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News Release

October 31, 2006

Students Rank U of G at Top of The Class

Once again, the University of Guelph is ranked at the top of its class for overall educational quality, reputation and atmosphere in the 2006 University Report Card published today by the Globe and Mail.

“Our students continue to mark us very highly in a host of areas that are central to the educational process,” said president Alastair Summerlee. “As I often say, it truly is a reflection of the level of dedication our faculty and staff have to our students and to ensuring that we provide rewarding, stimulating and innovative learning environments."

The fifth-annual survey represents the opinions of some 32,700 undergraduate students across Canada. Universities are divided into four divisions based on enrolment — large, medium-large, medium-small and small. Guelph is in the medium-large division.

Letter grades are awarded in numerous categories and subcategories. A summary of results was published in a special magazine in the newspaper, and a more detailed listing is available on the Globe and Mail’s website.

Including both published and online results, in all, U of G earned three A-pluses, 14 A’s and 12 A-minuses on its report card,

Guelph was ranked No. 1 or tied for the top ranking in several key areas, including sense of personal safety and security, library services, overall satisfaction with the university experience, and reputation for undergraduate and graduate studies, professional schools and among employers.

Faculty received top marks for subject knowledge, availability outside of the classroom and for conducting leading-edge research.

Among the student services that received high marks are food services (Guelph was once again the top-rated school in the country), athletic programs and recreational opportunities and technology, including computers and online services.

“I am very pleased to see such high marks for quality of graduate studies and professional programs because we will be increasing our number of graduate students as per the recommendations of the provincial government,” Summerlee said.

He added that the University’s high marks in areas such as tolerance for diverse opinions, atmosphere, student safety and sense of community underscore the central values that are characteristic of Guelph.

“Ultimately, our focus is on maintaining our unique teaching and learning environment, which has contributed to our competitive edge and leadership in the quality of the educational experience for students.”

Summerlee added that the University Report Card, like other attitudinal surveys and rankings of Canadian universities, is just one resource future students can use in deciding which institution best fits their needs.