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Campus Life

Record number of students choosing to go far with U of R

31 August 2023
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Upwards of 2,000 new domestic and international students spent a day learning more about student life and the services offered to the record-setting 16,860 students attending the University of Regina – the highest number of students ever enrolled for the fall semester.

I’m excited about the new semester and taking new courses. You have to keep yourself on track and know where you are going. — Genesis Serrana Feugo, first-year Arts student from Anaheim, SK

“The University can be – and in fact IS – a fun and dynamic place and you should never lose sight of that,” Dr. Keshen said to the students crowded into the main gym at the Centre for Health & Sport for Orientation Day. “It’s a place where you will be inspired by ideas, meet incredibly interesting people, and have some of the most memorable times of your life while gaining knowledge, skills, and confidence.”

President Jeff Keshen delivers a speech to students
President Keshen was on hand to greet new students gathered at the annual fall Orientation Day. Photo credit: University Advancement and Communications

Genesis Serrana Fuegos is a first-year Arts student from Anaheim, Saskatchewan. She moved into the College West residence on Monday and is looking forward to the start of classes and getting to know her six roommates.

Orientation Day was awesome and nerve racking at the same time,” said Serrana Guegos. “I didn’t really know where I was going, but there were lots of people guiding us. I thought Dr. Keshen’s words were very encouraging. I took his words to heart and I’m determined to do my best.”

a student stands in a hallway lined with booths
First-year Arts student Genesis Serrana Fuegos was one of almost 2,000 new students taking in Orientation Day. Photo credit: University Advancement & Communications

Serrana Fuego was equally moved by the words of Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Engagement) who underscored the University’s commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation. The first-year student shared that she felt it was important hear that message right from the start and to appreciate its significance to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Orientation Day activities also included faculty and federated college orientations and students were treated to lunch and an opportunity to find out more about student clubs, services like the Student Wellness Centre and Centre for Experiential and Service Learning, and, of course, get introduced to the U of R’s student athletes represented by the Rams and Cougars.

“I’m excited about the new semester and taking new courses,” said Serrana Feugo. “You have to keep yourself on track and know where you are going. In high school, your teachers were right beside you. In university you have to become more responsible.”

What's going on in Fall 2023

The fall 2023 semester promises to be a busy one. The second year of the U-Prairie Challenge presented by SaskMilk kicks off on September 8 in Saskatoon pitting the U of R Rams against their University of Saskatchewan rivals. This annual points-based competition between the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan involves 11 different men’s and women’s events, including soccer, football, hockey, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and cross country.

students pack the stands in the gymnasium bleachers
It was a packed gym at Orientation Day on August 29. Photo credit: University Advancement & Communications

After extensive consultation, the University’s new Indigenous Engagement Strategic Plan is set to be launched in late September and aims to decolonize University practices, policies, processes and supports while aligning with the University’s overall strategic plan entitled All Our Relations: kahkiyaw kiwâhkômâkaninawak.

Supportive. Energetic. Fun. That’s the U of R. Apply now and get ready to go far, together!

Excitement is building as the University gets ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024 as an independent, degree-granting institution.

With record-setting enrolment (16,860 students), student residences filling back up to pre-pandemic levels, and more hands-on learning experiences for students than ever before, the U of R is well-positioned to cap off its first half-century and launch into its next.

About the University of Regina

Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,000 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.

Let’s go far, together.