91ÑÇÉ« makes a strong showing today in The Globe and Mail's annual University Report Card, earning top grades in its category for overall quality of education and teaching. This is the newspaper's third annual survey of 38 Canadian universities and is based on the perceptions of 28,000 students at the respective institutions across Canada. Around 1,500 91ÑÇÉ« students completed the survey.
Left and below: 91ÑÇÉ«'s modern, high-tech facilities get top marks from students
Among universities with over 25,000 full-time enrolments, 91ÑÇÉ« gained the top grade in the category for overall quality of education (B+), quality of teaching (B), libraries (A-) and online library resources (A-). 91ÑÇÉ«'s faculty received an A- from their students for knowledge of their subject and 91ÑÇÉ« was the leader in the category for course offerings, earning a B+ for both course variety and number of courses. Students also gave the University's modern, high-tech facilities top marks, recognizing 91ÑÇÉ«'s extensive investments in its classrooms and lecture halls (B), as well as the on-campus availability of up-to-date computers (A-) and computer assistance (B). Students also noted the convenience of class scheduling (B-) and improvements to online services and support to students.
"The Globe's survey delivers a clear message. 91ÑÇÉ«'s academics are strong and the calibre of teaching by faculty is exceptional," said 91ÑÇÉ« President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna R. Marsden. "Students also recognize that 91ÑÇÉ«'s extensive course offerings, libraries, state-of-the-art classrooms and technological support make 91ÑÇÉ« one of the very best learning environments in Canada."
91ÑÇÉ« received lower marks for public transportation (C+), which also reflected a shared desire by the 91ÑÇÉ« community to encourage a speedy resolution to plans to establish a rapid bus transit route from Downsview subway station to campus. "While this is a useful interim solution, the extension of the subway through 91ÑÇÉ«'s campus is the real, lasting solution," said Marsden.
"We are very pleased to see improvements in this year's survey, which is based on a grading model that positions 91ÑÇÉ« among other large, urban universities," said Marsden, "This offers a more accurate assessment of 91ÑÇÉ«'s strengths as the leading interdisciplinary university."