It only took a year, but Western climbed its way back into the Top 10, landing at No. 9 on the 23nd annual Maclean’s University Rankings issue, released Nov. 1. Last year was the first year since 1994 that Western was ranked outside the Top 10.
For the ninth year in a row, the self-professed “holy book for anyone planning their education in Canada” ranked McGill first in the Medical Doctoral category, which boasts 15 schools including Western. The University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, Queen’s University and University of Alberta rounded out the Top Five. In fact, the first seven spots in the Top 10 held serve.
At No. 9, Western was tied with the University of Calgary, one spot ahead of the University of Montreal.
Western peaked in the Maclean’s rankings at No. 3, where it sat for four straight years (2002-5). It has been no higher than No. 5 (2006) since.
This year, the Medical Doctoral category-by-category breakdown told a variety of stories.
Western ranked highest in scholarships and bursaries (the percentage of total operating expenditures devoted to scholarships and bursaries) and library acquisitions (proportion of the library budget allocated to updating the university’s collection, including electronic access), both at No. 4.
Western ranked lowest in students awards (a five-year tally, 2008-12, of the number of students, per 1,000, who have won national awards), total research dollars (total income from sponsored research divided by the number of full-time faculty) and library expenses (percentage of the university budget devoted to maintaining library services), all at No. 12.
In a survey of high school guidance counselors, university officials and heads of organizations, as well as CEOs and recruiters at corporations across the country, Western was ranked No. 8 in national reputation against all schools. McGill, Waterloo and UBC topped that list; Western was one spot ahead of Simon Fraser.
That same group ranked Western No. 8 in quality, No. 9 in innovation and No. 17 in its ability to produce the leaders of tomorrow.
Among all universities, Western boasted the fifth highest entering average (88.2 per cent), fourth-highest first-year student retention rate (92.8 per cent) and second-highest graduation rate (88.5 per cent). Western was ranked No. 19 for percentage of graduate students from outside of Canada, and No. 16 for first-year students from outside of Canada.
Also as part of the MacLean’s rankings, the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) portion yielded further interesting numbers for Western.
When asked to evaluate their entire educational experience at their institution, 47 per cent of Western first-year students replied ‘excellent,’ 41 per cent ‘good.’ That number was second only to Queen’s in the Medical Doctoral category. NSSE average was 39 per cent responding ‘excellent,’ 48 per cent ‘good.’
Among Western’s affiliates, Huron University College topped all with 49 per cent replying ‘excellent,’ 38 ‘good’ followed by King’s University College at 46 per cent/45 per cent and Brescia University College at 33 per cent/60 per cent.
Those numbers changed somewhat when the same question was asked of senior-year students.
Forty-three per cent of Western senior-year students replied ‘excellent,’ 43 per cent replied ‘good.’ Among the affiliates, Huron led with 72 per cent/24 per cent, followed by Brescia 56 per cent/37 per cent and King’s 54 per cent/39 per cent. Huron was the third highest excellent rating among every institution in Canada.
When asked if they would attend their current institution again if they had it to do all over again, 54 per cent of Western first-year students and 49 per cent of senior-year students said they definitely would return. Huron saw 54 per cent of first-year students and 72 per cent of senior year students say they would definitely return, followed by King’s at 52 per cent/58 per cent and Brescia at 47 per cent/58 per cent.
THROUGH THE YEARS
Western peaked in the Maclean’s rankings at No. 3, where it sat for four straight years (2002-5). It has been no higher than No. 5 (2006) since. It’s lowest rank, No. 11, came last year.
2013 – No. 9
2012 – No. 11
2011 – No. 9
2010 – No. 9
2009 – No. 9 (tied with Ottawa and Saskatchewan)
2008 – No. 10 (tied with Ottawa)
2007 – No. 7
2006 – No. 5
2005 – No. 3
2004 – No. 3
2003 – No. 3 (tied with Queen’s)
2002 – No. 3 (tied with McGill)
2001 – No. 6
2000 – No. 5
1999 – No. 5
1998 – No. 5
1997 – No. 9
1996 – No. 6
1995 – No. 7
1994 – No. 8
NEWS AND NOTES
- Investments in energy savings initiatives are paying off for the university and the planet, as Western cut its carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by 11.5 per cent over the past three years.
Since quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions began in 2010, the campus has continued to grow. The development of new buildings across campus means mitigating greenhouse gas emissions is increasingly difficult.
The success is a result of the combined efforts of key personnel in Facilities Management staff under the stewardship of Jamie Whitty, Mechanical and Energy manager, and Mary Quintana-Lopez, Energy and Water Projects compliance Coordinator.
Beginning in 2010, Facilities Management invested in insulation upgrades to reduce steam system heat loss. The project included improving the thermal resistance or ‘R-Value’ along sections of the line and installing removable service covers on valves. Other projects included replacing older equipment with energy-efficient units, a hot water conservation program, controls upgrades and a steam trap audit and replacement program.
Between 1999-2009, Western’s GHG emissions increased by 20 per cent and, without any significant action, that figure was projected to hold or grow. Considering past trends, Facilities Management staff estimates Western has avoided almost 20,000 tons of carbon emissions going into the atmosphere in just three years. On the carbon market, that figure represents $333,000.
“These results have encouraged us to continue implementing more projects that will showcase Western’s leadership in carbon emissions reduction while also improving our facilities, and saving money,” Whitty said. “We have surpassed even our own expectations and we’ll continue the good work to see more reductions in years to come.”
- The Museum of Ontario Archaeology needs your vote. The Aviva Community Fund is giving away $1 million as part of a competition to fund amazing ideas to better Canada. The museum’s proposal, History in your Hands, looks to bring archaeology to kids and youth through hands-on digital platforms and traveling displays. These displays will be on exhibit in schools, museums, community centres and malls so all members of the community can learn about Ontario’s archaeological heritage. Western researchers and students have many ties to the museum including 3D animation of artifacts scanned by the Sustainable Archaeology team. Visit avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf18197 to vote before Nov. 25.
- Western alumna Laura Penny’s returns to Western offers graduate students an opportunity for a frank discussion on their work and the overall challenges faced in academia today. Sponsored by the Society of Graduate Students, Fees and Empty Pockets: An Evening with Laura Penny is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 in Conron Hall, University College 224. Penny, a graduate from Western’s Centre for Theory and Criticism, and now an assistant professor at University of King’s College in Halifax, N.S., is the author of Your Call Is Important To Us: The Truth About Bullshit (2005) and More Money Than Brains: Why School Sucks, College is Crap, and Idiots Think They’re Right (2010).
- Third time was a charm for Western as representatives from the Facilities Management Division received the university’s third consecutive Waste Minimization Award at the Recycling Council of Ontario awards gala in Toronto. The annual event recognizes organizations across the province for their efforts in waste reduction and diversion.
The silver award put Western at the top of the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional; Education Institution category, edging out the University of Toronto.
“The entire Western community should be proud of being a part of our growing achievements in sustainability,” said Stefanie De Adder, energy and environment coordinator. “This award is further proof that the campus community is committed in supporting our top-notch waste diversion programs and infrastructure.”
Several recent advancements to the waste collection process can be directly linked to the university’s success. For example, 160 new outdoor recycling receptacles were strategically placed around campus this year. Western has been composting in its residences since 1997, and, starting this year, suite-style residences are equipped with green bins.
Western aims to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill over the next five years. To achieve this goal, Western plans to ensure every garbage bin on campus also has a place for recycling, as well as further developing composting programs.
– Lauren McVittie
Celebrating the kids in the (Ontario) Hall