Office of Public Affairs Acadia University Wolfville, Nova Scotia B0P 1X0 (902) 585-1362 Fax (902) 585-1072 News Release For Release: November 13, 2000

Acadia continues to be considered the best

(Wolfville, NS) - For the 7th year in a row, Canada's opinion leaders consider Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, to be the best overall, primarily undergraduate university in Canada.  In the Maclean's annual universities issue, released today, Acadia placed first in the "Best Overall," "Leaders of Tomorrow" and "Most Innovative" categories.  This marks the 5th consecutive year that Acadia has been considered the most innovative.

As part of the reputational survey, Maclean's canvasses more than 7000 people from across Canada.  Those surveyed include high school guidance counsellors, university officials, corporate recruiters and CEO's of leading Canadian Corporations.

In this year's rankings, Acadia was the best Nova Scotia university in its class and placed second to Mount Allison University of Sackville, New Brunswick.  This is the 5th year in which Acadia has ranked second among the twenty-one institutions in the small, primarily undergraduate classification, moving from third in 1996.

Acadia's ranking improved in two very significant categories:  average entering grade and proportion of students who graduate.  In September of 1999, applications to Acadia were up nearly 19% and the number of first-year students had increased by 16.8%.  At the same time, the average grade of the incoming student was higher.  This is evidence that Acadia's unique learning environment, enhanced by the Acadia Advantage, is attracting highly qualified students in unprecedented numbers.  Further, the improved ranking in the proportion who graduate is a direct reflection of Acadia's continued commitment to its students through a focused, proactive retention program.

"We, at Acadia, are proud of the accomplishments of our students and faculty.  Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing Acadia students with the best post-secondary experience in Canada," said Dr. Kelvin Ogilvie, Acadia's 13th president.  "Our students and graduates continue to distinguish themselves and to advance our reputation.  We believe that Acadia is truly the best primarily undergraduate university in this country and Maclean's opinion survey verifies this year after year."

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For more information, contact:
Sheri Woodland
Communications Officer
Acadia University
(902) 585-1362
 

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Published by: The Office of Public Affairs Last revised: November 13,  2000 URL: http://www.acadiau.ca/whatsnew/newsrelease/2000/MacleansRanking.html