Thompson Rivers University issues apology after accidentally accepting all 504 nursing program applicants

KAMLOOPS – You might want to rethink that party you're planning to celebrate your acceptance to nursing school at Thompson Rivers University, at least if you’re one of the 401 students accepted in error.

Officials at the university issued an apology and a retraction to the hundreds of nursing program hopefuls who received acceptance letters on Thursday, April 16, after a technical error in the registrar’s computer mailing system.

“We are extremely sorry that this error occurred,” Lindsay Harris, the university's interim registrar, said in a release. “Retraction emails were sent to all affected applicants between 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. last night. Follow-up communication is a top priority and is being provided promptly.”

Dr. Donna Murnaghan, the dean of the nursing school acknowledged the negative impact the error had on applicants.

“The application process for nursing seats is competitive throughout the province. We understand how awkward this situation is and how disappointed prospective students and their families may be. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this mistake may have caused.”

The email was also sent to the 103 applicants who did secure a spot in the program.

Applicants affected by the error are asked to contact Murnaghan directly at 250-852-7288 or the admissions office at 250-828-5036.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.