Redeemer University College has once again earned high marks from its students in The Globe & Mail’s annual Canadian University Report, released on October 23. The newspaper’s annual survey of student satisfaction, produced in partnership with Higher Education Strategy Associates, graded 58 universities on a number of key criteria by surveying more than 31,000 Canadian university students about their experiences.

In response to the key question – “Thinking about all of your experiences at your university thus far, how satisfied are you overall with your institution?” – students gave Redeemer an A, the highest rank of any university across Canada.

Most of the criteria are organized by 11 different categories, each one representing one aspect of a student’s university experience. Students were asked to respond to several questions about each area, and those individual questions were then tabulated to create an Overall Score for each category.

In the survey, Redeemer scored high marks in many of these areas: Atmosphere A+; Residence life A+; Course Registration and Availability A; Quality of teaching and learning A; Campus Buildings and Facilities A; City satisfaction A-; Student Services A-; Library Services A-; Career Preparation A-.

Dr. Hubert Krygsman, President of Redeemer University College, is encouraged by the results of the survey. “These results demonstrate again the high quality of university education that we provide and the impressive dedication and care that our faculty and staff take for our students and their learning.”

The results also mirror some of the areas that Redeemer has worked to develop. “The survey reflects our commitment to creating community,” says Richard Wikkerink, Associate Vice President of Student Development. “Through our residences, and many other programs and activities, we have been very intentional about developing an academic community where students can grow and develop—together—inside and outside the classroom.”

For Jillian de Leyer, a second-year student from Edmonton, AB, community is more than just having an active social life. “Of course, you make great friends in residence; it’s one of the reasons I came across the country for another year here. But as a dorm, we also set goals together and challenge each other in many areas of life. For example, dorm devotions have helped me to grow spiritually, and the girls in my dorm have certainly helped to keep me accountable to my studies.”

Dr. Krygsman agrees with the importance of this part of a student’s Redeemer experience. “One of the great goals of our Strategic Plan is ‘Developing and Equipping the Whole Person.’” We want to see each student develop as a whole person—body, mind and soul—and to strengthen their calling as a member of the body of Christ. That is our calling, and our privilege.”

This was Redeemer’s sixth year participating in the survey; it is in the category of universities defined as having enrolments less than 4,000. The Canadian University report, which also includes many articles and features about post-secondary education, is available on the Globe and Mail’s website; the survey results can be accessed through the Globe’s online Navigator.