efore being recruited to the University of British Columbia as the Canada

Excellence Research Chair in Neurogenetics and Translational Neuroscience, Matthew Farrer had already made several influential discoveries in neurogenetics and was acclaimed for his work on the genetics of Parkinson’s disease. In 2008, he was named a Mayo Clinic Distinguished Investigator.

Originally from the U.K., Dr. Far-rer would have been welcome at any university in the world. What made UBC the right place for his research?

“One reason was the Parkin-son’s program,” he says. “It’s one of the few places on the planet that does positron emission tomography to monitor disease progression in genetically pre-disposed individuals. Another is first-rate neuroscience, and the

talented investigators with whom I’m surrounded.”

Lastly, he says, it’s UBC’s vision and investment. “Brain research is clearly a strategic priority, given construction of a new Centre for Brain Health. They’re very driven to make UBC even better, among the best in the world.”

That allows him to “focus on the science, on delivering upon the promise I’ve made to tens of thousands of people with Parkin-son’s and their families.”

It is this commitment, and researchers such as Dr. Farrer, that won UBC a coveted place (22) among a handful of Canadian schools cited in this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

“At UBC, I have been struck by how many of our researchers are fundamentally committed to find-ing new solutions for societal prob-lems or truly fresh insights about ourselves and our world,” says UBC president Stephen Toope. “UBC stands apart from other research universities, because of our strate-gic efforts to support collaborative and multidisciplinary research, and to establish powerful and deep re-lationships with partner organiza-tions and communities.”

These collaborations enable researchers to address the most pressing questions of our time, he adds.

In Eastern Canada, a strong emphasis on research and gradu-ate programming, coupled with a commitment to undergraduate education, has positioned the University of Toronto on the cut-ting edge of innovation in a range of fields.

It is an environment, says president David Naylor, in which disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary excellence flour-ish – putting U of T at number 19 in the THE rankings.

“The biggest problems con-fronting humanity, both practi-cally and intellectually, require convergent inquiry and learn-ing across disciplines,” adds Dr. Naylor. Strength in a range of fields brings together the talent required to define new areas of enquiry, and to teach students in an exciting way that pulls together novel ideas and creates ferment.

Advantages of scale attract a large pool of talented faculty and

students, furthering the univer-sity’s international reputation.

“We now have 500,000 alumni in more than 170 countries, so we get a massive amount of reflected glory,” says Dr. Naylor. “We’re fortunate that we have had such great students over such a long period, so that we have a global footprint.”

The university continues to build on its strengths through initiatives such as Cities Centre, which brings together engineer-ing, architecture and a range of disciplines in arts and science, including public policy and economics. The Banting and Best Institutes, which honour the discovery of insulin at the univer-sity, have been transformed into incubation and innovation space. In 2011, U of T’s three campuses

fostered 25 spin-off companies. McGill University placed at

number 28 in the THE rankings, with high marks for its interna-tional culture. “We’re the most international research-intensive university: 20 per cent of our students in any given year are full-time international students, from a total of 150 countries,” says principal and vice-chancellor Heather Munroe-Blum.

The university, which just celebrated its 190th anniversary, was founded in the traditions of the Scottish enlightenment, she says. “Every principal throughout our history has had a very strong commitment to McGill playing an important role locally and inter-nationally as well.”

There is a great diversity of people doing superb teaching, re-

search and scholarship, she says. They are deeply engaged in the community and remain connect-ed to the university as alumni.

The Times rankings make it clear that Canadian universities have a global influence and repu-tation despite our relatively small population and brief history.

For many years, the top three institutions in total index pub-lication output (a measure of research excellence) have been Harvard, Tokyo and Toronto, with Toronto and Tokyo trading sec-ond place regularly. “We feel it’s a great indicator of both research excellence and our commitment to being Canada’s champion in a world where competition among universities and research insti-tutes is intensifying at an incred-ible pace,” says Dr. Naylor.

World university rankingsSelect Canadian schools cited among world’s best

SpecialAcademic excellence

T U E S DAY, J U n E 2 6 , 2 01 2 Page 1

An informATion fEATUrE

TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rank-ings is an acclaimed interna-tional ranking of universities published by the British maga-zine Times Higher Education with data supplied by Thom-son Reuters.

