By JASON COSTA

Staff Writer

Newly instated Registrar Bob Hann settles in during his first week at Niagara College.

Record-breaking enrolment numbers are leading Niagara College into its most successful January yet.

According to a Niagara College media release, Niagara College "welcomes its largest-ever intake of first-year January start students," as more than 800 new students begin their post-secondary education careers.

Some Niagara College programs offer January-start opportunities for students interested in quickly entering their field of study. Students will study through semesters running into the summer, but the winter semester also allows "another intake for many competitive programs, offering flexibility to students upgrading their pre-admission requirements."

With a Feb. 1 deadline, enrolment numbers aren't yet final, but have seen a 44 per cent increase over last year.

Not only will Niagara College see crowded classrooms this January term, but it will also have a new registrar.

Bob Hann, 50, replacing acting registrar Sandra Huppe, brings years of experience gained as registrar and director of enrolment services at Red Deer College in Red Deer, Alta.

With 8,000 full-time students at Niagara College, Hann has had an extremely busy first few days behind the desk as he attempts to settle in.

 Holding high hopes for the college, Hann believes his experience and knowledge will shed new light and bring new opportunities to Niagara College, providing a new start for students and faculty alike.

Daniel Shute, 28, a student in the Computer Programmer Analyst (Co-op) program, believes that a January start will give him a "head start" in his education.

After being injured at a previous job and unable to return to that career, Shute was recommended to Niagara College through a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) program known as Labour Market Re-entry.

"I picked Niagara College for a few reasons: [its] great reputation for skills and standards and its location. I have just finished my first week and I'm very happy. The help and professionalism has been outstanding."

Coupled with the WSIB's efforts to help injured citizens reintegrate into school, Shute says he was also "very anxious to get started."