The University of Lethbridge continues to make students its top priority and is continually expanding its national research imprint, as reflected in the annual Maclean’s University Rankings report.

The U of L maintained its top-five ranking in the Primarily Undergraduate category, a position it has held in each of the past six years, ranking fourth overall in a group of 19 universities from across the country. Of the 14 individual ranking markers, the University maintained or improved in 10 classifications, including a first-place ranking in the percentage of the total operating budget devoted to student services.

“This is the second consecutive year where we have topped that classification and it speaks to the focus the University puts on its students, their experience and their success,” says U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. “We strive to give our students a supportive, inclusive, challenging atmosphere that will help them achieve their academic potential and prepare them to be leaders in their communities when they graduate.”

Mahon adds that while rankings should not be used to define a university, they can offer a snapshot over time of certain strengths and weaknesses.

“I think if you look back over the past five or six years, we’re pleased to be among the top three or four schools in our classification for a sustained period of time,” he says. “That tells me that we are consistently amongst the country’s leaders in meeting the needs of our students, pushing the envelope in terms of research and innovation and creating an atmosphere that celebrates inquiry and academic success.”

The U of L was ranked fourth in terms of reputation once again, and also graded well in terms of research intensity, placing second in its class in medical/science grants, moving up three spots to ninth in social sciences and humanities grants and remaining fourth in total research dollars.

“As the Destination Project nears completion, and we prepare to open the new Science and Academic Building in 2019, the momentum our faculty have generated with their world-class research programs will only increase,” says Mahon. “Their dedication to discovery and commitment to engaging our students, both undergraduate and graduate, in research is remarkable.”

Despite record enrollment and another strong finish in the Maclean’s rankings list, Mahon says the U of L remains committed to enhancing the student experience.

“Independent of any external ranking mechanism, we are always seeking to improve how we can deliver a quality education to our students,” he says.

The complete Maclean’s University Rankings report was sent to digital subscribers on Thursday, Oct. 12, with newsstand and tablet versions available Wednesday, Oct. 18.