U of R records biggest student growth in 37 years

The University of Regina hasn’t seen enrolment grow this fast since Michael Jackson’s album Thriller was released in 1982.

There are now 16,501 students registered for classes this fall, representing a six-per-cent increase from 2018 and the biggest year-over-year growth in 37 years.

There are 933 more students registered for classes this fall than at the same time last year.

In a release, the university credits some of that growth to the Indigenous and international community.

The number of students who self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit has increased by nearly six per cent since 2018 and comprises 13 per cent of the university’s student population. International students have increased by 27 per cent from last year, making up 19 per cent of the student population.

“Our 2015-20 Strategic Plan — peyak aski kikawinaw: Together We Are Stronger — is focused on student success, community service and innovative research,” U of R president Dr. Vianne Timmons said in a media release.

“The efforts of faculty and staff toward realizing these priorities, along with our overarching commitment to sustainability and Indigenization, have helped build our growing academic reputation and contributed to extraordinary student growth.”