Umeå University prepares for a record-setting autumn academic term
NEWS
“We believe that this will be a record number of enrolled students for this autumn term. The inflow of students to the university has been high during the spring term and summer session. There are strong indications that this development will continue during this upcoming autumn term, and perhaps with even greater acceleration. It is extremely gratifying that so many have chosen to study here,” says Göran Sandberg, vice-chancellor of Umeå University.
“It is very pleasing that the admissions figures for the academic areas of technology and arts are also currently on the rise,” says Göran Sandberg.
It is not possible to declare precisely how many students will actually begin studies at the beginning of this autumn term. But compared with last year, nearly 3,000 more applicants have been admitted to programmes and courses at Umeå University.
Umeå University admitted 6,868 new students during the autumn 2008 term, which is to say those who were not previously enrolled at the university.
“This year, we estimate that approximately 7,500 entrant students for this autumn term,” affirms Henrik Stenwall, analyst at the Planning Office.
“We will not be able to get an accurate indication of where we stand until 15 September,” he continues. “Then, we can also compare with last year's figures from the same date. Since registration actually takes place throughout the entire term, we will not have precise figures until the conclusion of the term,” explains Henrik Stenwall.
Record number of exchange students A total of 442 exchange students from all over the world (see list below) are expected to arrive this week. They will begin their studies for one or two academic terms next week. On Tuesday 25 August, an introduction programme will begin for these students, known as an Orientation Course. They will receive an introduction on what it’s like to study at Umeå University and also get a chance to become more familiar with their new surroundings in Umeå and the city itself. Programme
Questions about the Orientation Course programme can be sent to: Eivor Lundgren, phone: 090-786 9741 and Monika Larsson, phone 090-786 6087.
Autumn 2009 students arriving on exchange agreements come from the following nations: Australia 2, Austria 13, Belgium 10, Brazil 3, Canada 10, China 6, Czech Republic 7, Denmark 1, Estonia 1, Finland 12, France 57, Germany 115, Greece 4, Guatemala 1, Holland 8, Ireland 16, Italy 19, Jordan 1, Lithuania 5, Nicaragua 2, Poland 15, Portugal 3, Romania 2, Russia 13, Switzerland 1, India 3, Slovakia 3, Slovenia 2, Spain 27, South Africa 2, Tanzania 2, Turkey 25, United Kingdom 31, USA 7, Taiwan 2, Vietnam 12.
Development of Campus Umeå There are several exciting construction and rennovation projects currently in development at Campus Umeå, the main campus and focal centre of Umeå University. It includes the transformation of the area surrounding the campus pond that aims to inspire a year-round creative environment, the addition of a new outooor athletics arena fit for international competitions, and a picturesque and welcoming 'Avenue of Trees' that runs parallel to the campus. Read more about the project
Figures on students at Umeå University Last year, the median age of entrant students was 20 years old, and the number of females was 63.5%. 4 of 10 entrants study in degree programmes, while the remainder are enrolled in free standing single-subject courses. Students in degree programmes makeup 56% of the educational volume (number of registered credits). Half of the entrants are enrolled in courses or programmes based on campus. The remaining students are enrolled in distance-based education, which often include single-subject courses.
The total number of entrant students that study off-campus, predominately online, has risen drastically over the past few years, and the trend is expected to continue. Of the 7,500 arriving entrant students, nearly 4,500 are based on the main campus in Umeå, and the others are placed at Campus Skellefteå, Campus Örnskoldsvik, Kiruna, Lyksele or via online and distance courses.
The Faculty of Technology and Science reports that the number of admitted students in civil engineering programmes has jumped 81 per cent.
Events during registration week: A welcome fair for new and returning students will be held on Thursday 3 September, 10 am till 3 pm in the Universum Building at Campus Umeå. A broad schedule of events for new arriving exchange and international students has been arranged by the International Office. New students are encouraged to attend and become more acquainted with life in Umeå and at the University.
Dozens of exhibitors – closely connected with student life – will be displaying their activities, including student unions, cultural and sports associations, university and municipal branches, clubs, societies and public authorities. Additionally, contests, musical performances and other surprises can be expected.
Culture on Campus presents Sulo meets Brunner during lunchtime. Leader of the band the Diamond Dogs, Sören 'Sulo' Karlsson's new album mixes punk flavoured nerve with blues and soul. The lyrics are a personal interpretation of the works of Swedish poet Ernst Brunner. It is a unique project in that it's the interpretation of a living poet.
Registration at the student unions:
Medical Sciences Student Union (MSU) Registration for all students in the academic fields of medicine, health sciences or dentistry. Location: Union house Villan at the University Hospital park on 31 August and 1 September, 10 am – 4 pm. http://medicinska.se/en/
The Student Union of Science and Technology (NTK) Registration for all students in the academic fields of technology, science or design. Location: Union house Origo on 31 August and 1 September, 10 am – 4 pm. http://www.ntk.umu.se/english
The Umeå Union of Students (US) All students at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts or Umeå School of Education will receive a payment form at the home mailing address. No physical registration will therefore take place. http://www.umeastudentkar.se/default.asp?ML=161
International and exchange students will have the opportunity to register with MSU and US on Thursday 27 August, 12:30 - 2 pm.
