TORONTO, October 13, 2004 -- York University made 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. It 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 1500 York students completed the survey.
Among universities with over 25,000 full-time enrollments, York gained the top grade in its category for overall quality of education (B+) and quality of teaching (B), libraries (A-) and on-line library resources (A-). York’s faculty received an A- grade from their students for knowledge of their subject and York was the leader in its category for its 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 York’s extensive investments in its classrooms and lecture halls (B), as well as the availability of up-to-date computers (A-) and computer assistance (B) on campus. Students also noted the convenience of class scheduling (B-) and improvements to on-line services and support to students.
“The Globe’s survey delivers a clear message. York’s academics are strong and the calibre of teaching by faculty is exceptional” said Lorna Marsden, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Students also recognize that York’s extensive course offerings, libraries, state-of-the-art classrooms and technological support make York one of the very best learning environments in Canada.”
York received lower marks for public transportation (C+), which also reflected a shared desire by the York 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 York’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 York among other large, urban universities,” said Marsden. “This offers a more accurate assessment of York’s strengths as the leading interdisciplinary university.”
York University is the leading interdisciplinary teaching and research university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 180,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 faculties and 21 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges.
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For more information, the media should contact:
Nancy White, Director Media Relations, York University, 416-736-5603 / whiten@yorku.ca
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