York University Leads The Way In Student Services/Research Grants/Most-Educated Faculty--Maclean's University Rankings Shows York Up In Six Categories As It Enters Its 40th Year

TORONTO, November 15, 1998 -- York University continues to show its strength in teaching and research as it leads once again in areas most meaningful to students, York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden said today in response to the annual Maclean's University Rankings.

The Maclean's rankings place York University 5th overall in the comprehensive category, which consists of 12 universities. York ranked first in classes taught by tenured faculty, first in the number of faculty with PhDs, first in student services as a percentage of budget, first in library acquisitions, second in medical and science grants, and third in the number of awards per full-time faculty. In addition, York University made progress in reducing its class sizes and in increasing the proportion of students who graduate.

"York University continues to have the most classes taught by tenured faculty, the most PhDs, and the greatest financial commitment to student services, " said Marsden. "York is clearly a student-centred university where students are taught by the most-educated faculty whose award-winning research is fed right into the classroom, even at the first-year level. And I'm pleased to say that we are making progress on reducing the size of those classes," she said.

"The range and rapidity of York University's success -- in attracting top-notch students and faculty, in providing innovative programs, and in working with local, national and international communities on research that makes a difference -- is remarkable," said Marsden, noting York is preparing to celebrate 40 years since the passage of the York Act March 26, 1959.

Marsden said the fact that Ontario universities are the worst funded of all universities across Canada can be clearly seen in the rankings' operating budget indicators. She pledged to continue to work on behalf of students and faculty for increased funding while focusing the University's resources on supporting students and facilitating faculty excellence in research and teaching.

York University, founded in 1959, is Canada's third largest university. It is nationally and internationally respected for its innovative research and award-winning teaching. With its combination of dedicated and talented faculty, opportunities for bright and ambitious students, dynamic curriculum and modern campuses in one of North America's most influential urban centres, York University is setting the modern standard in academic excellence.

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For more information or to arrange interviews with Dr. Marsden, please contact:

Sine MacKinnon
Senior Advisor for Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22087
YU/082/98