Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
November 13, 2000
U of G ranks second in Canada, first in Ontario
The University of Guelph ranked first in all indicators of student quality and made gains in overall reputation, but saw Simon Fraser University move into first position in the comprehensive category in the Maclean's annual rankings of Canadian universities released today.
Guelph was rated the No. 1 comprehensive university in Ontario overall. In addition, Guelph was ranked the top comprehensive university in Canada in the following indicators of student quality: average entering grade of students; the proportion of entering students with a 75 per cent average or higher; and the percentage of students who graduate. Guelph also rose in the national reputational survey to be ranked second-best overall.
President Mordechai Rozanski congratulated Simon Fraser on its success in this year's rankings. "Simon Fraser is a first-class institution and this recognition is well deserved," he said.
"I'm also proud and delighted to see Guelph ranked second in Canada and first in Ontario among comprehensive universities. Our strong performance in the context of provincial operating funding constraints is a tribute to our outstanding faculty, staff, students, academic and administrative leadership and alumni. I am particularly pleased to note that our commitment to providing the highest quality education for our students has been recognized by Maclean's."
The Maclean's annual rankings uses 21 indicators to measure overall quality. The University improved its national ranking in six indicators and maintained last year's strong performance in nine of the 21 areas. Guelph's high-quality performance indicators cited by Maclean's include:
-- Quality of students: Guelph ranked first nationally in the category measuring the average entering grade of students, with an incoming average of 86.2 per cent. In addition, 98.5 per cent of incoming students hold an average of 75 per cent or above, another first-place ranking. Guelph was also first in graduation rates, which at 88 per cent is the highest among comprehensive universities in Canada.
– Support for student services and student aid: Guelph moved up from third to second in terms of the percentage of its budget dedicated to student services. It also maintained its position in scholarships and bursaries, which exceeded $11 million this year, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility and quality.
– Reputation: Guelph was named the second-best comprehensive university overall, and second in the categories for leaders of tomorrow and most innovative, in the reputational survey of high school guidance counsellors, university officials, heads of organizations, CEO's and recruiters at corporations across the country.
– Quality of Faculty and Success in Research: Guelph maintained third position in total awards per full-time faculty and moved up from fifth to third place in the number of medical and science grants received by faculty. This year, Guelph experienced a 14- per-cent increase in research dollars per eligible faculty and received more than $92 million in research funding from all sources.
– National and International Recruitment: Guelph moved up in the rankings in terms of its ability to attract students from across Canada and outside the country, a testament to the success of the University's strategic enrolment planning, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The University lost ground in areas most tied to provincial operating grant support. "This reflects the financial challenges we face and the tough decisions we have to make in terms of where to allocate limited operating funds," Rozanski said. "We've chosen to invest in providing a quality educational experience for our students, and I am optimistic about Guelph's future as one of Canada's leading research-intensive and learner-centred universities."
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 3338.