Published annually, the THE rankings are considered one of the most influential interna-tional university rankings. For 2011-12, 15 outstanding Canadian institutions were included among the world’s top 250 universities. In order, they are:

Top 3 internationallyUniversity of Toronto (19)University of British Columbia (22) McGill University (28) Others in the Top 250McMaster University University of Alberta University of Montreal Queen’s University University of Victoria University of Ottawa University of WaterlooUniversity of Western OntarioUniversity of CalgaryCarleton UniversityDalhousie UniversitySimon Fraser University

anked among the top 100 universities in the world, McMaster University in

Hamilton, Ontario, takes pride in the “McMaster Model” – a student-centred, interdisciplin-ary approach to learning that has been adopted by universities around the world.

McMaster University also ranks

first in Canada in research in-tensity, the measure of research income per full-time faculty member, and it is the only North American host site of a United Nations University. It participates in more than 40 international exchange agreements and has more than 140,000 alumni in 128 countries.

McMaster’s innovative scholastic model

By the numbers

Canadian universities are a $30-bil-lion enterprise that impacts every aspect of the country’s economy and society. Cana-da’s university graduates repre-sent about 24% of the Canadian population and contribute more than 40% of the tax base.

In 2011:

1.2 millionstudents were enrolled in degree programs

$10 billionworth of research activities were conducted

Source: Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada www.aucc.caMcMASTER UNIvERSITy

Championing Canada on the world stage. Second only to Harvard in terms of global research output, the University of Toronto boasts an impressive global footprint. Page 2

Committed to an even richer student experience. UBC introduces new student enrolment and support processes. Page 4

INSIDE

From left: Western University; University of Calgary; University of Toronto; University of Alberta. A boast-worthy performance in international rankings demonstrates that, despite Canada’s relatively small population, Canadian universities have a disproportionately positive impact both at home and globally. photos: supplied

efore being recruited tothe University of BritishColumbia as the Canada

Excellence Research Chair inNeurogenetics and TranslationalNeuroscience, Matthew Farrer hadalreadymade several influentialdiscoveries in neurogenetics andwas acclaimed for his work on thegenetics of Parkinson’s disease. In2008, he was named aMayo ClinicDistinguished Investigator.Originally from the U.K., Dr. Far-rer would have been welcome atany university in the world. Whatmade UBC the right place for hisresearch?“One reason was the Parkin-son’s program,” he says. “It’s oneof the few places on the planetthat does positron emissiontomography tomonitor diseaseprogression in genetically pre-disposed individuals. Another isfirst-rate neuroscience, and the

talented investigators with whomI’m surrounded.”Lastly, he says, it’s UBC’s visionand investment. “Brain researchis clearly a strategic priority, givenconstruction of a new Centre forBrain Health. They’re very driventomake UBC even better, amongthe best in the world.”That allows him to “focus onthe science, on delivering uponthe promise I’vemade to tens ofthousands of people with Parkin-son’s and their families.”It is this commitment, andresearchers such as Dr. Farrer, thatwon UBC a coveted place (22)among a handful of Canadianschools cited in this year’s TimesHigher Education (THE)WorldUniversity Rankings.“AtUBC, I have been struck by

howmanyof our researchers arefundamentally committed to find-ing new solutions for societal prob-lems or truly fresh insights aboutourselves and ourworld,” saysUBCpresident StephenToope. “UBCstands apart fromother researchuniversities, because of our strate-gic efforts to support collaborativeandmultidisciplinary research, andto establish powerful anddeep re-lationshipswith partner organiza-tions and communities.”These collaborations enableresearchers to address themostpressing questions of our time, headds.In Eastern Canada, a strongemphasis on research and gradu-ate programming, coupled witha commitment to undergraduateeducation, has positioned theUniversity of Toronto on the cut-ting edge of innovation in a rangeof fields.It is an environment, sayspresident David Naylor, in whichdisciplinary, interdisciplinary andtransdisciplinary excellence flour-ish – putting U of T at number 19in the THE rankings.“The biggest problems con-fronting humanity, both practi-cally and intellectually, requireconvergent inquiry and learn-ing across disciplines,” adds Dr.Naylor. Strength in a range offields brings together the talentrequired to define new areas ofenquiry, and to teach studentsin an exciting way that pullstogether novel ideas and createsferment.Advantages of scale attract alarge pool of talented faculty and

