The communities of Thunder Bay and Orillia, home to Lakehead University's two campuses, are about to swell in size as new and returning students from across the country and around the world begin a new school year.
The university is ready to welcome close to 9,000 students this fall, with 6,800 students heading to Thunder Bay and just over 2,000 students en route to Orillia. Of the total number of students enrolled, an anticipated 1,900 international students will join Lakehead from over 80 countries worldwide.
"The start of a new school year is such an exciting time for new and returning students, their families, faculty and staff, and the communities of Thunder Bay and Simcoe County," said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. "Lakehead lies at the heart of the communities we proudly serve. Our students, faculty and staff make deep impacts on Thunder Bay and Simcoe County through employment and economic contributions, volunteerism and community work, and for many, by falling in love with these amazing communities and staying to build their lives here after they graduate."
A local economic powerhouse, Lakehead University's annual economic impact in northwestern Ontario is $2.4 billion and $294.5 million in Orillia. With an astonishing track record of helping graduates enter the workforce, often locally, 97.4% of Lakehead graduates are employed within two years of completing their degrees, and 90.1% of students get jobs directly related to their studies.
Lakehead University is the only comprehensive university serving northern Ontario and the Orillia campus stands as Simcoe County's local university, meeting the needs of a rapidly growing population.
"What makes Lakehead special, is that we're known as a university that opens doors for people - doors that for many students, may have felt like a barrier before they found their way forward through Lakehead," said Dr. Siddall. "Lakehead is about providing access, support and educational excellence, and the outcomes for students are remarkable. The Lakehead difference is that we take a student with potential, wrap them with the support they need support they may not find at larger institutions and they thrive. Our students graduate with confidence and skills, ready to contribute to the workforce. We take potential and turn it into success - that's what we do here."
Part of Lakehead's formula for success is providing 100% of students with experiential learning opportunities. Over 80% of Lakehead students participate in work-integrated learning experiences during their undergraduate degree made possible through partnerships with local industries, municipalities and community organizations.
Warmly welcoming new students is central to the Lakehead experience and orientation kicks off this week with special activities for new students, many who are arriving in their new home community for the first time. Orientation is a mix of social and practical activities to set students up for success, both personally and academically, including helping them navigate local banking, shopping and transit needs, in addition to academic support, and health, wellness and safety considerations.
Orientation activities take place the week of August 26 and classes begin on September 3, 2024.
