WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg ranks 9th overall in Canada among primarily undergraduate universities – up three places from 12th overall last year – in the Annual Maclean’s Ranking of Canadian Universities released today. The strongest improvement came in the reputational survey (6th from 8th), grants for social sciences and humanities (4th from 10th) and medical/science research (9th from 13th). In particular, UWinnipeg’s reputation has improved steadily over the past four years with its rankings moving from 10th in 2004 to 6th in 2007. This demonstrates that universities across Canada are taking note of the innovative approaches to education underway at The University of Winnipeg.
“Our focus on the emerging areas of environmental science, Aboriginal education, and global studies are setting a new course for our students and faculty while enhancing our strong reputation as one of Canada’s top undergraduate universities,” said UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor Lloyd Axworthy. “This is a testament to The University of Winnipeg’s top-quality professors, instructors and staff who continue to foster a positive learning environment for our students. Our academic offerings will continue to improve with the introduction of a new Faculty of Business and Economics along with new graduate programs in the Fall of 2008.”
In addition, the Maclean’s survey again highlighted the University’s high satisfaction rates among its students. In the latest Canadian Undergraduate Survey Consortium (CUSC), UWinnipeg is No. 1 in Canada when students are asked if they would recommend their university to others, and is also tied for first in overall quality of education, academic learning experience, and satisfaction with quality of teaching. These results are consistent with the recent Globe and Mail 2007 Report Card where students gave UWinnipeg top marks in quality of education and class size, and placed us first among Western Canadian universities for academic reputation and quality of teaching.
Axworthy noted, however, that surveys are important tools for recognizing areas for improvement. The Maclean’s survey demonstrates that while library acquisitions and holdings per student improved slightly, there is a need for further investment in student services, library holdings, and scholarships and bursaries.
“Our upcoming fundraising campaign will address these priority areas,” said Axworthy. “We are already moving ahead with innovative initiatives such as the Opportunity Fund and increased funding for student bursaries, in addition to improving our facilities for students, such as the expanded athletic facilities at the Duckworth Centre.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ilana Simon, Communications Officer, University of Winnipeg
P: 204.786.9930, C: 204.782.3279, E: i.simon@uwinnipeg.ca
