February 7, 2005
News Bits

The centre responsible for attracting international students to UNB has a new recruit of its own.

Gerry Doiron started as manager of the International Recruitment Centre on Jan. 3.

A graduate of Mount Alison University, Mr. Doiron brings over 14 years of management and international recruitment experience to UNB. Most recently, he was regional director of human resources (Canada) for ClientLogic based in Saint John. He also worked in human resources at the University of British Columbia.

“As manager of the International Recruitment Centre, I will oversee and execute the overall international recruitment strategy for the university,” explains Mr. Doiron. “I am also responsible for managing the operational aspects of the centre, partnering with domestic recruitment on planning initiatives, and providing expertise to university stakeholders on international recruitment trends and issues.”

While Mr. Doiron is in the process of developing a strategy for this year and next, the main goal of the centre will be to further diversify student enrolment.

“There will be some traveling to some of our established markets in Asia as well as new markets in Europe, South America, the Middle East and potentially areas within the U.S.,” says Mr. Doiron. “Market research is being conducted for those countries as well as countries in Africa.”

“In addition to attracting students from a variety of countries we want to encourage international students to enrol in a greater number of programs.”

With 76 countries represented, UNB has one of the largest and most diverse populations of international students in Atlantic Canada. Numbering nearly 1,500, international students constitute 12 per cent of the overall student body -- 24 per cent on the Saint John campus.

“Attracting international students to UNB has social, cultural and economic advantages for both campuses and cities,” says Mr. Doiron. “A broader internationalization program is part of the provincial government’s mandate, and the province has supported our initiatives by allowing international students to work off campus and by establishing the NB nominee program for immigration purposes.”

The International Recruitment Centre was created in January 1999 to promote UNB around the world and to centralize international recruitment efforts. Located on the Saint John campus, the centre looks after international recruitment for UNB Fredericton and Saint John. It also handles all international inquiries and is the initial contact point for all international applications. Besides the manager, a co-ordinator, an administrative assistant and two data entry clerks comprise the centre’s staff.

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