As the University of Guelph prepares to welcome a larger number of first-year students this fall, its focus remains on readiness to ensure an enriched student experience for all incoming students.
The University is expanding a number of services to ensure students have access to what they need, from increased orientation services, to a new meal plan for commuters, to more class sections and supported learning groups.
How U of G is preparing for increased enrolment:
Course Expansion
- Some course and section sizes will be increased, and new class sections will be added.
Priority Access
- Students who require certain courses for their program will have priority access to help ensure access to the courses needed for their program or year level.
Student Experience Support
- U of G’s Student Experience team will activate additional services to enhance the university experience for incoming students, including an expanded Orientation Week and programs to support the transition to university life.
Off-Campus Student Meal Plans
- The University will now offer different off-campus meal plan options for students who are commuting and/or living off-campus. For the first time, first-year commuting students will have the option to purchase an on-campus meal plan. Full details and ability to purchase will be available in July.
Housing
- The University increased its housing inventory to offer residence to as many students as possible. It will also expedite plans to increase housing on University-owned land. Further details will be announced this fall.
Off-Campus Housing
- The University is adding staff capacity so it can better support one-on-one advising meetings with students and their parents and is hosting information sessions to help students looking to secure off-campus housing.
Student Wellness
- Additional staff will be hired to increase health care and mental health support, and resources for Student Accessibility Services intake and advising will also be expanded.
Library Services
- The McLaughlin Library will increase staff to support learning groups and enhance research help and accessibility services.
Parking
- Assessments of on-campus parking services indicate sufficient parking for students, faculty, and staff who drive to campus. Additionally, a new ride-share and carpooling app will facilitate student connections during commutes.
Further details can be found on the Fall 2024 webpage.
“While planning for expanded enrolment began last fall, the University has added more supports in recent weeks after a late surge in student acceptances resulted in more first- year students looking for a spot in residence and a higher overall yield rate—a term the University uses to describe the ratio of acceptances to offers,” says Provost and Vice-President (academic) Gwen Chapman.
“Given frozen domestic tuition rates and government grants, strategic enrolment growth is one of few ways universities can generate the revenue needed to provide an enriching student experience and deliver exceptional educational programs,” added Chapman.
This year’s higher-than-expected enrolment reinforces the need to increase housing inventory on University-owned land, and work with partners at various levels of government to help create an environment with an adequate supply of affordable and attainable housing, including purpose-built rental housing for students.
Supporting the academic success and well-being of every student is the University’s top priority, says Chapman.
“The University of Guelph remains committed to preparing highly-skilled graduates to become leaders in Ontario and globally.”