Maclean’s rankings: Expect little change

 

The Maclean’s magazine rankings of Canadian universities are expected to hit the newsstands on Monday, Nov. 8. The annual issue is a hot item for students across the country, and a year-round challenge for university administrators.

Concordia’s submissions are prepared by Cameron Tilson, Senior Planning & Policy Analyst and Secretary of the President's Cabinet.
He said, “Concordia improved in nine categories and decreased in nine; however, it is not likely that this will make much difference to our overall rankings.”

Among the areas that showed improvement were scholarship and bursaries, defined as the proportion of total operating expenses dedicated to student support. There was an increase to 4.27 per cent from the 4.10 per cent that was reported last year.

However, the proportion of library expenditures dedicated to acquisitions was only 29 per cent, well below the 42 per cent reported in 2003.

This year’s rankings issue includes a section reporting on the results of a survey of university graduates in which most universities participated. Letters of invitation to participate in the survey were sent to almost 1,800 Concordia graduates from 1999, 2000 and 2001.

“I believe the graduates’ survey is a good start in adding a student voice to the Maclean’s rankings,” Tilson commented. “However, the survey questionnaire could probably use more development.”