RE: Join the Enrolment Crisis Task Force – Advocate for Change at the University of Guelph!

Dear University of Guelph Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We are writing to invite you to participate in the newly established Enrolment Crisis Task Force, a group of leaders and advocates dedicated to addressing the critical issues arising from the recent surge in student enrolment at the University of Guelph.

Background

As many of you are aware, the University of Guelph has admitted nearly 8,000 students for the Fall 2024 cohort, marking a 53% increase from the Fall 2023 cohort and nearly a 20% increase from the already disastrous Fall 2022 cohort. Some programs (especially in CEPS) have seen their first-year cohort sizes increase by up to 85%. This unprecedented growth has led to over 1,300 students being placed on the residence waitlist as of June 10, 2024.

• 7,111 Ontario Secondary School Students (55.5% increase) - up from last year's 4,572
• 738 Other Applicants (29.2% increase)
• 7,849 TOTAL ADMISSIONS (52.6% increase)

The University of Guelph has had the largest % increase in admissions by far in Ontario.

Impact of Over-Enrolment

The dramatic rise in student numbers has strained our resources, affecting the quality of education, student welfare, and the overall student experience. The urgency of these challenges requires a coordinated and strategic response from our community. The University of Guelph does not have the housing, space, faculty, staff, supports, or service capacity to deal with such an explosion of new students.

About the Enrolment Crisis Task Force

The Enrolment Crisis Task Force is an ad hoc committee of the CSA Board of Directors, created to advocate for students’ needs to the University, regarding the over-enrolment crisis. Our goals include:

• Identifying Resource Deficits: Highlighting areas where resources and support are lacking due to over-enrolment and advocating for immediate action.
• Student Advocacy: Serving as the primary voice representing student concerns directly to the University administration, ensuring that student voices are heard in decision-making processes.
• Monitoring and Accountability: Keeping track of the University's responses to over-enrolment and pushing for timely and effective changes in policies and practices.
• Collaboration and Feedback: Engaging with various campus groups, including faculty, staff, unions, employee groups, and student organizations, to gather insights and work collaboratively on solutions.

Committee Membership

The Task Force is open to all CSA members (undergraduate students), GSA members (graduate students), faculty, and staff committed to addressing the over-enrolment crisis. To join, please express your interest via email to the Chair(s). New members will be ratified at the first Committee meeting they attend.

Chairs: Nate Broughton, CSA Director, and Bawneet Singh, CSA VP Academic.

A meeting schedule has not yet been determined, but meetings will begin as soon as possible.

Get Involved!

Your participation is crucial in making a meaningful impact on this issue. Join us in advocating for the necessary changes to ensure that the University of Guelph provides a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all students.

To express your interest in joining the Enrolment Crisis Task Force or for more information, please contact csaenrolmenttaskforce@uoguelph.ca!

Together, we can make a difference!

Sincerely,

Nate Broughton & Bawneet Singh

Co-Chairs, Enrolment Crisis Task Force