Enrolment management

In FY2022-23, goals included:

Implementing a comprehensive enrolment management strategy to manage a more diversified international enrolment growth while expanding domestic enrolment
Leveraging data analysis and labour market trends to balance domestic/international enrolment and credential mix across all faculties
Supporting the enrolment strategy with expanded recruitment and conversion initiatives by:
- Growing degree enrolment and graduate certificates, microcredentials and other short programs designed to rapidly retrain students
- Focusing on non-direct mature audiences
- Continuing the three-pronged Start at Seneca, Stay at Seneca and Return to Seneca campaign
- Investing in increased marketing and advertising opportunities
Enhancing Seneca’s website by:
- Integrating the Continuing Education standalone site into senecacollege.ca to provide prospective students easier access to both full- and part-time studies
- Optimizing the current website experience for prospective students

Year-end outcomes:

Enrolment Management Strategy developed to focus on end-to-end enrolment from recruitment to graduation
Integrated plan that includes program planning, program health and monitoring, student conversion and retention will be operationalized in FY2023-24
New methodology launched to collect labour market information for program development; survey being developed to collect information from Program Advisory Committees on labour market trends and aligning credentials with industry demand
Launched two honours bachelor’s degree programs and two graduate certificate programs, with three three-year degree programs launching in fall 2023
Focused marketing and recruitment strategies implemented to increase awareness and drive applications to degrees, graduate certificates and new programs
Expanded reach to Indigenous and equity-deserving communities and newcomers to Canada; implemented targeted digital advertising and recruitment strategies to non-direct audience

Highlights of 2022-23

Master’s programs to be taught by Seneca professors

For the first time, master’s programs were delivered at Seneca, thanks to an expanded partnership with Niagara University. As of fall 2022, courses in Niagara’s master of Business Administration and master of Science in Information Security and Digital Forensics programs were taught by Seneca professors onsite at Newnham Campus and at Niagara’s Vaughan Campus.

New campaign drives students to pursue their aspirations

Seneca launched the newest phase of its award-winning Challenge Accepted recruitment campaign: Driven by Ambition. Produced in partnership with Forsman & Bodenfors Canada, the campaign asks prospective students, “What is your ambition saying to you?” It features the stories of accomplished Seneca graduates, who have channeled their ambition into successful careers. Once again, Seneca was the only Ontario postsecondary institution to have a student recruitment commercial appear during the Super Bowl.

Preparing students with in-demand skills

An initiative to further integrate human skills – sometimes called transferable or soft skills – throughout program curriculum launched in fall 2022. The project started with the Public Relations – Corporate Communications graduate certificate program. It will explicitly imbed into curriculum and learning outcomes the communication, critical thinking and interpersonal skills that employers are demanding.

Among the best for work-integrated learning

Seneca was recently ranked the #2 postsecondary institution in Canada – and top spot among all polytechnics and colleges – for co-op programs. The list was compiled by CourseCompare, an online resource for students looking to choose a postsecondary course or training program.

A new academic pathway to Queen’s University

Students in the Civil Engineering Technology advanced diploma program now have a direct pathway to engineering degrees from Queen’s University. A new agreement between the two institutions allows for three-year advanced diploma students and graduates to transition into Queen’s degree programs in Civil Engineering and Mining Engineering.

Preparing tomorrow’s leaders in sales

The Professional Selling graduate certificate program was introduced at Seneca@York. The 18-month program teaches students the skills needed to succeed in business-to-business sales roles, with a focus on developing a technology-driven, post-pandemic sales force. Thanks to Seneca’s flexible classrooms, students will have the choice to study on campus or online.

Filling the skills gap in Ontario’s growing screen industry

Centennial, Fanshawe and Seneca collaborated to introduce eight microcredentials in film and television production. These short courses will help industry professionals and students learn in-demand production and technology skills. This partnership was developed with funding from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ Ontario Mircocredentials Challenge Fund and support from industry partners Avid, the Stratagem Group and Unity.

