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Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan Survey

Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan Survey

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Updated - November 1, 2024

Dear Laurentian Community,

As part of Phase 2 of the development of Laurentian University's Academic and Strategic Research Plans, we are pleased to invite you to a community engagement session. This session provides an opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to share insights and contribute valuable feedback on the future direction of both plans. Your participation is vital in ensuring that we shape a strategic path forward that reflects the needs and aspirations of our university community.

Session #1
Forum Date: Wednesday, November 13th | 4PM – 6PM
Format: Virtual via Zoom. Please register using this Registration Link

Session #2
Forum Date: Monday, November 18th | 10 AM – 12PM
Format: In Person
Location: Alumni Hall

This forum will be led by Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President Research and Dr. Malcolm Campbell, Provost & Vice-President Academic, and will focus on key themes such as identifying future opportunities for academic and research growth, exploring how we can strengthen the alignment with Laurentian’s tricultural mandate and implementation success factors.

We encourage all members of the university community to take part and share their perspectives. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact pvpa@laurentian.ca.

October 1, 2024 - Welcome to Laurentian University’s Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan Survey!

Laurentian University is excited to embark on a journey to shape the future of our academic activity and research and innovation enterprise with the development of a new Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan. These plans will be closely aligned with the University's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan: Connection, Innovation, and Impact, ensuring that our priorities, goals, and strategies reflect our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact.

To support the development of the Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan, we have designed two surveys, one for our Laurentian community and another for external participants. Feedback from these surveys will help shape the future of Laurentian as we strive to achieve excellence in both academic and research endeavors.

What is the purpose of the Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan? Laurentian’s Academic Plan will define our educational goals, curricula development, and teaching strategies to enhance learning outcomes and academic excellence. Laurentian’s Strategic Research Plan will define our research priorities, goals, and strategies, with a focus on fostering innovation, collaboration, and impactful research activities.

Revisit Laurentian’s past Academic and Strategic Research Plans:


What is the purpose of the Academic Plan Survey and the Strategic Research Plan Survey? The development of the Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan rely on active input and feedback from the Laurentian community and external interest holders. Your insights are crucial in shaping the future of our research efforts and academic efforts.

We are committed to positioning Laurentian as a leading academic and research institution in Northern Ontario, where the success of our learners, researchers, communities, employers, and industry partners is a shared priority. To achieve this, we need your ideas and perspectives. This survey is a vital part of our collaborative effort to gather diverse viewpoints that will influence the direction of our academic and research initiatives.

Please note that StrategyCorp, the independent consulting firm assisting the University with the development of the Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan, will collect the survey responses. All results will be anonymized to protect your identity and encourage open feedback.

This survey will remain open until November 22, 2024.

How else can you get involved? We invite you to share your thoughts, and if you have any additional feedback or questions, please reach out to us at EngageWithLU@strategycorp.com.

Ready to help shape the future of Laurentian University?

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Appointment of Nicholas Dion as Associate Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives

Appointment of Nicholas Dion as Associate Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives

September 6, 2024 - I am pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas Dion as Laurentian University’s Associate Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives. A seasoned leader with extensive experience in university leadership, Nicholas brings a deep understanding of the postsecondary education landscape.

In his new role beginning on October 15, 2024, Nicholas will report directly to the President & Vice-Chancellor and will have a leadership role in the implementation of Laurentian University's Strategic Plan. As AVP, he will work collaboratively with leaders and units across the institution to coordinate and manage complex projects of strategic importance to the University. Nicholas will also oversee multiple departments, including the Office of the President, Marketing, Communications, and Digital Strategy. 

Nicholas joins us from Brock University, where he currently serves as Executive Director and Senior Advisor, Office of the Provost (2022-2024) and as Chief of Staff to the President (2019-2022). Prior to this, he held the role of Senior Projects Officer, Office of the Vice-President & Provost at the University of Toronto, as well as multiple roles focused on post-secondary policy research at the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). 

He obtained his PhD from the University of Toronto and both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from McGill University. Originally from Montreal, Nicholas is fluently bilingual in French and English and holds the University's commitment to the tricultural mandate in high regard. 

We are confident that Nicholas Dion will be a tremendous asset to our team, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on Laurentian University.

