WINNIPEG – The 13th Annual Maclean’s Ranking of Canadian Universities shows The University of Winnipeg in 10th position overall in the undergraduate universities category. The University of Winnipeg continues to be ranked as one of the best undergraduate universities in western Canada.
Changes to Maclean’s methodology and weighting in the Reputation and the Alumni Support categories, as well the addition of the Student Retention category impacted The University’s ranking.
The ongoing and increased support of The University of Winnipeg’s 30,000+ member Alumni Association helped the University to secure 2nd in the Alumni Support category (up from 4th in 2002). 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 and international students continue to be attracted to The University of Winnipeg.
The high ranking (#3) in the share of resources devoted to services for students and the ranking of #3 under the Library Expenses category bear witness to The University of Winnipeg’s commitment to access and excellence. The University of Winnipeg made gains in three important categories: Proportion of Students Who Graduate; Student Awards (up 5 to #2); and Classes Taught by Tenured Faculty. The University of Winnipeg continues to rank very highly in its class size at the first and second year levels.
“It comes as no surprise that The University of Winnipeg ranking in Maclean’s reflects the very difficult year faced by the University in 2002,” states Patrick Deane Acting President and Vice-President (Academic). “Placed in context with the great strides taken by The University over the past six months, the Maclean’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.”
At its year-end meeting this June, the Board of Regents took stock of the University – its people, finances, infrastructure, and future. The Board and Administration reported landmark financial improvements and strengthening of the University’s financial position. With no cuts to programs or people, a balanced financial report for FY 2002-03 included:
– total elimination of the accumulated $1.1 million deficit
– accumulated operating surplus of $59,000
– payout of $1.3 million of costs associated with the settlement of the Pension Plan
The University of Winnipeg is therefore very pleased to be moving forward with a dramatically
improved situation.
Prospects for the current year are reinforced by the ratification of contracts between The University of Winnipeg and all of its unions, including a five-year contract with UWFA, the faculty union. As well, through the cooperation and resolve of all parties, the University concluded long-standing pension issues.
“The University of Winnipeg’s tradition of excellence in post-secondary education continues,” states Deane. “It is testimony to the extraordinary contribution made by our outstanding faculty and all members of The University of Winnipeg community.
Located in the urban heart of downtown, The University of Winnipeg is a compact, diverse, multicultural academic community committed to excellence and access. The University of Winnipeg is large enough to offer more than 400 courses in 40 subject areas-in everything from filmmaking to forensics-but small enough to offer students the benefits of small class size (averaging 50 students in first year), individual attention from caring, award-winning professors, and opportunities for undergraduate research.
