You are now in the main content area

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.

Laurentian University selects StrategyCorp as Strategic Plan Consultant

Laurentian University selects StrategyCorp as Strategic Plan Consultant

Canadian firm engaged to support planning process

(May 4, 2023) - The upcoming strategic planning process at Laurentian University will benefit from an experienced Canadian partner as the University has selected StrategyCorp to assist in the process.

This critical planning process will set a foundation for the University’s future and is the result of a public request for proposals which took place in January and February of 2023. The Strategic Plan will be formed as a result of extensive consultations with groups internal and external to Laurentian University, with a particular focus on strengthening the bilingual and tricultural aspects of the institution.

“This strategic planning process will set a critical foundation for the University’s future. The process will be led by the University, the ideas will come from our community, and we’ll benefit from a partner with vast experience,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

After having recently selected Deloitte as the University’s Transformational Consultant, Laurentian University is poised to continue to renew and evolve in line with the needs of Northern Ontario communities.

The assistance of an external advisor in the strategic planning process is a requirement of the court-approved Amended Plan of Compromise and Arrangement. The Strategic Plan will also consider recommendations provided by Ontario’s Auditor General, the NOUS reports, and the French Language Services Commissioner.

The work to develop the Strategic Plan will begin immediately and is slated to be completed by December 2023. There will be many opportunities for engagement and more information on how to participate will be forthcoming.

 

About StrategyCorp

StrategyCorp is a leading consulting firm specializing in strategic advisory services – government relations, strategic communications, and management consulting – to organizations operating in complex, highly regulated and scrutinised environments. Founded in 1995, and serving clients nationally, StrategyCorp has been involved in some of Canada’s most critical business issues and charged public policy matters, working with clients to create the conditions for their success.

Laurentian University Selects Transformation Consultant

Laurentian University Selects Transformation Consultant

Deloitte chosen to support operational transformation

(May 1, 2023 - Sudbury, Ontario, Canada) - Laurentian University is on the path to growing its reputation and gaining recognition for its important contributions within Canada’s post-secondary education ecosystem, building on the strength of its tricultural identity and bilingual mandate.

As a step towards achieving this goal, Laurentian University has selected Deloitte to support the University’s operational transformation. The selection process for this important work began in November, 2022 and included a public request for proposals. 

Deloitte provides expertise in supporting organizations through transformational restructuring and significant experience working with both public and private entities. 

“We are pleased to be able to make this announcement as it signals an important milestone in the University’s renewal. Choosing the right partner to support the University through this process is key to ensuring a successful transformation,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

The first step of the project will see a detailed Transformation Plan developed through discussion and collaboration with the University’s Transformation Consulting Group, campus leaders, and members of the Laurentian community. The Plan, which is a requirement of the court-approved Amended Plan of Compromise and Arrangement, will consider recommendations provided by Ontario’s Auditor General, the NOUS report, and suggestions generated within the Laurentian community. The Plan will include: overall goals of the transformation, priorities, deliverables, sequencing of projects, a timeline for implementation, and required resources. 

The work to develop the Transformation Plan will begin immediately and is slated to be completed by fall 2023.

Sacred Fire to Honour Students, Staff, Faculty

Sacred Fire to Honour Students, Staff, Faculty

Student leaders speak to their confidence in Laurentian University

(April 6, 2023) - As the end of the semester approaches, students at Laurentian University will begin their final exams very soon. Since the start of this academic year, the Laurentian community has faced much adversity through the CCAA process. However, we continue to move forward by supporting each other. 

To honour the students, faculty and staff for their hard work in the 2022-2023 academic year, and for “Ishkode”, reigniting the fire in your heart, a four-day Sacred Fire will be held. This event will take place from April 11th, the first day of the winter examination period, to April 14th, 2023 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. at the fire area outside of the Round Room in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre. All are welcome to attend.

Laurentian students have continued to inspire us with their confidence about the bright future of Laurentian. Here are a handful of student leaders and their positive beliefs about the upcoming years:

Avery Morin is a third-year Behavioural Neuroscience and Concurrent Education student from Sudbury, Ontario. She is the President of the Students' General Association. “I believe in the bright future of Laurentian because of the incredible opportunities our school can provide. As a student leader, I’ve been able to grow into a strong and passionate advocate for students around the world and I’m beyond thankful for all of the experiences that the Laurentian community has given me,” said Morin.

Emily Appadoo is a first-year Sciences infirmières student from Chambly, Quebec. She is a Peer Wellness Specialist with the LU Peer Wellness Program. “I wholeheartedly believe in the bright future of Laurentian University! Despite facing recent challenges, thanks to resilience and determination, our community is still standing strong. I am confident that with the dedication of the faculty and staff, along with the drive of our students, LU will propel towards great achievements in the near future,” said Appadoo.

Meghan McCue is a PhD candidate in Biomolecular Sciences from Sudbury, Ontario. She is the President of the Graduate Student Association. “Throughout the last few years, those passionate about Laurentian have persevered and continued to make things brighter day-by-day. As a student, it is great to see happy faces back on campus, at student events, and representing Laurentian at sporting events and conferences. As a student leader, I am always impressed by what our students accomplish during their time here and beyond; Laurentian alumni are some of the most successful people I know,” said McCue.

