University of Winnipeg graduates pushed their alma mater to 6th place nationally with an endorsement of 84% when asked how many would recommend the institution to a relative or friend. For the first time Maclean’s magazine has conducted a survey of recent graduates from Canada’s universities as part of its annual university edition.
The University scored higher with former graduates than most universities on a number of fronts including teaching and instruction—The University of Winnipeg is rated 6th in the entire country, with 74%. It is important to note that this category also includes an assessment of the benefit of their overall university experience, beyond just the classroom. The University of Winnipeg is ranked 10th in the country for entire educational experience.
“I can think of no greater compliment or measure of success,” said Lloyd Axworthy, University of Winnipeg President, “than to receive the endorsement of our students for the work done every day in the classrooms and in and around our campus.”
The Annual Maclean’s Ranking of Canadian Universities shows The University of Winnipeg in 11th position overall out of 21 undergraduate universities and second only to the University of Northern British Columbia in Canada’s western region.
Maclean’s magazine editor Ann Dowsett Johnston noted, “The University of Winnipeg is moving quickly in the right direction,” moving up five spots in the Reputational Survey category. (The U of W) is really shining,” Dowsett Johnston said. “It’s doing something terrifically right.”
“Placed in context with the great strides taken by the University over the past year, theMaclean’s rankings in many ways confirm our tradition as an institution dedicated to high academic standards, as well as to the cultivation and support of an inclusive, diverse, and fulfilled student body,” said Patrick Deane, Vice-President (Academic) & Provost.
The ongoing and increased support of The University of Winnipeg’s 30,000+ member Alumni Association helped the University to secure 3rd in the Alumni Support category. The University of Winnipeg’s ranking speaks to the University’s ongoing ability to attract record numbers of high school students with solid academic standing from Manitoba. Out-of-province (up 4) and international students (up 1) are increasingly attracted to the centrally located and compact University of Winnipeg.
The high ranking (#4) in the share of resources devoted to services for students, and the rankings of #2 under the Library Expenses, #6 in the small class sizes in the first and second years categories bear witness to The University of Winnipeg’s commitment to access and excellence.
Much effort on the part of faculty and staff has ensured that The University of Winnipeg made gains in two very significant categories: Student Retention (up 2) and Student Awards (up 5 to #2).
“The University of Winnipeg is in the process of redefining its role while celebrating what makes this University distinctive: its history of excellence; social consciousness; and, its student body, drawn from a diverse population of ethnicities, income levels, ages, and cultures,” said Axworthy. “Its belief that a liberal education, when taught in an exacting, creative, and humane way, can have transforming effects on individual lives, and on society as a whole.”
Since becoming President six months ago, Lloyd Axworthy has led The University of Winnipeg in new and innovative directions, including developing the highly successful public OmniTRAX/Broe Quest series, the imminent opening of a new Aboriginal Student Services Centre, taking a lead role in Aboriginal education in an urban setting, and planning the revitalization of Spence Street as a pedestrian mall for the entire community.
This past year has seen the successful creation of The University of Winnipeg Strategic and Academic plans-documents developed by the entire University community designed to guide the institution over the next five years. And on June 30, the University announced another successful year of operations, including a $2.9 million operating surplus based on revenues of $74.8 million. In 2002-2003 The University of Winnipeg eliminated its deficit, and, for the first time in at least a decade, posted an accumulated surplus of $59,000.
“Statistics are just one side of the equation,” said Axworthy. “It’s the stories of first-generation Canadian families sending their children to university, of Aboriginal, Métis, and Inuit students feeling welcome on campus, of International students, students choosing to complete a degree started years ago, of seniors and business people active in continuing education initiatives—it’s these stories together with the dedication of our faculty and staff that demonstrate the true character of The University of Winnipeg. The response of our recent grads to the Maclean’s survey is a clear demonstration of this.”
