Huron University College. (Photo courtesy of Huron University College)Huron University College. (Photo courtesy of Huron University College)
London

Community service requirement boosts Huron enrollment

The number of young people choosing to begin their post secondary education at Huron University College has reached an unprecedented level.

The Western University affiliate saw first-year enrollment jump to 461 new students in September, nearly double the 252 first time students who enrolled around the same time last year. It's the largest first-year class in Huron's 155-year history.

The enrollment spike is being attributed to a new focus at the university on civic engagement, which requires every student to complete some sort of community service.

"We have noticed that GenXs and Millennials really do strive and care for the world around them and the people around them," said Jon Munn, director of communications at Huron University College. "They want to develop social change in their communities and globally... we are really seeing how this resonated this year with the incoming class."

This is the first class recruited using the Developing Leaders with Heart mission, which was implemented by Huron principal Dr. Barry Craig.

"Essentially what leadership with heart means is that we give these students the tools in terms of their education to ensure that they can implement global change," said Munn. "So every student here needs to do some sort of community service, they have opportunities for internships locally and around the world, all to hone down to the leadership with heart idea that no matter what your background is you should always help global issues."

The community service component of the curriculum, which challenges students to show up and participate in civic matters and stand up to formidable injustices, is in addition to their normal studies, added Munn.

"We aren't getting rid of any educational time," said Munn. "The people coming to university want to go the extra mile to do this community service, to provide any help they can to the problems around them. So it isn't getting rid of something in the curriculum it is adding this on. You would think students would shy away from that, but no they are actually attracted to it."

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