The code of conduct introduced processes for monitoring, inspecting, and auditing third-party agencies and partners engaged in student recruitment.
The code of conduct introduced processes for monitoring, inspecting, and auditing third-party agencies and partners engaged in student recruitment.
Cape Breton University has instituted a code of conduct aimed at ensuring accountability among recruiting agents in response to surging international student enrollment.
The new guidelines, effective since October, established a framework for agents working to attract students to the campus and outline penalties for any violations, as reported by CBC News.
CBU, which is currently experiencing record enrollment figures, particularly from international students, seeks to address concerns regarding misinformation and its impact on the local community.
The code of conduct introduced processes for monitoring, inspecting, and auditing third-party agencies and partners engaged in student recruitment on behalf of the university.
Joel Inglis, manager of International Digital Strategy and Partnership Development at CBU, noted the importance of accurate information dissemination.
“Make sure that the agents are passing along to the students all the correct information that they’re not advertising anything that’s incorrect,” said Inglis, who also highlighted the university’s commitment to ensuring students receive accurate details and necessary documents.
Audits will be conducted to verify the precision and currency of CBU-related information provided by recruiting agents.
The move comes in response to reports of students being promised ample job opportunities and housing, contributing to a housing shortage in the community and inundating local businesses with international student resumes.
CBU President David Dingwall previously addressed allegations of recruiters making misleading promises about housing and job availability.
Inglis outlined the consequences for agents failing to adhere to the code of conduct, stating that violators could face a sliding scale of penalties depending on the frequency and severity of breaches.
“If an agent has done something that we’ve decided that’s worth cancelling your contract completely, then they’re no longer able to submit students at Cape Breton University,” warned Inglis.
The new code of conduct, set to officially roll out in January 2024, signifies CBU’s commitment to maintaining transparency and ethical practices in its recruitment processes.
Enrollment surge
In October, CBU experienced a significant surge in enrollment, surpassing all other Atlantic universities.
The majority of this increase is attributed to international students, leading to challenges such as housing shortages and heightened competition for part-time jobs.
CBU’s current student population exceeds 9,100, with approximately 77 percent being international students—an increase of about 2,000 from the previous year.
Despite criticism and concerns about the strain on housing and employment opportunities, CBU officials, including Dingwall, emphasized the university’s welcoming community and asserted a plan to manage and reduce the student population. CBU has invested heavily in international recruiting, contributing to its popularity overseas.
Some students claimed that overseas recruiters misrepresented the availability of housing and jobs, prompting an investigation by CBU. However, no students have provided evidence to support these claims.
CBU plans to address the challenges by focusing on recruiting domestic students and aims to bring the student population back to around 7,000.
The growth in enrollment at CBU far exceeds that of other Atlantic universities, with a 54 percent increase over the previous year, compared to the overall regional average of 6.6 percent.
To manage growth, CBU has implemented measures such as capping high-demand post-baccalaureate programs.
The university anticipated a gradual decrease in enrollment starting in January, with the goal of reaching 7,000 students by 2027.
CBU is also investing approximately $200 million in campus improvements and housing.
Additionally, there are hopes for federal funding to support the conversion of the former Tartan Downs horse racing track into housing, potentially easing the strain on affordable housing options in the area.
Dingwall expresses optimism about potential federal support, citing a recent housing funding announcement in Halifax.
Housing crisis and government response
Canada’s housing crisis is exacerbated by a surge in international students, according to a National Post report.
The increasing number of temporary residents, including international students and temporary foreign workers, is contributing to rising rental costs.
By the end of 2022, there were 807,750 international students with valid visas in Canada, a 30 percent increase from the previous year.
Steve Pomeroy, a policy research consultant, attributed this surge to universities actively recruiting international students for higher tuition fees.
The demand from visiting students is intensifying pressure on the already tight low-income rental market, affecting low-income workers, fixed-income seniors, and those dependent on social assistance.
The Canadian government previously said it is considering measures such as capping study permits.
Housing Minister Sean Fraser and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada are actively reviewing the international student program to address accommodation challenges and are working with various stakeholders to find effective solutions.