Darshan Shah is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student from Ahmedabad, India. He is a Liaison Student Ambassador with Liaison Services and a Canadian Mining Games competitor. “Laurentian University has a strong history of providing high-quality education and research in various fields, with a diverse student population and unique advantages, such as its location and Indigenous education focus. The university has taken steps to restructure its operations and emerge with a new financial plan focused on strengthening academic programs, increasing enrollment, and enhancing research activities. These factors suggest that Laurentian University has the potential for a bright future,” said Shah.

Laurentian University successfully exits CCAA process

Laurentian University successfully exits CCAA process

Solid financial foundation to serve students, staff, faculty and the community for future generations

November 28, 2022 - Laurentian University has successfully completed its restructuring process under the CCAA and has now emerged from the court proceedings which began on February 1, 2021. This milestone allows Laurentian to continue to work with its key stakeholders to rebuild from a solid financial foundation. 

“While there is much healing and hard work yet to be done, today we emerge stronger with safeguards in place to ensure a sustainable, more transparent and inclusive future,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of the Board of Governors. “Reforming our governance, improving operations and heeding the recommendations of the Auditor General will keep us on track but, most importantly, we must be committed to respecting all of the University’s stakeholders as key decisions about the future are made.”

“We are committed to rebuilding pride in LU and regaining the confidence of our many stakeholders and the Greater Sudbury community. We’ll do this through our actions in the months and years ahead as we form our strategic plan and continue organizational transformation,” said Dr. Tammy Eger, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “Students and parents can feel confident in their decision to choose Laurentian to advance their education.”

The university is in a position to begin the process of forming the next strategic plan and implementing recommendations relevant to operations and governance, all while actively consulting with stakeholders including students and parents, faculty members, staff, labour partners, retired academics, alumni, donors, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Francophones, government partners, the Greater Sudbury community, and many more. 

“The future is bright for Laurentian, we have work ahead to transform our institution, but the path forward is clear. We are inspired to realize the vast potential within our community,” said Dr. Eger. 

Court Approves Laurentian’s Plan of Arrangement

Court Approves Laurentian’s Plan of Arrangement

Approval paves way for University to exit CCAA process

(October 5, 2022) - Laurentian University’s exit from the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) process is now within reach as Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice has approved the university’s Plan of Arrangement. 

With this most recent approval, Laurentian is now weeks away from being able to successfully emerge from the CCAA process. This significant milestone should give confidence to those applying to Laurentian that they will be able to start and finish their degrees here.

Approval of the Plan by the Court allows the University to proceed to Plan Implementation, once the conditions to Plan Implementation have been satisfied. When the Plan is implemented later this fall, Laurentian will have successfully emerged from its CCAA restructuring as a financially sustainable university with a solid path for future success. The Plan of Arrangement was previously approved by the University’s creditors on September 14, 2022. 

The University will soon welcome hundreds of prospective students and their families to its Fall Open House on October 22. During the event, students are led on guided tours of the campus, meet faculty members and even sit in on sample lectures in multiple disciplines. Registration for the event is now open.

Grateful that Laurentian has a chance at renewal

Grateful that Laurentian has a chance at renewal

by Jeff Bangs, Chair of Board of Governors – Laurentian University

I cannot recall ever going through the full range of emotions the way I did waiting for the results of this vote, the judgment of creditors on Laurentian’s plan to recover, rebuild and chart a better future.

Usually, the outcome of a vote clearly indicates if you are on the winning or losing side. Not this time around.

So much was lost by so many in the lead up to this pivotal moment. We must never forget that.

Make no mistake though, we have given ourselves the chance to redefine LU and together write a new and brighter chapter featuring transparency, collegiality and accountability.

As we enter the fall recruitment season to attract students for the 2023 school year , it is important that our staff and faculty who play such a huge role in promoting Laurentian are able, for the first time in many years, to lean into the task without the burden of a pandemic and an insolvency process weighing them down. We can once again say with confidence that if a student enrolls at Laurentian, they will be able to complete their studies here.
Of course, the transformative changes the university needs will not all happen overnight. As stated in the Plan of Arrangement, we are looking at a multi-year effort toward a sustainable and financially viable future. The first step was taking back control with the support of creditors.

It is now in our hands to continue the healing process and undertake the rebuilding phase. As Chair of the Board of Governors, I am committed to doing so by creating a bigger tent, one that is more inclusive and more transparent about the steps we intend to take – with greater input from union partners, staff, students, retirees and employers – to put this institution back on the path to success in a way its never seen before.

Over the past nine months the university has experienced a complete turnover in Board membership, signaled changes in the highest management ranks and started forming new relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Reports that have been done on operations and governance, and even the advice and observations of the Auditor General, will be important points of reflection to ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated. We owe it to the Greater Sudbury community; present and future students; the faculty of today and tomorrow; and our staff team who keep our campus running at all levels to press forward with the goal of making Laurentian University’s comeback story a case study in resilience, determination, and belief in the value of postsecondary education.

Gratitude is in order for those who endorsed our Plan of Arrangement as is respect for the views of those who did not. A new and different kind of hard work begins today to ensure the rare chance we’ve been given is not wasted, that trust is earned, and stronger relationships guide us to a brighter future.

Miigwetch. Merci. Thank you.