TORONTO, June 19 /CNW/ - Dianne Cunningham, Minister of Training,
Colleges and Universities, joined by Dr. Ross Paul, Chair of the Council of
Ontario Universities Standing Committee on Government and Community Relations
and President of the University of Windsor, today announced that a record
number of Ontario secondary students will be going to an Ontario university
this fall.
Dr. Paul confirmed that close to 72,000 students have now accepted offers
of admission, which is on track to meet the target of 70,000 high school
graduates who are expected to register in September.
"I want to congratulate Ontario students on this outstanding
achievement," said Cunningham. "I also want to thank Ontario universities for
their strong commitment to providing these students with a quality education.
Together we have successfully reached our goal of providing every willing and
qualified student with the same opportunities as their older brothers and
sisters."
More than 102,000 graduating high school students applied for admission
to an Ontario university. Historically, 65-70 per cent of students who apply
go on to register. Today's announcement that more than 70,000 high school
students have accepted an offer to attend a university this September
maintains that historic ratio.
The Eves government and its partners have supported the largest expansion
of postsecondary education in Ontario history. A total of $1.7 billion has
been invested to build 35 new facilities, and one new university. In addition,
funding has been increased by $354.9 million more than in 2000-01 to support
enrolment growth and an additional $75 million was committed to ensure quality
of learning in the 2003 Budget, growing to $200 million in 2006-07.
"The investments we have made in postsecondary education have met our
commitment to provide a place for every willing and qualified student in the
double cohort year," said Cunningham. "The new facilities and faculty will
benefit students for years to come."

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