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Over the past few weeks, it has been great to see students back and each of our campuses busy with activities, as the fall semester is in full swing. From those learners who are just starting a new program, to the graduates who walked across the convocation stage last weekend, it is clear that ��«Ӱҵ continues to play an important role in our region.

I’ll say that again: ��«Ӱҵ plays an important, vital role in our region.

We know that the education and training we provide prepares students for careers where they have an impact – across hundreds of diverse types of jobs, and in fields such as health care, trades, technologies, education, hospitality and so much more. Our grads work in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, making contributions to our economy and to the resiliency of our communities.

Even more importantly – ��«Ӱҵ makes post-secondary education more accessible to more people, whether because of where our campuses are located, the lower cost of tuition, or the flexibility that is built into different program offerings.

That’s why we are so committed to continuing to see this institution thrive, and to ensuring our programs are aligned with what students want to study and the talent that employers want to hire.

Fall enrolment update

In September, ��«Ӱҵ welcomed more than 7,700 students across all programs, although this number does not yet include several trades and continuing studies students, whose classes start later in the fall. (It is also not our “annual” student population, which will be known in summer 2025.)

At this point, we are seeing a general decrease in new enrolments both by domestic students and international students across all portfolios, although some specific programs are growing. There are many potential reasons for enrolment to change, and this is something that Provost Council is reviewing now and will continue to review over the coming weeks.

International student enrolment

Like other post-secondary institutions across Canada, ��«Ӱҵ is experiencing a drop in international student applications and enrolments. This is likely due, in part, to the impact of announcements by the federal government to limit study permits in Canada, and to change the eligibility requirements for post-graduate work permits. I’ll speak more to that in a minute.

At ��«Ӱҵ this fall, we have a similar number of international students enrolled in classes as we did last year, representing approximately 12 per cent of our overall annual student population.

However, the number of new international students has decreased by about 50 per cent, as compared to last fall. Our winter semester new student applications and enrolments are also low.

Many students who are this fall “returning” will graduate and leave ��«Ӱҵ in June. Meanwhile, fewer new students this year means fewer returning students next year. Combined with continued low new enrolments, we expect a significant decrease in international students at all ��«Ӱҵ campuses in September 2025.

The parity of esteem – and what that means

One of the conversations I’ve been having more frequently lately is about the ‘parity of esteem’ in higher education, and how it is critical that we understand the value and contributions of all post-secondary institutions.

Think of a ladder: certificates and diplomas are at times described as the lowest rung, with degrees a step higher and post-graduate programs even higher still. For some people, that progression may make sense – they earn a college diploma and then take their next steps completing a four-year university degree. But others complete four-year degrees or a Trades apprenticeship at college, while others come to college after university, and still others spend time in the workforce before higher education of any kind, etc., etc. All are pathways to success.

The better model is when the ladder is on its side, and society values each institution as having equal value, with individuals accessing institutions and programs according to their needs.

Recent policy changes in Canada

Why is parity of esteem important now? Many of you will be aware of an announcement last month by the federal government related to post-graduate work permits for international students.

Under the new rules, international students at colleges will only qualify for a work permit if they complete programs aligned with occupations identified as experiencing a national labour shortage. Broadly, the categories are agriculture and agri-food, health care, science and technology, engineering and math, and trades and transportation.

By contrast, international students at universities will be eligible regardless of what they are studying. These requirements will impact students who apply for study permits after Nov. 1, 2024.

For ��«Ӱҵ and other public colleges, there are two specific challenges that come out of this change.

First, we anticipate this announcement to further discourage international students from applying to college programs, because they will be concerned about their ability to obtain a work permit after graduation.

Secondly, as and have noted, any policy that positions our institutions as delivering lower quality education risks discouraging domestic students as well. Perhaps unintentionally, the new requirements on international students at Canadian colleges implies that there is no parity of esteem between post-secondary institutions, undoing years of effort and contributions by public colleges.

Next steps and what’s ahead

There are many ways that we are responding to government policies, the needs of local and regional employers, student interest and demand, and our overall enrolment. I’ll mention a few here:

• I’ve already spoken about the work being led by Provost Council to look at ongoing enrolment, and how our current program offerings align to student demand and community needs. This work is a priority.
• Additionally, Leadership Council is actively working on the 2025/26 Integrated Resource Plan, which includes our annual operational and capital budgets, which will go to our Board of Governors early next year.
• And, as you know, we continue to advance strategic initiatives identified on our Inspire strategic plan and Roadmap.
• At the provincial and federal levels, ��«Ӱҵ is working with BC Colleges and other public institutions to collaborate with governments on policies and approaches that benefit students, communities and long-term economic growth. Specifically, our ability to recruit international and domestic students depends on a shared understanding of the importance of colleges within our post-secondary system, and the quality of our programming. These efforts are led through the President’s office and the Executive Team.

On Oct. 28 and 29, we will host the fall ‘Ask Us Anything’ meetings, for staff to have the opportunity to come together with leadership, raise questions and have conversations about this update and other aspects of our work together at ��«Ӱҵ.

• Oct. 28, 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Kelowna campus, Cafeteria (F-101)
• Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Penticton campus, PC113
• Oct. 28, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Virtual Session ()
• Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Salmon Arm campus, SA-130
• Oct. 29, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Vernon campus, V-E213

As I said at the beginning of this message, ��«Ӱҵ has an important role to play in our region – that has not changed. We will continue to be a place where students gain skills, education and experience that prepares them for the next step in their careers.

Limləmt, Kukstemc, Thank you.

Neil Fassina

President, ��«Ӱҵ