students, furthering the univer-sity’s international reputation.“We now have 500,000 alumniinmore than 170 countries, so weget amassive amount of reflectedglory,” says Dr. Naylor. “We’refortunate that we have had suchgreat students over such a longperiod, so that we have a globalfootprint.”The university continues tobuild on its strengths throughinitiatives such as Cities Centre,which brings together engineer-ing, architecture and a range ofdisciplines in arts and science,including public policy andeconomics. The Banting and BestInstitutes, which honour thediscovery of insulin at the univer-sity, have been transformed intoincubation and innovation space.In 2011, U of T’s three campuses

fostered 25 spin-off companies.McGill University placed atnumber 28 in the THE rankings,with highmarks for its interna-tional culture. “We’re themostinternational research-intensiveuniversity: 20 per cent of ourstudents in any given year arefull-time international students,from a total of 150 countries,”says principal and vice-chancellorHeather Munroe-Blum.The university, which justcelebrated its 190th anniversary,was founded in the traditions ofthe Scottish enlightenment, shesays. “Every principal throughoutour history has had a very strongcommitment to McGill playing animportant role locally and inter-nationally as well.”There is a great diversity ofpeople doing superb teaching, re-

search and scholarship, she says.They are deeply engaged in thecommunity and remain connect-ed to the university as alumni.The Times rankingsmake itclear that Canadian universitieshave a global influence and repu-tation despite our relatively smallpopulation and brief history.For many years, the top threeinstitutions in total index pub-lication output (ameasure ofresearch excellence) have beenHarvard, Tokyo and Toronto, withToronto and Tokyo trading sec-ond place regularly. “We feel it’sa great indicator of both researchexcellence and our commitmentto being Canada’s champion in aworld where competition amonguniversities and research insti-tutes is intensifying at an incred-ible pace,” says Dr. Naylor.

World university rankingsSelect Canadian schools cited among world’s best

SpecialAcademic excellence

TUESDAY, JUNE 26 , 201 2 PAGE 1

AN INFORMATION FEATURE

TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION

The Times Higher Education(THE)World University Rank-ings is an acclaimed interna-tional ranking of universitiespublished by the Britishmaga-zine Times Higher Educationwith data supplied by Thom-son Reuters.Published annually, the THErankings are considered one ofthemost influential interna-tional university rankings.For 2011-12, 15 outstandingCanadian institutions wereincluded among the world’stop 250 universities. In order,they are:

Top 3 internationallyUniversity of Toronto (19)University ofBritish Columbia (22)McGill University (28)

Others in the Top 250McMaster UniversityUniversity of AlbertaUniversity of MontrealQueen’s UniversityUniversity of VictoriaUniversity of OttawaUniversity of WaterlooUniversity of Western OntarioUniversity of CalgaryCarleton UniversityDalhousie UniversitySimon Fraser University

anked among the top 100universities in the world,McMaster University in

Hamilton, Ontario, takes pridein the “McMaster Model” – astudent-centred, interdisciplin-ary approach to learning thathas been adopted by universitiesaround the world.McMaster University also ranks

first in Canada in research in-tensity, the measure of researchincome per full-time facultymember, and it is the only NorthAmerican host site of a UnitedNations University. It participatesin more than 40 internationalexchange agreements and hasmore than 140,000 alumni in 128countries.

McMaster’s innovative scholasticmodel

By thenumbers

Canadianuniversitiesare a $30-bil-lion enterprisethat impactsevery aspect ofthe country’seconomy andsociety. Cana-da’s universitygraduates repre-sent about 24%of the Canadianpopulation andcontributemorethan 40% of thetax base.

In 2011:

1.2millionstudentswere enrolledin degreeprograms

$10billionworth ofresearchactivities wereconducted

Source: Association ofUniversities and Collegesof Canada www.aucc.caMcMASTER UNIVERSITY

Championing Canada on the world stage. Second only to Harvardin terms of global research output, the University of Torontoboasts an impressive global footprint. Page 2

Committed to an even richer student experience. UBC introducesnew student enrolment and support processes. Page 4

INSIDE

From left: Western University; University of Calgary; University of Toronto; University of Alberta. A boast-worthy performance in international rankings demonstrates that, despite Canada’s relativelysmall population, Canadian universities have a disproportionately positive impact both at home and globally. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Photo:RileyBrandt

Before he was licensed to drive a car or even enrolled in highschool, Sarthak Sinhawas pursuing research opportunities atthe University of Calgary.

