Assiniboine Community College is preparing to welcome thousands of new students with many commencing or resuming their studies on campus after the Labour Day long weekend.

The college expects more than 3,700 students over the 2022-23 academic year.

“Earlier this summer, we were fortunate to celebrate last year’s thirteen-hundred-plus graduates with a traditional graduation ceremony, and I know that welcoming students to our campuses this fall will rival that feeling,” said Dr. Deanna Rexe, Vice President, Academic at Assiniboine.

With the province’s investment in the college’s Practical Nursing program, announced this past spring, Assiniboine will welcome more nursing students than ever before this year. Students in Brandon, Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Arborg, Otterburne and Virden will begin studies this September, while the Parkland campus in Dauphin will welcome students back for their second and final year of the program. More future nurses will join the college in January 2023 in Brandon, Winnipeg and Morden.

Another addition for this academic year is the college’s newest learning space, the Centre for Creative Media. Students in Digital Art and Design, Media and Communications, and Web and Interactive Development got a taste of the space when it was completed in early 2022, and the college looks forward to welcoming students in their first year of these programs, who will experience the Centre for the duration of their studies.

“Providing programming that aligns with Manitoba’s labour market needs is central to the college’s strategic plan, as is ensuring these opportunities are available across the province,” said Mark Frison, President at Assiniboine. “Assiniboine continues to provide opportunities throughout Manitoba, with programs beginning at various times throughout the year across campuses and community sites. It’s important we continue to offer students flexibility in where and when they can embark on their post-secondary journey with us.”

Community-based programs in partnerships with organizations and communities—often First Nations—deliver education opportunities close to home for students.

The college is also poised to welcome learners from around the world this year, an important piece of the mission to support Manitoba’s economic and social development. International enrolment is expected to be up slightly from the previous year, with students from more than 20 countries represented.

“Manitoba and Assiniboine have a lot to offer international learners and we’re thrilled to be welcoming new students from around the globe to begin their studies with us,” said Danielle Adriaansen, Vice President, International at Assiniboine. “This past spring, we opened the Diane Shamray International Education Centre and we are excited to bring this space to life with international student traffic this fall.”