York has climbed its way up the Maclean’s 2014 university rankings.
In the 2014 National Reputational Ranking, York ranked 28th in the “best overall” category, jumping up eight spots from coming in 36th last year.
As well, York ranked 30th, 31st, and 24th in the categories of “highest quality,” “most innovative,” and “leaders of tomorrow” respectively, moving up from 32nd, 38th, and 36th.
Rhonda Lenton, vp academic and provost, says the success in winning research awards, the growth and momentum York is experiencing in becoming a more comprehensive institution, and ongoing communication to various audiences that shows how York prepares students to contribute and thrive in the world is a contributing factor to the advance in ranks.
Many students at York believe this advancement in rankings is well-deserved for the many initiatives York has been implementing, including the recent This is My Time campaign introduced last year.
Shanika Johnson, fourth-year political science major, believes York’s proactivity and the prevention of sexual assaults are contributing factors to the improvement in ranking. Additionally, she says the improvement may be attributed to York’s respected graduate studies programmes
Mary Dwyer, senior editor of Maclean’s explains the National Reputation Ranking reflect the university’s reputation in the community at large. Data used to determine the rankings comes from from individuals whose profession allows them to form an opinion of universities, like CEOs, high school guidance counselors, heads of regional and national organizations, and university officials.
These opinions are collected through a survey, which consists of three categories: “highest quality,” “most innovative,” and “leaders of tomorrow.” For the first two categories, respondents are asked to rate the school as “excellent,” “very good,” “satisfactory,” or “needs improvement.” For the third category, respondents are asked to choose three institutions where students are emerging as leaders of tomorrow.
The best overall university is then decided by considering the results in all three categories.
Shona Skerrett
Contributor
