St. Clair hosts College Information Program

 

 

By Jordan Caschera

High school students from across the city attended St. Clair’s annual College Information Program on Oct. 27.

The program is in place for students to receive more information about college programs in Ontario. As the host school, St. Clair welcomed other colleges from around the province. The nearly 1,500 students were offered information about courses St. Clair College has to offer and were shown a glimpse of what their future may hold.

Sammy Moro, a high school student who came prepared with a program in mind, said he found himself having second thoughts.

“It helped me make up my mind for what I want for my future,” said Moro. “I already knew what I wanted to do, but looking at some of the different opportunities, it changed my mind.”

The students had the opportunity to tour the school’s facilities and get a feel for what the average day of a college student is like. According to St. Clair College enrols nearly 20,500 students a year with approximately 19,700 full and part-time of those being local and national students.

Patrick Redko, professor in the interior design program said the events like the information program are important for both the students and the college.

“It gives students a chance to learn about programs before they apply,” said Redko. “They get to see examples of student work and it helps the college direct the students to the right courses in high school.”

According to student liaison and recruitment coordinator, Laiman Ng, the college is involved with many recruitment activities to maintain and increase enrolment. Ng said the program is in place for St. Clair’s potential students.

“I think these help students connect to faculty,” said Ng. “It’s all about helping 0the students make an informed decision about their post-secondary education.”

In Ng’s opinion St. Clair College has multiple qualities to draw in students.

“We have smaller class sizes and state of the art facilities,” said Ng. “Our faculty is amazing and we can hope students choose St. Clair.”

Ng said the college staff realizes the school cannot attract every student but events like the College Information Program definitely help towards drawing in local students.

St. Clair provides more than 100 advanced diplomas, degrees and graduate certificates focused on health, technology, business, media arts and social services for 8,300 full time students.