More students than ever are choosing Trent University when applying to universities in Ontario, according to independent data by Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA) showing an 85% increase in first-choice applications to Trent over a ten-year period where average growth was 8%.
HESA's Alex Usher created the chart, which shows Trent well ahead of other institutions across the province, based on data publicly available through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). In an April 17, 2019 blog post, Mr. Usher looks at the most successful institutions and remarks, "And goodness, Trent. An 85% increase in applications. No, that's not a misprint and no, I have [no] idea what is going on there, but good on them."
During his first year as president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Leo Groarke conducted a review of the Recruitment and Marketing functions at the University, implementing the recommendations of an independent consultant to merge the departments. A new Strategic Enrolment Management committee with leaders from across the institution was formed and led by President Groarke. Since that time, the University has seen year-over-year increases in applications and registrations. Trent has paid down its deficit and had surplus budgets five years in a row.
