Sheridan is among fastest growing colleges in Ontario

Sheridan’s fall term is well underway, and this year the college welcomed 16,000 students to its campuses in Oakville and Brampton

For Immediate Release: September 20, 2010
Oakville, Ontario

Sheridan’s fall term is well underway, and this year the college welcomed 16,000 students to its campuses in Oakville and Brampton – an increase of 12% over 2009. Enrolment figures for the Oakville Campus showed an increase of 5%, while the Davis Campus in Brampton experienced a record 20% increase in students.

These numbers come as no surprise to Sheridan’s President and CEO, Jeff Zabudsky. “We serve two of the fastest-growing regions in the country – Halton and Peel – and the demand for post-secondary education is growing apace.” The increase in enrolment may also reflect market trends, adds Zabudsky. “As the knowledge economy continues to expand, there is a concomitant need for a more skilled and highly educated workforce,” he says. “Colleges like Sheridan provide the blend of theoretical and applied, hands-on learning that prepares students to make a valued contribution in the workplace as soon as they graduate.”

This year’s growth also reflects increasing interest among students abroad in attending Sheridan: the number of international students has more than doubled over last year’s figure, to 1,200 students this year. Zabudsky views the increased international enrolment as a benefit to the college and its students alike. “This means an enriched learning environment for our students. They have the opportunity to be exposed to different cultures and to develop lasting international friendships, which can also lead to future business opportunities.”

Sheridan has been preparing for enrolment growth by adding facilities at its Oakville and Davis Campuses over the past few years, including a new Animation Centre and Learning Commons at the Oakville Campus, and the Centre for Healthy Communities and a new Library/Learning Commons facility at Davis. In September 2011, a new Sheridan campus will open in Mississauga’s city centre, with an initial enrolment of 1,760 students. In the long term, the Mississauga Campus is expected to expand to accommodate up to 5,000 students primarily engaged in business studies.