TORONTO, November 12, 2000 -- York University’s commitment to students and to excellence in teaching and research is reflected in its enhanced reputational standing and across-the-board improvements in this year’s Maclean’s University Ranking issue, York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden said today.

York University ranked among the top five universities in quality, innovation and leadership. The annual survey secured York 5th place overall among the 11 universities in the so-called "comprehensive" category which includes universities engaged in a significant amount of research offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs.

York, now in its 41st year, leads once again in offering students the highest percentage of classes taught by tenured faculty, meaning students benefit directly from a high level of scholarship and academic excellence in the classroom. The superb scholarship of York’s Faculty is evident in the growing number and percentage of Social Sciences and Humanities research grants they earn. At the same time, the top-notch science research by York Faculty has helped maintain York’s solid standing (4^th) in the number of faculty receiving medical and science research grants.

York also demonstrates its commitment to serving students by spending more of its operating budget on student services than any other university in its category. York University was second in the percentage of its operating budget spent on student scholarships and bursaries, and this year advanced in each indicator related to the student body, including: average entering grade (81.7, up from 80.3); proportion of students with 75% or higher (84.5%, up from 75.1%); class size; proportion of students who graduate; and student awards.

"York University continues to have the most classes taught by tenured faculty, the greatest financial commitment to student services, and we continue to respond to the needs of students with a very high investment in student financial support," said Marsden. "York University has clearly evolved and grown over the decades, but its guiding force remains its commitment to students and its dedication to excellence and innovation in teaching and research."

Marsden said recent and pending changes to post-secondary education -- including private universities, demands to accommodate unprecedented student population growth, and fundamental changes to funding -- challenge universities’ ability to provide high- quality, accessible education for all qualified students. She said York is determined to continue to make progress amidst these challenges by focusing on its academic mission of providing high-quality teaching and research and accessible and innovative programs for a community of scholars and students.

York University, Canada's third largest university, is nationally and internationally respected for its innovative research and award-winning teaching. With its combination of dedicated and talented faculty, opportunities for bright and ambitious students, dynamic curriculum and modern campuses in one of North America's most influential urban centres, York University is setting the modern standard in academic excellence.

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For more information or to arrange interviews with Dr. Marsden, please contact:

Sine MacKinnon, Director
Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22087
sinem@yorku.ca
YU/122/00