For two years, he’s been doing hands-on graduate-levelresearch in Jeff Biernaskie’s Experimental Medicine andStem Cell biology lab in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,investigating the role of stem cells in tissue regeneration.

Starting Grade 11 this fall, he’s passionate about thesustainability of the sciences and is considering a careerin medicine and neuroscience.

The University of Calgary is proud to teach, inspire and give ahead start to Canada’s next generation of elite students.

Meet Sarthak at ucalgary.ca/doogie

Prodigy, science enthusiast, high school studentOur very own Doogie

Pictures of success

alhousie University is a small, research-intensive university, and Carolyn

Watters, vice-president academic and provost at Dalhousie, says student-faculty interaction at the university is made richer by the low student-to-faculty ratio of 17-to-1.

Another of the institution’s strengths is its interactions with industry and the resulting research opportunities. “We’ve restructured around research, and our industrial income has doubled,” says Dr. Watters. “We had a study done to look at the

impact of the papers produced here. Paper for paper, we have a disproportionately high impact.”

With a strategic focus on health, IT and oceans, Dalhousie has 52 Canada Research Chairs. It was also recently awarded a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Ocean Science and Technology – one of just 19 such chairs awarded across Canada. As such, the university is headquarters to the global Ocean Tracking Network, a $168-million conservation project, and is a founding member of the newly created Halifax Marine Research Institute.

By David Naylor, President, University of Toronto

hose of us who work at the University of Toronto are often struck by a paradox.

U of T’s academic standing is better appreciated outside of Canada than inside this vast and some-times fractious federation. Like the Toronto region itself, U of T has become one of Canada’s key gate-ways to the world. And like U of T, the Toronto region has surprising multi-sectoral strengths that are little known to most Canadians.

Today, our three campuses welcome students from across Canada and scores of other coun-tries to a vibrant and strikingly diverse megalopolis. They include thousands whose parents are first-generation Canadians and more than 9,000 students who have

come direct to the Toronto region from all parts of the globe.

In time they will join our alumni community, about 500,000 gradu-ates in more than 170 countries, with concentrations in unexpected places from Hollywood to Hong Kong. There is no continent nor walk of life where Toronto alumni are not in leadership roles.

This global footprint is also seen in the university’s research impact. Professors at U of T devel-oped insulin and the electron mi-croscope, discovered cosmic black holes and stem cells, reinvented literary criticism and theorized modern media and the digital age.

Our tradition of responding to global challenges continues today, with Toronto spawning innova-tions such as earthquake-resistant building materials, micronutrients for malnourished children and nanoengineered paint to capture solar energy more efficiently. A simple statistic says it all. Today, in total research output, the top two universities in the world, in order, are Harvard and Toronto.

For students, our research

strength translates most im-mediately into strong teaching and mentorship in our graduate and professional programs. But our faculty members also have a remarkable commitment to undergraduate education.

Among our full-time staff who have won major research distinc-tions, more than 90 per cent are teaching undergraduates. The U of T community further sup-ports undergraduate education with a range of special first-year programs, small-group learning arrangements, seminar courses as a counterpoint to large classes in introductory subjects, and research opportunities.

Beyond this, the University of Toronto is one of the very few institutions in the world with the size and the breadth and depth of excellence to make a real differ-ence in addressing complex global challenges, such as urbanization or healthier human development. This creates a wealth of learning opportunities for our students. It helps them form the creative and critical thinking skills that will en-

able them to succeed and to make a difference, no matter where they live and work.

U of T students today can choose among three campuses. Our newer and smaller east and west campuses offer students academic excellence, a wonderful sense of community and 200 hect-ares of beautiful parklands. Our original campus lies in the heart of downtown Toronto’s Discovery District, surrounded by major academic hospitals, research institutes and the massive MaRS innovation centre. And on all three campuses, our students take part in a vibrant social, cultural and athletic scene.

Like most public universities, we struggle with funding pres-sures. We cannot offer the deluxe accommodation and silver-spoon attention accorded students at some private universities in the United States. What we do offer is accessible excellence based on merit, a huge range of academic options and membership in one of the world’s greatest communi-ties of scholarship and learning.

