U of G Ranked High in Maclean's
November 05, 2009 - News Release
The University of Guelph continues to be one of Canada's top universities, according to the annual Maclean's rankings released today. U of G placed second in reputation and fourth overall among comprehensive universities.
"I'm pleased that we've been able to maintain our level of excellence despite some turbulent economic times," said president Alastair Summerlee.
“Our continued placement among the nation’s top schools is proof of how hard our University community has worked together to address challenges and preserve the quality of the Guelph educational experience.”
The annual Maclean’s university issue includes two different surveys: an overall ranking of institutions and a reputational survey.
In the comprehensive university rankings, British Columbia's Simon Fraser University was first, the University of Victoria was second, and the University of Waterloo was third. U of G was ranked No. 1 in total research dollars among comprehensive universities.
In the reputational survey, Guelph was ranked second overall among comprehensive universities and second in each of four categories used to determine reputation: highest quality, most innovative, leaders of tomorrow and best overall.
The reputational ranking is based on surveys from several hundred people across the country, including CEOs of major Canadian corporations, high school counsellors and academic administrators.
“As always, it’s gratifying that the nation’s business and education leaders keep giving us such high marks and positive feedback,” Summerlee said.
To determine the overall university rankings, Maclean's uses 13 indicators to measure overall quality within six general themes: students and classes, faculty, resources, student support, library and reputation.
Universities are divided into three categories: medical/doctoral, primarily undergraduate and comprehensive (schools with a significant amount of research activity and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs).
The Maclean’s ranking is the most recent national survey to recognize U of G’s excellence. In October, students gave Guelph top marks in the University Report Card published by the Globe and Mail. In that survey, Guelph was No. 1 in student satisfaction, campus atmosphere and food quality, and received top marks for overall quality of education. Guelph was also Canada's top comprehensive research university and runner-up for "Research University of the Year" in surveys by Research Infosource Inc.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, Ext. 53338 or lhunt@uguelph.ca, or Barry Gunn, Ext. 56982 or bagunn@uoguelph.ca.
