TWU tops lists in Maclean's Canadian university surveys

Surveys reveal TWU students highly satisfied with their educational experience

LANGLEY, BC, Feb. 25, 2014 /CNW/ - Trinity Western University has, again, topped the lists of the Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC) and the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), as reported in Maclean's magazine.

The 2013 CUSC survey reveals student satisfaction at 35 Canadian universities. Trinity Western students showed they have the highest levels of satisfaction in several categories. In particular, TWU ranked first in six categories covering university experience, professor accessibility, and quality of teaching.

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#1 - Generally, I am satisfied with the quality of teaching I have received (strongly agree) #1 - How much success have you had in becoming involved in campus activities? (very much) #1 - At this university, professors treat students as individuals, not just numbers (strongly agree) #1 - Most of my professors encourage students to participate in class discussions (strongly agree) #1 - Most of my professors are reasonably accessible outside of class to help students (strongly agree) #1 - Has your experience at this university met, exceeded or fallen short of your expectation? (exceeded)

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TWU is a liberal arts and professional studies university with a 52-year history of education with an emphasis on leadership, global engagement, and Christ-centred values. These characteristics were articulated last year in a formal statement of Student Learning Outcomes (SLO).

"It's the commitment to these outcomes that earns TWU consistent top rankings in annual university surveys and reports," said School of Nursing Dean Sonya Grypma, RN, Ph.D., "TWU is unique in that professors and staff have a shared calling to help students respond to the human condition with wisdom, humility, and charity. They do so by encouraging a fuller understanding of God, setting a spiritual foundation, and encouraging the embodiment of Christ-like ways."

With many of the country's leading scholars—including four Canada Research Chairs—teaching at the University, its small class sizes, and an emphasis on classroom instruction, Trinity Western is known for its outstanding quality of education. What's more, TWU's unique Student Life programs, including local and global projects, fall work days, and wellness clinics, help prepare students for a life not only of learning, but also of service.

While the CUSC survey is only administered to first-year students, the NSSE survey targets both first- and senior-year students, and is designed to measure best educational practices. In this year's report, senior-year students ranked TWU among the top three universities in Canada providing an "excellent educational experience." When asked if they would choose the same university again, senior-year students placed TWU among the top three institutions with the majority of students responding "definitely yes."

"It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of faculty and staff that is truly concerned about providing a first-rate educational experience to our students," said TWU Provost Bob Wood, Ph.D. "TWU faculty regularly go beyond the call of duty as they demonstrate their desire to not just mentor their students in their discipline, but to engage with them as persons developing the intellectual and practical skills needed to be successful in an increasingly complex world. Compared to the public universities that I have been part of, it is the servant leadership of the TWU faculty and staff that lays the foundation for the exceptionally positive campus community reflected in the student survey results."

Canadian University Survey Consortium
The Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC) survey is an annual study with a focus on student satisfaction. In 2013, 35 institutions took part, administering an online questionnaire to a random sample of first-year students at each school. More than 15,000 students answered questions about everything from academics to support services.

National Survey of Student Engagement
The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) targets first-year and senior-year students with questions about their university experience. In 2013, 27 Canadian schools and 20,795 students took part in the survey, a response rate of 37 per cent. NSSE is designed to measure student engagement and best educational practices, delivering feedback for university administrators. American and Canadian schools are measured on engagement indicators such as effective teaching and a supportive environment, and high-impact practices such as service learning and study abroad.

Trinity Western University is a Christian University of the arts, sciences, and professions, legislated by British Columbia to serve the public. Recognized for quality, TWU is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada for Educational Experience by the National Survey of Student Engagement; holds four Canada Research Chairs; wins National Championships in CIS sports; and emphasizes experiential learning to prepare graduates to make a global impact. TWU offers 42 bachelor's degrees, 16 graduate degrees, and adult degree-completion programs. A vibrant community committed to educating the whole person, TWU has been developing leaders of character and competence for over 50 years.

SOURCE: Trinity Western University

Media inquiries contact: Jennifer Watton
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