The University of Western Ontario received high grades for student satisfaction in the 2010 Globe and Mail Canadian University Report.
Western took top spot among large Canadian universities (enrollment over 22,000), receiving an ‘A’ grade for overall student satisfaction in the annual survey, now in its eighth year.
The newspaper, in partnership with The Strategic Counsel and Educational Policy Institute, surveyed just under 40,000 students about their satisfaction with school and student life.
In 19 categories, Western earned 12 grades of A- or better; was alone in first place in eight categories; and tied for first in three others.
Firsts included: most satisfied students (A); teaching (A); course availability/variety (A-); student services (A-); recreation and athletics (A+); building and facilities (A); student residences (A); and campus atmosphere (A+).
“The Western community as a whole can be proud of our achievement in the Globe and Mail rankings. And students are a core part of this success story,” says Vice-Provost (Academic Programs and Students) [Registrar] John Doersken. “We know that many of our students are committed to excellence, and their success is Western’s success.”
Western News took a closer look at several categories.
Quality of Student Services: A-
Western improved in this category, from B+ to A, and the survey was conducted before the new Student Services building opened.
“I am proud of the excellent contribution my colleagues in the Student Services portfolio make every day,” says Doerksen, noting they work to anticipate needs and mount innovative programs and services.
“Our efforts are focused on service outcomes for students, and it is my sense that our colleagues in the faculties, from departments to deans’ offices, share that same focus.”
Among sub-categories, Western ranked with the best on Services for Aboriginal Students (B-) and Services for International Students (B).
“Our colleagues in Indigenous Services and the International and Exchange Student Centre provide outstanding support to students, and I am pleased to see their work recognized in the rankings,” he says, adding the university has seen an increase in the number of incoming indigenous students this year.
“President Chakma has signaled the importance of internationalization, including recruiting more international students to Western as well as providing more opportunities for our Canadian students to study abroad,” adds Doerksen. “We will want to ensure that future growth is appropriately supported.”
Quality of Teaching: A-
Doerksen credits Western professors for adopting best pedagogical practices and participating in programs offered by the Teaching Support Centre.
Western is also making important contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning, he says.
While among the best for quality of education (A), more can be done, he adds.
“While it is great to see this level of student satisfaction with the quality of education, we know that other surveys such as the National Survey of Student Engagement identify areas for improvement, not only at Western but system-wide.
“Having said that, a number of departments across campus are undertaking a thorough review of their programs, restructuring curricula and identifying learning objectives and outcomes, and students will benefit from those efforts.”
Co-op and internships garnered barely a passing mark this year (C), but Doerksen says in addition to the internship programs offered in some faculties and professional programs, Western is making efforts through Career Services and various faculties to provide career training and development.
Campus Recreation and Athletics: A+
The January opening of the new Western Student Recreation Centre may be one reason for scoring a full letter grade higher this year, moving from B+ to A+.
The new 160,000-square-foot building is paying off with more activity and higher numbers in Campus Recreation registered programs, says Gareth Cunningham, Manager of Campus Recreation.
The added gym space allows for concurrent sporting activities while waiting times in the fitness centre have been reduced. The open concept also allows for services to be easily accessed.
Western received an A+ for ‘Satisfaction with Recreational and Athletic Programs and Services,’ suggesting what is happening inside the building is as important as the facility.
“With 38 high-performance athletic teams with a commitment to excellence, one of the finest new recreation centres in the country, loads of student leadership and employment opportunities, and an understanding of the key importance sports and recreation can play in enhancing this community, we’re on the right track,” says Cunningham.
Overall Quality of On-Campus Building and Facilities: A
Over the past few years, the campus has experienced tremendous growth with the construction of new buildings and the upgrade of a number of facilities. This past year alone, the Claudette MacKay-Lassonde Pavilion, the Advanced Facility for Avian Research, the Western Student Recreation Centre and the Student Services Building opened their doors.
For Roy Langille, Associate Vice-President (Physical Plant & Capital Planning Services), the high grade is a credit to his team.
“There is a lot of pride and commitment among the Western community, and in the Physical Plant and Capital Planning Services department – everywhere from the design team, the contractors, construction personnel, building operators, grounds crew, trades, support staff, caretaking staff and parking services, who work hard every day to ensure the best student experience,” says Langille.
Langille says he’s looking at areas for improvement. The latest focus is on LEEDS certification for new and renovated buildings.
The full report is available at globecampus.ca