A-plus for UOIT's high-tech learning environment

Proving once again that the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) is a leader in high-tech education, the university was awarded an A-plus grade for its campus technology in The Globe and Mail's Canadian University Report. This is the second consecutive year that the university has been awarded the highest grade in this category, which profiled 55 universities.

The highly respected annual report highlights the opinions of more than 43,400 current undergraduate students who have taken part in a survey of more than 100 questions. The report offers valuable insight into campuses across Canada from a student perspective.

In addition to receiving the highest grade for campus technology, UOIT received top marks in its enrolment group (4,000 to 12,000) for Building and Facilities (A-minus) and Career Preparation (B-plus). The university also received A grades in Quality of Education, Class Size, and Recreation and Athletics, and A-minuses for Most Satisfied Students, Quality of Teaching, Student-Faculty Interaction, Ease of Course Registration and Campus Atmosphere.

"Our students have spoken and we could not be happier with the outcome of their opinions of UOIT," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president, UOIT. "We are committed to providing quality learning experiences and an education that prepares our students to take their positions as our country's leaders of tomorrow. UOIT's world-class faculty and staff have played a leading role in this remarkable achievement."

Throughout the guide, UOIT is consistently near the top of its class when measured against its enrolment group. Among its other scores were B-plus grades in Libraries, Academic Reputation, Student Services, Extracurricular Activities and B grades in Course Availability and Student Residences.

In five short years, UOIT has grown to more than 5,500 undergraduate and more than 100 graduate students in a diverse array of programs offered through the faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science. In the fall of 2008, its first doctoral program was launched in Mechanical Engineering.

Students at UOIT are immersed in a leading-edge learning environment that allows them to connect with their professors and peers, any time and anywhere. UOIT is Ontario's first laptop-based university and every student uses a current model laptop loaded with program- and industry-specific software to access course materials, conduct research, make presentations and communicate with faculty.

UOIT faculty members are the best and brightest minds from around the world and the university has one of the highest rates of professors with PhDs among Canadian universities. These men and women collectively speak more than 20 languages, hold degrees from more than 20 countries and are well-known for their research achievements, which have been published in thousands of leading publications and journals.

As a reflection of its commitment to research excellence, UOIT was named one of Canada's top 50 research universities in 2008 by Research Infosource Inc. UOIT students, even at the undergraduate level, collaborate with their professors on significant research projects and gain valuable hands-on experience. This is a key differentiator between UOIT and traditional higher-learning institutions. To date, the university has received $18.2 million in research awards and grants, including five Canada Research Chairs.

More details about the Globe's report card can be found at www.globeandmail.com/education.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.