2 • An informATion fEATUrE t h e g lo b e a n d m a i l • t U e S daY, J U n e 2 6 , 2 01 2

ExpERT OpINION

For many reasons, U of T research outperforms

top universities

“A simple statistic says it all. Today, in total research output, the top two universities in the world, in order, are Harvard and Toronto.”

he University of Calgary shares its energetic, en-trepreneurial culture with

the city around it, says Elizabeth Cannon, president and vice-chancellor. “With the beautiful Rocky Mountains on the hori-zon, Calgary and its university are beacons to students seeking opportunity as well as a first-rate education.”

In addition to placing in the top 250 universities globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2011-12, the University of Calgary placed 17th overall in the new QS Top 50 Under 50 world ranking, top among Canadian universities founded after 1962 and second in North America.

“Placing third overall in the QS Top 50 for its research impact

on the ‘citations per faculty’ indicator, the University of Cal-gary continues to build research capacity,” says Dr. Cannon. “The institution’s strategic vision is to become one of Canada’s top five research universities by its 50th anniversary in 2016.”

Among its many talented researchers are the Faculty of Medicine’s Dr. Marvin Fritzler, Dr. Michael Hill and Dr. David John-son, three of the six recipients of the 2011 Top Achievements in Health Research Awards an-nounced earlier this year by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Medi-cal Association Journal. And at the In Situ Energy Centre at the Schulich School of Engineering, Dr. Pedro Pereira-Almao is world-renowned for his research on

bitumen upgrading on site, sig-nificantly reducing the resources required for extraction.

For students, the university provides undergraduate educa-tion defined by a rich synthesis of research, teaching and experi-ential learning as well as unique preparation for their roles as future leaders.

“Calgary is a city of leaders, and to prepare our students to serve in this environment and in the world, leadership development is built into every level of our cur-riculum,” says Dr. Cannon. She adds that the Haskayne School of Business is internationally recog-nized for business education with a special emphasis on the distinct elements that define Calgary and Alberta: energy, entrepreneur-ship and ethical leadership.

Synthesis of research, teaching and experiential learning key to school’s success

At the University of Calgary, students in all disciplines are equipped with lead-ership skills in addition to a world-class education. photo: university of calgary

One of Canada’s oldest universities, Western University provides academic excellence with lifelong opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth to over 30,000 students from more than 100 countries each year. A leader in environment and sustainability education, Western offers under-graduate programs in environmental science, environmental engineering and environmental studies. photo: western university

UNIvERSITy Of CAlGARy

SIMON fRASER UNIvERSITy

WESTERN UNIvERSITy

Shauna Sylvester, standing in Simon Fraser University’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, is the executive director of the university’s newly launched Public Square Program. Both initiatives reflect SFU’s commitment to being Canada’s leading “engaged university” defined by its dynamic integration of innovation education, cutting edge research and far-reaching community engagement. photo: simon fraser university

Small Atlantic Canada university achieves large impact

DAlHOUSIE UNIvERSITy

“We’ve restructured around research and our industrial income has doubled.”

Dr. Carolyn Watters, Dalhousie University

he University of Alberta in Edmonton is one of Canada’s top teaching

and research universities, where students find the experience and opportunities to make their dreams a reality in a daring, creative community of 38,000 fellow learners. The university

provides research, leadership and global engagement opportunities in 400 rigorous programs in 18 faculties spanning five cam-puses – including a francophone campus. “Our excellence lies in addressing global challenges in health, food, energy, society and sustainability,” says University of

Alberta president Indira Sama-rasekera. “The discoveries and achievements of UAlberta people are changing the world. Founding president Henry Marshall Tory vowed that ‘uplifting the whole people’ through knowledge was our goal. That’s a promise we fol-low to this day.”

Students dared to dream

University of Alberta research addresses global challenges in health, food, energy, society and sustainability. photo:

university of alberta

UNIvERSITy Of AlBERTA

Pictures of success

ineups for student cards, tuition payment, bus passes and loan docu-

ments. Scrambling from building to building, person to person to get organized. Even decades later, simply recalling their first university experience can make a person’s stress level rise.

For University of British Co-lumbia students, though, gone are the days of feeling lost and alone as they navigate the new waters of campus life.

“There has been a remarkable investment in the research plat-forms at top universities, includ-ing UBC, but we also needed to spend time thinking about the experience of our students,” says Stephen Toope, the university’s president and vice-chancellor.

Thus was born Place and Promise: The UBC Plan that commits the university to enhancing student experiences, from the first contact with the university through all subse-quent points of connection.

