Oshawa, Ont. - Canadian students entering college or university this fall are distinguishing themselves as a highly admirable group, according to a new report released today by the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. The report, entitled First InSight, looks at the attitudes and behaviours of today's first-year students and is aimed at helping faculty understand what makes this new generation of students tick.
Most notably these students are an altruistic bunch - 58 per cent of these youth have made direct financial donations to charities and 37 per cent volunteer their time at charities1. In fact, they have the highest rate of volunteerism of any age group in Canada2.
"We're introducing First InSight to give college and university faculty some real insight into the changing perspective of first-year students," explains Sharon Loverock, PhD, senior research officer for the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College. "This report will help bridge a 30-year generation gap between faculty and first-year students." The average college or university faculty member is 49 years of age3.
On average, today's college- and university-bound students spend about $500 per month on fast food and clothes4. More than half of first-year students (55 per cent) have never smoked - and 18 per cent say they smoke daily5. Additionally, 71 per cent of males and 58 per cent of females say they regularly consume alcohol6.
"One of the greatest ways we can ensure our students' success is by understanding what shapes their opinions and lifestyles," says Gary Polonsky, founding president of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and president of Durham College.
You've come a long way baby
From the time they were born in 1983 or 1984, some of history's greatest triumphs and tragedies have helped shape these students' perspectives. For example:
Ali Who?
To those entering college or university, Ali is the name of a movie - not that of a legendary boxer. They don't remember the rumble in the jungle and have never seen him fight. "E.T. phone home" was a phrase heard for the first time in theatres this spring. The original movie was released before they were born. And they have never been afraid of Jaws while at the beach.
Another spoonful of reality TV - please
Reality television shows like The Osbournes have received a lot of fanfare thanks to this new generation of college- and university-bound students. Yet the occasional break from reality - namely in the form of a hero/heroine - makes television shows like Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Smallville popular among these students.
According to the report, the majority of today's first-year students have traded their CDs - how '90s! - for MP3 files loaded with their favourite bands including, Pink, Simple Plan, Sum41, The Stroke, Alien Ant Farm and Moby.
So long chalkboard dust!
Today's college- and university-bound students were the first to reap the benefits of a technologically advanced learning environment. By the time they were just 12 years old, these students were receiving computers from the Ontario government in their classrooms.
What's tried and true and what's brand new
As Canada's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology will provide a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research and hands-on skills. This first-class university will graduate the thinkers, doers and leaders critically needed in the 21st century. The university will offer nine degree programs and will share selected facilities with Durham College. Currently under development in Oshawa, Ontario, the university will welcome its first students in September 2003. For more information visit the Web site at www.uoit.ca or call 1-866-844-8648.
For 35 years, Durham College has been committed to providing job-focused programs, accomplished professors, quality-driven innovation, student success and superior accountability. More than 5,200 full-time students and 29,000 part-time students are enrolled at Durham College. The college employs 1,000 staff in Durham Region. For more information, visit the Web site at www.durhamcollege.ca.
References:
1, 2. Canadian Centre for Philanthropy, National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, 2000.
3. Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, Trends, The Canadian University in Profile, 1999.
4. Canadian Securities Administrators, www.csa-avvm.ca, April 2001.
5. Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey 2000/01.
6. Statistics Canada, Guide to Health Statistics, Catalogue No. 82M0009XCB.
Media contact:
Sharon Loverock or Heather Middleton
Durham College and The University of Ontario Institute of Technology
(905) 721-2000 ext. 2343 or 2513
sharon.loverock@durhamc.on.ca
heather.middleton@durhamc.on.ca
Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications and Marketing.