February 9, 2009 - 4:21am
According to the National Survey on Student Engagement (NSSE) released February 2009, by Maclean's OnCampus (http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/), Vancouver Island University (VIU) ranks number one in five key areas amongst BC's public universities. The survey results were collected from 90,000 students in 53 universities across Canada.
"We are extremely proud of the survey results," said VIU President Ralph Nilson. "VIU's diverse range of programming and spectacular location has allowed us to attract high caliber faculty focused on student success. These are faculty who are committed to quality teaching. They understand the importance of assisting our students in balancing life and educational pursuits. I believe this environment, coupled with hands-on experience and research opportunities for students, has created an atmosphere that supports quality outcomes."
"What makes these survey results meaningful is that the feedback comes directly from students," said Toni O'Keeffe, Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations for VIU. "VIU offers an educational experience that is not available anywhere else in the country. Learning at VIU is much more than what goes on in the classroom," added O'Keeffe. "Our approach to teaching and learning focuses on the quality of the learning environment and the quality of student life. We believe strongly in extending our classrooms into the community and into the world at large."
O'Keeffe suggests that VIU's practice of maintaining small class sizes allows students more opportunities to have direct access to faculty members, peer support and better access to program labs and other institutional resources. "VIU's friendly learning environment allows students and faculty to know each other on a first name basis," she said. "VIU also provides opportunities for global field studies and community outreach that is not always available in other schools where students may be in classes that number in the hundreds."
"The opportunity to talk to faculty in meaningful ways and participate in research and field trips to places such as Belize, Uganda, Brazil, Italy and other parts of the world are a value-added benefit that enrich learning at VIU," said student representative Steven Beasley. "Students at VIU are given the opportunity to apply their learning in real life situations and in real communities. You don't get this benefit at a large, over-crowded university. VIU pretty much provides the ideal learning environment."
VIU's student-centered focus translated into high marks in the survey where VIU ranked number one in BC and number two in the country for student-faculty interaction. VIU also achieved the number one spot amongst BC public universities in the areas of overall educational experience, enriching educational experience and active and collaborative learning.
According to Cori Lynn Germiquet, President of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, "Having a university of this caliber on Vancouver Island is good for the economy. VIU's national and international reputation will draw attention and new tax revenue to Vancouver Island. I have always been impressed with how VIU integrates their students into the community, so I am not surprised that the university ranked well. VIU is providing the Island with access to skills training at a time when we need it the most. These survey results are good for VIU and great for our community."
The full survey results can be viewed at: http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/
For more information on Vancouver Island University go to www.viu.ca
Tags: In the Community
