Students Give U of G Top Marks in Annual Report Card
October 25, 2010 - News Release
The University of Guelph continues to be among Canada's top-ranked universities when it comes to student satisfaction and the quality of education and teaching, according to the University Report Card published today by the Globe and Mail.
U of G earned straight A's in the key categories of “most satisfied students” and “quality of education” in the ninth annual survey, based on the opinions of 35,000 current undergraduate students across Canada.
Guelph also received A's for faculty availability, campus community and atmosphere, and environmental commitment, as well as an A-minus in teaching quality, the highest grade awarded in that category.
“It is immensely gratifying to have our students, year after year, give us top marks for what we feel distinguishes Guelph — our unique and engaging learning experience,” said president Alastair Summerlee.
“We want our students to leave with the knowledge, skills and experiences that allow them to contribute to making this a better planet, and all of our teaching, research and outreach efforts are focused on this ultimate goal. So the fact that our students recognize this distinction and are acknowledging it with their high marks is especially rewarding.”
For the survey, universities are awarded letter grades in numerous categories and subcategories. Universities are divided into four divisions based on enrolment — large, medium, small and very small. Guelph is in the medium category.
In addition to overall quality of education and teaching and student satisfaction, U of G received the top grades in its division or tied for the highest placement in several key areas, including sense of personal safety, food services, satisfaction with the city, course availability and campus technology.
U of G professors received A–minuses for student-faculty interaction, academic reputation and sense of community among faculty.
“This is a testament to the quality of our faculty and their dedication to excellence,” said Maureen Mancuso, provost and vice-president (academic). “Their commitment goes beyond teaching and learning to fostering innovation and encouraging active citizenship.”
U of G’s strengths in arts and humanities, sciences and math, health and medicine, and business and commerce were also highlighted in a new feature in this year’s report card. A careers-focused section called “Working Knowledge” looked at the connection between undergraduate degrees and employment in seven fields of study.
In all, the University earned two A-pluses, nine A’s and 11 A-minuses on its report card. A detailed listing is available online.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, at 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338 or lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982 or dhealey@uoguelph.ca.