Significant changes have been made to some well-worn uni-versity systems and traditions, including the admissions pro-cess, student services delivery and program-based engagement opportunities.

“Traditionally, our admission decisions have been based on Grade 12 marks,” explains James Ridge, associate vice-president of enrolment and registrar at UBC. “While grades are good pre-dictors of academic success, they don’t tell us whether a student will engage in what the universi-ty community has to offer, such as overseas learning opportuni-ties, engagement with other stu-dents, co-op or work experience placements and more.”

UBC’s new broad-based admis-sions initiative calls on appli-cants to provide not only grades, but also a personal profile.

Already piloted in a few schools at UBC, including the Sauder School of Business, the process was used to evaluate every UBC applicant this year –

almost 30,000 in all. Class of 2014 business student

Jocelyn Li says that while the personal profile took some time, it allowed her to gain perspec-tive on the kind of campus UBC is, while providing an opportunity for self-reflection. “The profile gives the univer-sity a better understanding of a candidate’s character, their experiences, challenges faced and goals,” she says. “Having a vision of a university that is di-verse, supportive and engaged, the profile provides the right information about candidates to admit students who will...go beyond academics, challenge themselves and gain experience in sports, arts, leadership and voluntary service, among other areas.”

UBC’s new student support

process – called Names not Numbers – includes assigning an Enrolment Services Professional (ESP) to every first-year student. “Each student will be assigned to an ESP, who will stick with them from the moment he or she arrives, right through to graduation,” explains Dr. Toope. “This go-to specialist will help students make connections to student services, as well as administrative functions.”

By 2013, all undergraduates will have ESPs, who will help with everything from registra-tion, admissions, loans and awards to getting transcripts or accessing support such as fi-nancial, academic and personal counselling.

“This plan ties in with exist-ing UBC programs that make a strong commitment to the

student experience,” says Dr. Toope. “For example, Go Global allows students to go abroad as part of their undergraduate program, and UBC offers more local and international service-learning opportunities than any other Canadian university.”

Ms. Li – who went to Ethiopia through the Sauder School of Business for an entrepreneur-ship conference, an internship and a chance to travel south with HOPE International – agrees that student life at UBC extends beyond classes and exams. “Five years from now, it’s unlikely anyone will remember their exact grade on their Econ 101 final exam,” she says. “In-stead, students will smile, think-ing about their amazing friends, unforgettable experiences and important life lessons.”

4 • An informATion fEATUrE t h e g lo b e a n d m a i l • t U e S daY, J U n e 2 6 , 2 01 2

top universities

Initiatives enhance student experiences on and off campus

UBC’s unique approach to enrolment and student engagement leaves alumni with “amazing friends, unforgettable experiences and important life lessons.” photo: ubc

UNIvERSITy Of BRITISH COlUMBIA

this report was produced by randallanthony communications inc. (www.randallanthony.com) in conjunction with the advertising department of the globe and mail. richard deacon, national business development manager, rdeacon@globeandmail.com.

“While grades are good predictorsof academic success, they don’t tell us whether a studentwill engage in what the universitycommunity has to offer…”

James Ridge, Associate vice-president of enrolment, UBC.

ineups for student cards,tuition payment, buspasses and loan docu-

ments. Scrambling from buildingto building, person to personto get organized. Even decadeslater, simply recalling their firstuniversity experience can makea person’s stress level rise.For University of British Co-lumbia students, though, goneare the days of feeling lost andalone as they navigate the newwaters of campus life.“There has been a remarkableinvestment in the research plat-forms at top universities, includ-ing UBC, but we also needed tospend time thinking about theexperience of our students,” saysStephen Toope, the university’spresident and vice-chancellor.Thus was born Place andPromise: The UBC Plan thatcommits the university toenhancing student experiences,from the first contact with theuniversity through all subse-quent points of connection.Significant changes have beenmade to some well-worn uni-versity systems and traditions,including the admissions pro-cess, student services deliveryand program-based engagementopportunities.“Traditionally, our admissiondecisions have been based onGrade 12 marks,” explains JamesRidge, associate vice-presidentof enrolment and registrar atUBC. “While grades are good pre-dictors of academic success, theydon’t tell us whether a studentwill engage in what the universi-ty community has to offer, suchas overseas learning opportuni-ties, engagement with other stu-dents, co-op or work experienceplacements and more.”UBC’s new broad-based admis-sions initiative calls on appli-cants to provide not only grades,but also a personal profile.Already piloted in a fewschools at UBC, including theSauder School of Business, theprocess was used to evaluateevery UBC applicant this year –

