Re: “York fails to nab an ‘A,’” News, Nov. 3, 2010
Brittany Sammy
I agree with the administration’s claim the [Globe and Mail] survey is too narrow. The fact is students at York are social butterflies who enjoy the school environment and participate in the extracurricular activities offered to further themselves as the future workers of Ontario; they’re not like the bookworms attending other universities.
Our grades involve much more than our academic understanding during tests and exams – they have to do with what we entertain ourselves with during the other 21 hours of the day. We are all working students; some have to pay their way through school, and others work and volunteer within York to build our resumes and experience. Why isn’t this a part of a mass survey?
We honour our school with spirit and participation, not just academic standing. We exemplify individuality, culture and creativity among the masses, so I’m waiting for survey number two.
Re: “York fails to nab an ‘A,’” News, Nov. 3, 2010
Michelle Fung
I find it rather depressing that York doesn’t have any ‘A’ grades in the [Globe and Mail’s] university report card. Although the staff members certainly don’t seem to think the grades York received should have any significant effect on “York’s general direction” – how vague! – these results will only continue to perpetuate York’s reputation as “that university.” I can attest York doesn’t get its well-deserved recognition in its social fields, and this seems only to further insult York.
I also feel the survey was too narrow despite the Keele campus’ large population. It doesn’t seem to have taken Glendon into account – having had been in Keele and Glendon classes, I think my perception of York University may be more accurate than that of the survey. The class and lecture styles between the two campuses are completely different. At Glendon, class sizes are of 30 to 40 students each, professors know your name and personality and personal belongings rarely get stolen because of the tight-knit community feel. Lectures are about discussion and the application of theory to current events, as opposed to Keele’s three-hour, monotonous “Bueller… Bueller…” type lectures. I’m sure Glendon has its weaker points, too, but the survey’s categories do not yield much variety in its sampling at York University and its campuses.
