MACLEANS SURVEY FLAWED

Released on November 13, 2000

Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Glenn Hagel wants to set

the record straight about Macleans magazine's ranking of Canada's universities.



Hagel says it is unfortunate after 10 years of ranking Canada's universities,

the survey fails to recognize many of the strengths that differentiate

Saskatchewan's institutions from its counterparts.



"Things such as a broad approach to accessibility and a strong financial access

program are not taken into account," Hagel said. "Saskatchewan students

benefit from one of the best student loans programs in the country, outstanding

alternate program delivery and excellent rural access through our Regional

Colleges."



Maclean's assessment also fails to consider the largest single science and

technology project in the country, the Canadian Light Source project at the U

of S.



Nearly five years after beginning the university revitalization process, both

of Saskatchewan's universities are growing, vibrant institutions. New faculty

and growth in research activity such as the Petroleum Technology Research

Centre at the U of R, as well as construction projects on both campuses are

evidence of this growth. The province's preparations for centennial

celebrations also help the universities, by investing in their capital projects

as well as those of the federated colleges.



"Recent university graduate surveys indicate most Saskatchewan students and

their families choose Saskatchewan universities because of the quality of the

programs offered, the availability of career relevant programs and location,"

Hagel said. "In fact, most Saskatchewan people rate our post-secondary system

as equal to or better than post-secondary education anywhere else in Canada."



Saskatchewan's high quality education system is a key factor in the evaluation

of Saskatchewan as the best province to live in the best country in the world.

Canada is at the top of the United Nations' Human Development Index, and

applying the same criteria to provinces places Saskatchewan in first place.



"Saskatchewan's two universities contribute enormously to our social, economic

and cultural growth by offering high quality education and a unique array of

excellent programs and services," Hagel said.



"The University of Saskatchewan is a world leader in agricultural biotechnology

and Aboriginal law studies. The University of Regina has an excellent

education faculty and co-op work study program, as well as the internationally

recognized Saskatchewan Indian Federated College."



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For more information, contact:



John Biss

Executive Director, University Services

Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5900