The University of Regina placed sixth among 11 comprehensive universities in the annual Maclean's Magazine rankings, while improving its standing in nine indicators that contribute to the overall ranking released today.

Barbara Pollock, vice-president External Relations, said while the U of R is pleased with the result, the Maclean's report does not fully reflect the excellence of the University's program.

"It's always good to rank well in comparison to 10 other fine universities," Pollock said. "But while Maclean's provides valuable information, it's not the only source of information - nor does it reflect the unique strengths of the institution."

For example, Pollock noted that a total of $43 million in research money has flowed through the U of R in the past two years, and that growth in the research program continues to exceed the national average. 

Meanwhile, new programs such as those in police studies and the recently-formed Graduate School of Public Policy are expanding the University's offerings to students, while responding to community needs in such areas as public administration and security.

"These are among the reasons that 90 per cent of U of R students surveyed for the 2005 Canadian Undergraduate Student Consortium were satisfied with their decision to attend the U of R," said Pollock. "As well, our own alumni research shows that 96 per cent of our graduates are proud to say they're U of R grads, and 94 per cent would recommend the U of R to family members and friends."

The University improved its ranking in nine of the 23 indicators Maclean's uses to calculate the overall placement: fourth for average entrance grade of students (fifth in 2004); eighth (ninth) for the proportion of students graduating within one year of the usual completion time for their program; second (third) for the size of first- and second-year classes; 10^th (11^th) for the number of national awards per full-time faculty member; fourth (fifth) for the level of scholarships and bursaries as a percentage of budget; fourth (fifth) for the number of library holdings per student; first (second) for the amount spent on library acquisitions as a percentage of budget; eighth (ninth) for library expenditures as a percentage of budget; and ninth (10^th) for its reputational score.

Reputation - which is weighted at 18 per cent of the final score - is the biggest factor in the Maclean's rankings, and is compiled from regional and national sources.

"We will improve future scores by continuing to do what we do well," said Pollock. This includes excellence in teaching, research and service to our community."