Nearly 3,200 students started the school year on August 20 at the CEGEP de Valleyfield, which represents a five per cent increase over last year’s numbers.
The main campus is now host to 2,525 students, while the satellite campus in Saint-Constant now has 387 students. The Vaudreuil-Dorion campus has seen significant growth over last year, with 278 students registered for classes. This represents an increase of just over 47 per cent.
According to the CEGEP’s executive director, Marc Rémillard, the institution is anticipating enrollment to top 4,000 students by 2032. The school is now analyzing its future needs and use of space at its three campuses following the adoption of a real estate master plan.
For example, the Armand-Frappier Library will be downsized to make way for new classrooms. The former mechanical engineering facilities, which are currently unused, will undergo a $5-million renovation following the awarding of a grant. Significant investments are also being planned for certain programs, including $1.2 million for the respiratory therapy program in 2028, and $550,000 for the nursing program in 2029. A new attestation of college studies in special education will also be offered in 2027.
The CEGEP will also continue its internal expansion by leasing space from the Cité des Arts et des Sports complex, while repurposing other existing spaces.
The increase in student enrollment has also led to a rise in staffing needs. In total, 124 people have been hired over the past 16 months. Many of these new hires were necessary to accommodate the rapid growth of the Vaudreuil-Dorion campus.
Since 60 per cent of the CEGEP’s students are women, a flag football and volleyball team have been created. The men’s football season has started, and students can also join basketball and volleyball teams.
A recent student survey revealed an average overall well-being index of 73 per cent across the three campuses. Finances and food insecurity are an issue; however, the Fondation du CEGEP helps students facing difficulties by providing grocery cards and pre-paid cards for the cafeteria.
The CEGEP has also partnered with the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Beauharnois, Valleyfield, Haut-Saint-Laurent (CCIBVHSL) to offer a Passeport CEGEP program offering student discounts at local businesses.
The CEGEP foundation is currently running two fundraising campaigns. The first is for an event called “Génies d’Ici,” which will bring together engineering graduates on October 7. A total of $811,666 of the $1-million goal has been raised to date. The second campaign, which has raised $207,500, is aiming to collect $300,000 for the Vaudreuil-Dorion campus.