Partnership will boost representation among firefighters

An agreement with Brampton Fire & Emergency Services (BFES) provided graduates of Seneca’s Firefighter, Pre-Service Education and Training certificate program with a recruitment pathway to BFES firefighter positions. Seneca will promote career opportunities with BFES through the Seneca Works portal, while providing guidance to students and graduates during the application process.

Government funding and collaboration in support of ECE students

The School of Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Faculty of Continuing Education received $3 million as part of the Child Care and Early Years Workforce Funding. This money established an ECE bursary program that will be available until the Fall 2023 Term. The funds are being distributed through York Region, building on a partnership with Seneca that has also resulted in transformative professional development practices in ECE.

Study abroad agreement signed with OsloMet

Seneca signed an MOU for an exchange agreement with Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) in Norway. This agreement will allow students in the Behaviour Psychology honours bachelor’s degree program to take a full semester of credits at OsloMet — the only institution outside of North America with a psychology degree program accredited by the Association for Behavioral Analysis International.

$1.5 million federal grant for applied research

Thanks to a Mobilize grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Seneca was able to grow its three applied research centres — the Seneca Centre for Health and Social Innovation, the Seneca Centre for Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Technologies and the Seneca Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences. The funds will help create more research opportunities to engage students, faculty and industry partners.

Investing in academic spaces and infrastructure with provincial funding

Seneca received $4.8 million from the province’s College Equipment Renewal Fund and Facilities Renewal Program. The funding will benefit 16 infrastructure and technology initiatives across Seneca’s campuses, including a new lab for creative advertising and marketing students, opticianry and broadcast studio equipment, technology for academic work stations, loaner laptops for students and various building renovations.

Challenge Accepted goes prime time with Super Bowl commercial

Seneca was the only Ontario postsecondary institution to have a commercial during Super Bowl. The 30-second version of the Now is Your Time ad features current students and graduates and appeared during the pre-game show and third quarter.

Introducing the Centre for Executive & Professional Learning

The Centre for Executive & Professional Learning launched at its new downtown location at King and Yonge in Toronto. The centre provides various options for professional learning, including a new suite of executive certificate programs designed for aspiring senior leaders.

Human Resources

In FY2202-23, goals included:

Increasing leadership and employee development opportunities to support the Au Large pillars of equity, sustainability and more virtual
Expanding succession planning to support leadership continuity and employee retention
Focusing the annual pulse survey on issues to improve the work environment and support employee engagement
Providing further resources in Human Resources department to expand hiring and retention practices in a highly competitive job market
Completing implementation of the new student service delivery model in the Registrar’s Office, Student Services and Academic Learning Services and identifying opportunities for extending the new service framework to other student-facing departments
Implementing a hybrid service delivery model for all service departments
Providing students across all faculties with greater choice to access learning through increased offerings of flexible delivery, extended reality (XR) modules and microcredentials
Supporting faculty with supports related to flexible delivery, including professional development and mentorship
Building dedicated, custom-built online teaching spaces at all campuses and completing upgrades to flexible learning classrooms
Identifying and implementing CRM-type software to centrally manage Seneca-wide external corporate, social, alumni and other external connections

Year-end outcomes:

More than 1,500 employees participated in 47 unique professional development and leadership courses on topics such as career growth, diversity, personal productivity, self-compassion, technology, flexible work and well-being
Succession plans completed for administrators
Employees identified for succession provided with developmental opportunities with some already advancing from their positions
The annual pulse survey focused on inclusivity launched in November 2022, with an overall engagement score of 82 per cent
New HR operating model includes 35 redesigned processes achieved through 11 process design workshops

Highlights of 2022-23

A great place to work

For the 14th time, Seneca was a Greater Toronto Top Employer. The annual recognition celebrates employers with exceptional human resources programming and forward-thinking policies. Seneca was recognized for our commitment to build the equitable Seneca and our flexible work approach.

