August 15, 2019 - Students at Laurentian University are all smiles as TPEI Accounting and Education Foundation has donated $250,000 in support of their education. This donation will fund scholarships for accounting students in China to study at Laurentian University as visiting students for 4 months. Similarly, the donation will also financially support Canadian students who choose to study the Globalized Accounting Professional Program at the Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics (ZUFE). 

This marks the first time the TPEI foundation has made a donation towards a Canadian university. Its co-founders, Mr. Leung Kam Chi (Oliver) and Ms. Ko Fung Man (Barbara), had represented the Canadian Professional Accounting education program in China, and worked with Canadian universities for more than 20 years (TPEI Accounting and Education Foundation is the representative of CPA Canada in China). Oliver and Barbara view this donation as a way to give back. “We are fortunate to be in a position to fund these unique experiences for students at both Laurentian and ZUFE. We know that this will allow students to better understand accounting in a global sense and broaden their perspectives. This is a very special day for us.” 

For Laurentian University, this donation falls squarely in line with goals set out in the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan. “Student success is our success. With these funds, we’re creating unique learning opportunities and experiences for students to study internationally.  More than ever, our business students must think globally and this donation creates even more opportunities for them to do just that.” said Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University. 

As a result of this investment, four Chinese students are already expected to arrive in Sudbury this September, with ten more arriving in January. The TPEI Foundation is a strong supporter of young scholars who are prepared to broaden their scope globally, and to obtain quality education in accounting and finance.

 

About TPEI Accounting and Education Foundation 

TPEI Accounting and Education Foundation (TPEI Foundation) was established under the Canadian Federal statute in 2015.

Their mission: To prepare instructors to teach education materials with highly recognized global standards and shape young learners to become future leaders with high ethical standards.

Their vision: To serve as the bridge and support for providing quality education to train fully competent professionals in China and Canada.

Dr. Robert Haché appointed 11th president and vice-chancellor of Laurentian University

Dr. Robert Haché appointed 11th president and vice-chancellor of Laurentian University

He will assume the position on July 1, 2019, for a five-year renewable term.

Friday, February 15, 2019 – The Laurentian University Board of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Robert Haché as the University’s 11th president and vice-chancellor. He will assume the position on July 1, 2019, for a five-year renewable term, succeeding Dr. Pierre Zundel who has been serving in this capacity on an interim basis since August 2017. 

Current vice-president of Research and Innovation at York University, Dr. Haché has broad experience in leading university research and innovation activities. Prior to York, he served as associate vice-president of Research at the University of Calgary and vice-dean of Research for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, two U15 universities.

Dr. Haché has been recognized by members of the Presidential Search/Selection Committee for his strong and collaborative leadership experience in the Canadian university sector, his successes leading strategic partnerships and initiatives, as well as his proven engagement toward student success. 

“The Board of Governors is very pleased to welcome Dr. Haché to Laurentian University. He is a strong visionary with a stellar track record in both academia and management. Under his leadership, Laurentian will be well positioned to build on its foundation of success over the last decade,” said Jennifer Witty, chair of the Laurentian University Board of Governors and Presidential Search/Selection Committee. 

“Dr. Haché brings a deep understanding of interdisciplinarity, the critical importance of the arts in post-secondary education, and building a culture of engagement, innovation and success in large collaborative projects and programs,” explained Ms. Witty. “In developing the culture of engagement at York, he has paid particular attention to inclusiveness and a focus on Indigenous ways of knowing. He is a strong supporter of the Laurentian University Native Education Council. The latest Strategic Research Plan he led included Indigenous futurities in its five key areas,” added Ms. Witty.

Of Acadian background, Dr. Haché is fluently bilingual (English and French). He holds a BSc (Biochemistry) from McGill University and a Ph.D. (Biochemistry) from Queen’s University. Dr. Haché has 29 years of experience as an academic, including more than 20 years as an academic leader. As a molecular and cellular biologist and biochemist, Dr. Haché has received numerous research grants and awards from organizations, including the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR), the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) and the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for his research projects on steroid hormone action and DNA damaging agents. Dr. Haché has also served as a committee member and chair in various organizations, including the Ontario Council of University Research (OCUR). 

“I am excited to join Laurentian University as it emerges as a national leader. I cannot wait to begin working with students, colleagues and communities to build on Laurentian’s successes, to strengthen and to build new partnerships through academia and industry, and to lead the University to national and international recognition. I am committed to ensuring our students share in my excitement,” said Dr. Robert Haché.

“Laurentian University’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan is impressive. It is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. My priority will be to pursue this vision and engage all disciplines – from the arts to science, education, management, health and much more – in achieving our ambitions and developing our incredible potential together,” explained Dr. Haché. 

Dr. Haché joins the Laurentian team as the University continues to grow. The student population has increased over the last decades from 6,000 to over 8,500 students while the average entry grade continues to climb. Laurentian is home to the award-winning Northern Ontario School of Medicine and has led the province for seven of the last eight years with the highest post-graduation employment rates in Ontario. Further, Laurentian continues to develop strong partnerships with industries, communities and organizations. 

The Board of Governors wishes to recognize the outstanding contribution of Dr. Pierre Zundel. As interim president and vice-chancellor, he has provided excellent leadership and guidance for Laurentian University and will continue in this capacity with the Board’s full support until Dr. Haché’s appointment takes effect. 

 

ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

Laurentian University is located on the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and recognizes its placement on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nations. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues. 


ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY 2018-2023 STRATEGIC PLAN

Laurentian University is a microcosm of Canada: we are northern; we are bilingual; we are committed to reconciliation. Canadians are known for our diversity as we promote inclusion, civility, and respect. Our best solutions are collaborative ones. We are rich in natural resources. We are stewards of vast landscapes and beautiful environments. Our health care is the envy of many. While some have declared, “The world needs more Canada,” we are convinced the world needs more Laurentian. Laurentian University has particular strengths that position us to create knowledge, undertake fundamental research, and make significant contributions to crucial issues facing society.

At Laurentian University we agree on these shared values:

  • The North inspires us;
  • Student success is our success;
  • Teaching and Learning define us;
  • Curiosity drives our Research; and
  • Relationships are our priority.