New record for admitted students to Umeå University
NEWS
An estimated 22,000 students have received notification of admission for the autumn 2011 term at Umeå University. This is an increase of 1,305, or 6.3 per cent, when compared with the previous year. The statistics were presented yesterday by the Swedish Agency for Higher Education Services (VHS).
"It is fantastic to wish all these new students a warm welcome to Umeå University and we are obviously very happy that they have chosen us," says Anders Fällström, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education.
Umeå University has had a consistent increase of students over many years. Although the admission figures indicate a new record, it is important to acknowledge that the actual totals will not be official until the students have formally registered for their courses.
"A large number of admitted students fail to show up," explains Anders Fällström. "On the 19th of September, we will begin to have an indication how we truly stand. We will then be able to compare with 2010 statistics from the same date. Since registration takes place throughout the entire term, we will not see the exact figures until the end of the term.”
The current level of admitted students means that the university will not receive full coverage for the costs for providing education. Therefore, further increasing the number of students is no longer a priority.
"We are now focusing on developing the selection of courses and programmes and improving quality," says Anders Fällström. An important aspect of the development is to build learning environments that stimulate interplay among education, research and the surrounding community of the university.
During recent years, the interest in web-based and distance education has risen dramatically. Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest providers of online courses. The quality of online courses has sometimes been questioned, and it’s now vital for Umeå University to ensure that all courses improve in line with technological and educational development.
"We strongly believe that students should meet one another and encourage meetings amongst students, teachers and researchers," explains Anders Fällström. "The boundaries are not so well defined today and in the future I do not think we will be discussing campus and distance education in the same way."
VHS statistics reveal that Umeå University has an increase of 1,555 students admitted to free-standing courses, with a total of 17,436 admitted, and a decrease of 162 students in degree programmes, with 4,235 being admitted. The exact figures for the total number of admitted students to the autumn 2011 term at Umeå University is 21,927.