almost 30,000 in all.Class of 2014 business studentJocelyn Li says that while thepersonal profile took some time,it allowed her to gain perspec-tive on the kind of campusUBC is, while providing anopportunity for self-reflection.“The profile gives the univer-sity a better understanding ofa candidate’s character, theirexperiences, challenges facedand goals,” she says. “Having avision of a university that is di-verse, supportive and engaged,the profile provides the rightinformation about candidatesto admit students who will...gobeyond academics, challengethemselves and gain experiencein sports, arts, leadership andvoluntary service, among otherareas.”UBC’s new student support

process – called Names notNumbers – includes assigning anEnrolment Services Professional(ESP) to every first-year student.“Each student will be assignedto an ESP, who will stick withthem from the moment he orshe arrives, right through tograduation,” explains Dr. Toope.“This go-to specialist will helpstudents make connectionsto student services, as well asadministrative functions.”By 2013, all undergraduateswill have ESPs, who will helpwith everything from registra-tion, admissions, loans andawards to getting transcriptsor accessing support such as fi-nancial, academic and personalcounselling.“This plan ties in with exist-ing UBC programs that makea strong commitment to the

student experience,” says Dr.Toope. “For example, Go Globalallows students to go abroadas part of their undergraduateprogram, and UBC offers morelocal and international service-learning opportunities than anyother Canadian university.”Ms. Li – who went to Ethiopiathrough the Sauder School ofBusiness for an entrepreneur-ship conference, an internshipand a chance to travel southwith HOPE International –agrees that student life at UBCextends beyond classes andexams. “Five years from now, it’sunlikely anyone will remembertheir exact grade on their Econ101 final exam,” she says. “In-stead, students will smile, think-ing about their amazing friends,unforgettable experiences andimportant life lessons.”

4 • AN INFORMATION FEATURE THE GLOBE AND MAIL • TUESDAY, JUNE 26 , 201 2

TOP UNIVERSITIES

Initiatives enhance student experiences on and off campus

UBC’s unique approach to enrolment and student engagement leaves alumni with “amazing friends, unforgettable experiences and important life lessons.”PHOTO: UBC

UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

This report was produced by RandallAnthony Communications Inc. (www.randallanthony.com) in conjunction with the advertising department of The Globe and Mail. Richard Deacon, National Business Development Manager, rdeacon@globeandmail.com.

“While grades aregood predictorsof academic success,they don’t tell uswhether a studentwill engage in whatthe universitycommunity has tooffer…”

James Ridge,Associate vice-presidentof enrolment, UBC.

BOUNDLESS

Our international peers recognize the University of Torontofor our expansive range of disciplines, our depth of academicexcellence and our life-changing contributions reaching acrossthe globe. It’s the reason we have consistently ranked amongthe world’s top universities. And it’s how we’re preparing ourstudents for the challenges of an increasingly borderless world.

Visit UTORONTO.CA

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PAWSON

PAINTABLESOLAR CELLS

TED SARGENT ’98 FREDERICK BANTING ’16, ’22CHARLES BEST ’21, ’22, ’25J.J.R. MACLEODJ.B. COLLIP ’12, ’13

DISCOVERYOF INSULIN

INNOVATION

MOR

ETH

AN20

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T-UP

COMPA

NIESINVENTION

OF PHOTO–DEGRADABLEPLASTICJAMES GUILLET ’48RE

SEARCH

IMPACT

238CANADARESEARCHCHAIRS

1,000 STUDENTCLUBS & TEAMS

40 PROFESSIONALPROGRAMS

34 INTERDISCIPLINARY GRADUATEPROGRAMS

DISCOVERYOF STEM CELLS

JAMES TILL & ERNEST MCCULLOCH ’48

THEFIGHTTO

ERASEINTERNET

CENSORSHIPRON

DEIBERT

THESPEECH

-AID

APP“M

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ALEXANDERLEVY

’10

AAKASH

SAHN

EY’12

800UNDERGRADUATE

&150GRADUATE

PROGRAMS

LITHIUMBATTERY&ALKALINEBATTERYLEWIS URRY ’50