Stephen and Anna Strauss

Already an accomplished writer, Anna Strauss recently published a children's book — Hush (Key Porter Books, 2001). Her Guelph studies in history and English are expanding her knowledge, but they're also giving her journalist father a new look at the University's academic strengths. One of Canada's best known science writers, Globe and Mail reporter Stephen Strauss was a Donner Foundation Fellow at U of G and has reported on many Guelph research discoveries in the life sciences. Now he's learning about the strength of our programs in the humanities.

Reputation...Programs...Faculty...Facilities...Campus

Students tell us they come to the University of Guelph for many reasons, but five stand above the rest: our academic reputation, diverse programming, interactions with first-rate faculty, welcoming and beautiful campus and range of educational and residential opportunities. Some of our "firsts" for students include: having the largest percentage of budget dedicated to student services; establishing both the first Canadian Office of First-Year Studies and the largest "students-helping-students" program; linking students via Internet to a "virtual librarian"; and winning a top award from the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services for our supported learning groups, which help students through challenging courses. As a result, both the number of applications to Guelph and the number of students making us their first choice have increased dramatically over the past few years.

Our students 2001-02

• 13,000 undergraduate students in more than 90 majors in 11 degree programs

• 1,800 graduate students in 49 master's and 27 doctoral programs

• 99.8 per cent of students entering the University have averages greater than 75 per cent B the highest in Canada for a comprehensive university*

• 95-per-cent student retention rate

• 94 per cent of graduates are employed within six months of graduation; 98 per cent within two years of graduation

* Maclean's, 2001 Ranking of Universities, comprehensive category
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Demand for a Guelph Education

This chart indicates growth in first-choice secondary school applications between fall 1995 and fall 2001. Students cite U of G's quality faculty, community and campus as principal attractions.

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Campus Living Options Expand

The East Village, opened in September 2001, is an impressive 660-bed townhouse complex that third-year student Jason Trick describes as "phenomenal." Like all campus residences, East Village townhouses have telephone, voice mail and high-speed network hookups in every room, plus a town hall and courtyard. "The residence is nicely designed and extremely comfortable," says Trick. "The village is also a quantum leap for accessible living — there are eight barrier-free units — something that has greatly improved the U of G campus."
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"Guelph was the best for me"

Both Rice and Columbia universities in the United States came calling, but Susanne Egar, an exceptional student and a gifted athlete, set her sights on the University of Guelph. "I've known for a long time that U of G is a great school," says Egar, who maintained a 90+ average each year of high school and has placed in the top 10 in Canada in track and cross-country running four times. "For my program, biomedical sciences, Guelph's reputation is second to none." Egar, who won a prestigious U of G President's Scholarship when she entered the university in fall 2001, says she has no regrets about turning down Rice and Columbia. "I am totally at home here." In the future, she hopes to become a doctor of sports medicine and one day to help Canadian athletes compete internationally.
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New facilities boost athletics

Highly visible and always busy, U of G's new, $2 million sports dome covers two indoor soccer fields and a four-lane, 200-metre running track. More than 6,000 students will use the dome each year for intramural sports. It also provides indoor training space for varsity athletes and is open to the community for special events and coaching activities. The dome was financed by students following a referendum.
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Birthday wish creates scholarship

Increasing campus diversity is one of our priorities. In 2001, the University created the Lincoln Alexander Chancellor's Scholarships to help us achieve this goal. Named for our chancellor and launched on his 80th birthday, the scholarships are among the University's most prestigious awards. They will recognize scholars who are aboriginal, persons with a disability or members of a visible minority and who have made significant contributions to their schools and communities. Selected students will receive $20,000 over four years for their studies on campus.
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Programs at Guelph-Humber launched

Early in 2001, the University of Guelph announced a new and exciting opportunity in Toronto — the University of Guelph-Humber. An innovative option in the post-secondary sector, Guelph-Humber combines the liberal arts and science education of a University of Guelph honours degree with the applied knowledge of a Humber College diploma — all in four years. Programs in business, computing and media studies began in fall 2002 with 200 students enrolled. Programs in justice studies, family and community social services, gerontology and early childhood services will be offered in the future. By the fall 2002 admission cut-off date in May, over 1,400 students had applied to Guelph-Humber, a clear indication this timely initiative is responding to students' educational aspirations. Up to 3,000 students are expected to enrol in Guelph-Humber programs by 2008. See www.guelphhumber.ca.

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Students build our reputation

• Praseedha Janakiram won the 2002 Winegard Medal, U of G's top convocation award for undergraduates,upon completion of her degree in nutritional and nutraceuticals science. Also a President's Scholar, she received an international travel award to Australia and was a peer helper.

• Sarah Kramer, a third-year arts student and soprano, finished first at the Ontario Kiwanis Music Festival in Ottawa.
  

• Plant agriculture PhD student Justine Vanden Heuvel was the first Canadian to win an American Wine Society Educational Foundation Scholarship.
  

• Food science graduate students Vincent Sy and Min Seok Chae captured first place in the 2002 Project SOY, an annual context to develop new uses and markets for soybeans, The two invented a soy-based tropical fish feed.
  

• Tara Hedican, a second-year history student who is the reigning Junior World Champion in wrestling, won the 2002 Tom Longboat Award as Canada's top female aboriginal athlete of the year.
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