Employees supporting financial aid

The annual We Love Our Students Month — part of the year-round Campaign for Students — launched in early February 2023. Employees took part in various fundraising activities, collaborating with the Seneca Student Federation to raise more than $358,000 for student financial aid.

President Agnew shares highlights of a very successful year

As part of Seneca Week, President David Agnew addressed the largest-ever gathering for the All-Employee Meeting. In his review of the 2021-2022 fiscal year — “the most successful in Seneca’s history” — President Agnew shared many achievements related to enrolment, new programs and investments in people and technology. He also hosted a conversation with Dr. Joseph Aoun, President, Northeastern University, on the future of higher education.

Ongoing support for United Way

Seneca’s annual employee campaign raised over $110,000 for United Way of Greater Toronto. More than 150 employees took part through donations and participation in various activities, including the GetUP Challenge.

A mural depicting Seneca’s past and future

The Reciprocity Mural, a stunning floor-to-ceiling art display, was unveiled at The Pond, Newnham’s Cafeteria. Spanning seven walls, the mural highlights Seneca’s seven campuses as well as our history, diverse community, classrooms and landscapes. The project was completed by a team of five Seneca graduates under the artistic direction of JoAnn Purcell, Program Co-ordinator, Illustration diploma program, and Martha Newbigging, Program Co-ordinator, Art Fundamentals certificate program.

Catching big phish vs. Humber

For the second year in a row, Seneca defeated Humber in the Reel Big Phishing Trainer Game as part of Cyber Security Month. This friendly competition helps to teach employees at both institutions how to identify and defend against cyberattacks.

Digital Strategy

In FY22-23, goals included:

Continuing to extend on-campus digital innovation display technology, developing content for on-campus screens, spirit walls and overhead digital signage
Enhancing virtual OneCard to support digital wallets, expand international mobile payment top-up options and integrate with student room booking to provide automated access control
Implementing an integrated MS-Teams supported cloud-based telephone system to replace on-premises phone system
Introducing:
- course-specific chatbots with adaptive learning capabilities to enhance learning opportunities for students
- holographic image-based teaching options
- deep learning-based early warning systems to identify students at risk and improve their success
- AI-driven systems to offer digital assessments to grade, administer and report on tests; and to support hiring practices of employees through natural-language processing

Year-end outcomes:

Digital displays installed at King, Newnham and Seneca@York campuses
Digital wallet capability established and currently in testing
International mobile payment top-up option developed and will be implemented in FY2023-24
New cloud-based telephone system implemented for all employees
Google AI Tutor being piloted in select courses
Holographic capability established and being tested at Newnham Campus

Highlights of 2022-23

Meet your new tutor…available 24/7

Thanks to a new partnership with Google Cloud, students in select courses within Seneca Business are participating in a pilot program, which offers them a personalized, artificial intelligence-powered tutor. The Interactive Google Tutor analyzes digital course content and creates tailored resources to help students understand course concepts and test their knowledge — while continually adapting to their comfort levels and growing expertise.

Federal funding for a research centre in artificial intelligence

Seneca received $641,800 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to support applied research on artificial intelligence technologies critical to maintaining a strong Canadian economy. The grant will help establish the Centre for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence Technologies, where Seneca researchers will collaborate with industry partners to find AI solutions in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing and commerce to creative media and finance.

Simulation lab benefitting students across disciplines

At the Simulation Apartment Lab at King Campus, Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology students participated in simulated interactions with clients as part of the Adulthood and Aging course. The lab’s infrastructure has been designed, and is operated, with support from students and faculty in the Event & Media Production diploma program and members of the Information Technology Services (ITS) team. It includes equipment to film and livestream the simulations, enabling students to participate remotely and review their performances.

Opening our doors - in person and online

Seneca welcomed thousands of prospective students, families and friends to explore Seneca in person and virtually in our first Open House since 2019. Guests learned about Seneca’s academic options, met program and service experts and attended live presentations.