Students say Brock really rocks

By: Courtney Kaminski

Posted: 10/19/04

Once again, Brock University has received all-star grades in the third annual Globe and Mail University Report Card. The Globe's survey features ratings from the students who have first hand experience with their own school's performance.

This year, The Globe and Mail polled 27,811 students, asking them their opinion on more than 100 questions. Students were required to give a number grade from zero to five that was then translated to a letter rating ranging from A+ to D. This system was different from previous years when a ranking system was used.

For the survey, universities were also categorized as small, medium and large. Brock fell into the medium category of between 12,500-25,000 students.

Brock's overall score for student services was A-. Brock scored its highest marks in physical fitness, sports and recreational facilities, availability of up-to-date computer equipment on campus, personal safety/security, and faculty members' knowledge of subjects with all A-pluses. Brock's lowest grade was D in parking services.

"I am delighted that our students have recognized the excellence of our faculty, our facilities and our student services," said Brock University President David Atkinson in a recent press release and he added that "students, after all, are the primary users of the system and their opinion is very important to us. This is a real vote of confidence for the University and positively reflects Brock's growing reputation."

Essentially, what the survey says is that Brock students really like their school. However, the validity of the survey can be questioned.

Professor Jennifer Good, who teaches the research methods course here at Brock, evaluated the methods the Globe and Mail used for their survey.

"The survey, in terms of usefulness, provides an overview of universities in Canada," said Good. "It's helpful because you can go to the [Globe and Mail] website and it gives a whole bunch of categories of evaluation. The categories relate to student and parent interests."

Good added that the way the survey divides schools by size is also helpful.

"It educates on what exactly small, medium and large mean, and gives a larger picture on where the students stand on their own university," she said.

However, Good's biggest criticism of the survey's methods was related to the use of the students on the studentsawards.com database to complete the survey. She said that when she discussed the survey with her research methods class, a group of about 100, only 20 had actually been to the site. Of the 20 that had been to the website, only three had actually participated in the survey.

"What are the implications of using studentawards.com? One thing we know for sure is that a whole lot more students are on the website than the number of students that responded," said Good. "With a low response rate, you have to ask, are the responders different from the non-responders? And also, what makes them different? Why do three respond and 17 not? The choice to participate usually indicates strong feelings either positive or negative," she said.

Good also discussed that in statistics, there are certain factors that can be taken into account to ensure that your results are as accurate as possible.

"You have to be able to conclude that the difference between two universities is statistically different, which means that the difference is due to something other than chance. With a bunch of A-minuses and B-pluses, are we really looking at what is important?" she said.

Good pointed out that another aspect that wasn't dealt with was the role expectations played in student responses. The methods for the survey were clearly outlined on the Globe and Mail website. However, none of these issues were addressed.

On Oct. 17, Brock had its annual Open House for potential applicants. Melissa Coleman, Senior Liaison Officer and Event Co-ordinator, said that this year's open house was an absolute success, with approximately 2,100 prospective students attending. Press coverage, like the Globe and Mail survey, are excellent tools for recruiting students, she said.

"[The survey] is definitely something we would use. It was a great selling point last year when Brock also did quite well on the University Report card," said Coleman. "It benefited us to be able to say that the students have given us these marks. It's wonderful."

"Especially with this survey, where the students give the marks, it's wonderful to say our students think we're number one, and are pleased and happy, because that's our primary concern," she added.

Although, the Globe and Mail's survey may not be scientifically sound, it offers a good marketing tool for universities who fare well in it, because it compiles student opinions.

"The survey's real value is in getting people talking about what's important to them in a university," said Good. "Students shouldn't rely on these statistics and ratings as fact for making a decision. The categories are a catalyst for discussion of priorities for both students and parents."