The Globe & Mail newspaper released its fifth annual survey of student satisfaction yesterday and York University performed well. The newspaper’s University Report Card surveys Canadian university students about their experiences and grades each university on a number of key criteria. It is produced in partnership with the Strategic Counsel.
In the survey York scored high marks in core areas:
Criteria | Grade |
Faculty members’ knowledge of subjects | A- |
Overall library | A- |
On campus network for Internet & e-mail | A- |
Overall quality of education | B+ |
Number of courses to choose from | B+ |
Overall student satisfaction | B+ |
“These are really encouraging results from the people who matter – the students – and testimony to the innovative academic work and academic support here at York,” said Rob Tiffin, York vice-president students. “It is important to us that we deliver the kind of experience students appreciate and we are extremely pleased to be showing such strong progress in the key areas of academic life and of student satisfaction. We will continue to prioritize the student experience as we go forward.”
The Globe University Report Card 2006 was published for the first time in magazine format and editor Simon Beck noted that this year’s survey has grown in both size and breadth. Forty-nine universities were surveyed this year, up from 37 surveyed last year. More than 32,000 students gave detailed responses. Considered the only comprehensive survey of students, it grades everything from class size, curriculum facilities, career preparation and campus quality of life.
York also scored above average in a number of other key areas:
Criteria | Grade |
Labs and research equipment | B+ |
Computer accessibility on campus | B+ |
Recreational and athletic programs and services | B+ |
Availability of up-to-date technology in classrooms | B+ |
Library hours of operation | B+ |
Online resources | B+ |
“The Globe & Mail University Report Card is a useful tool for us because it deals with student satisfaction at the point of delivery – in the university – not abstract statistical measures disconnected from the student,” said York’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Richard Fisher. “This is a strong endorsement from our own students that York is on the right track and moving forward fast as we approach our 50th year.”
York University is in the category of large universities, those defined as having enrolment of 22,000 students or more. The remaining three categories of universities are divided into medium, small and very small. The full report can be accessed at www.globeandmail.com/reportcard.