Dr. Lynn Wells
President & Vice-Chancellor
Laurentian University

Laurentian University Launches Strategic Plan Development Process

Laurentian University Launches Strategic Plan Development Process

Community members invited to participate

July 14, 2023 – Laurentian University is seeking community input to inform its new strategic plan that will help shape the future of the university and education in Northern Ontario for the next five years and beyond.

The strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for Laurentian University's future growth, development, and impact on the local, national and international stage. It will identify key priorities and initiatives that will guide the institution's actions in the coming years.

"Engaging the many communities that form our University community is integral to the success of our strategic plan. As a bilingual and tricultural institution, we benefit from diverse perspectives,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University. “By actively involving all stakeholders in shaping our future, we will ensure that our strategic priorities align with the needs and aspirations of our community.”

Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Laurentian University is committed to engaging with its diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, Indigenous partners, community members, industry partners, and other key stakeholders. This community engagement process aims to gather valuable insights, perspectives, and feedback to shape the future of Laurentian University.

Over the next several months, there will be numerous ways for community members to participate in the development of the strategic plan. The University will be sharing more details on these opportunities in the coming weeks.

Laurentian University will share the finalized Strategic Plan in early 2024. 

Questions about the strategic planning and public engagement process, as well as comments and suggestions can be sent to the strategic planning project team at strategicplanning@laurentian.ca or LU-StrategicPlanning@strategycorp.com.

Laurentian University selects StrategyCorp as Strategic Plan Consultant

Laurentian University selects StrategyCorp as Strategic Plan Consultant

Canadian firm engaged to support planning process

(May 4, 2023) - The upcoming strategic planning process at Laurentian University will benefit from an experienced Canadian partner as the University has selected StrategyCorp to assist in the process.

This critical planning process will set a foundation for the University’s future and is the result of a public request for proposals which took place in January and February of 2023. The Strategic Plan will be formed as a result of extensive consultations with groups internal and external to Laurentian University, with a particular focus on strengthening the bilingual and tricultural aspects of the institution.

“This strategic planning process will set a critical foundation for the University’s future. The process will be led by the University, the ideas will come from our community, and we’ll benefit from a partner with vast experience,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

After having recently selected Deloitte as the University’s Transformational Consultant, Laurentian University is poised to continue to renew and evolve in line with the needs of Northern Ontario communities.

The assistance of an external advisor in the strategic planning process is a requirement of the court-approved Amended Plan of Compromise and Arrangement. The Strategic Plan will also consider recommendations provided by Ontario’s Auditor General, the NOUS reports, and the French Language Services Commissioner.

The work to develop the Strategic Plan will begin immediately and is slated to be completed by December 2023. There will be many opportunities for engagement and more information on how to participate will be forthcoming.

 

About StrategyCorp

StrategyCorp is a leading consulting firm specializing in strategic advisory services – government relations, strategic communications, and management consulting – to organizations operating in complex, highly regulated and scrutinised environments. Founded in 1995, and serving clients nationally, StrategyCorp has been involved in some of Canada’s most critical business issues and charged public policy matters, working with clients to create the conditions for their success.

Dr. Linda Ambrose to Lead Development of Laurentian’s Next Strategic Plan

Dr. Linda Ambrose to Lead Development of Laurentian’s Next Strategic Plan

Ambrose to assume role of Special Advisor to the President

Laurentian University is proud to announce that Dr. Linda Ambrose will assume the role of Special Advisor to the President beginning January 1, 2017 until March 31, 2018. 
In this role, Dr. Ambrose will support the work of a representative steering committee which is expected to be appointed by February 2017 to develop the University’s next strategic plan. Her guidance will ensure the scope, principles and process approved by the Board of Governors and endorsed by Senate are implemented.

“We are delighted to have Dr. Ambrose lead this very important initiative for Laurentian,” said Dominic Giroux.  “She is well known and highly respected within our university community and brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding about Laurentian University. Some institutions use external consultants to lead their strategic planning exercises but it was important to us to leverage internal talent within the academy, as we did in 2011,  to lead this collegial process,” added Giroux.
 

Dr. Linda Ambrose

A Full Professor in the Department of History, Dr. Ambrose is a former recipient of the Laurentian University Teaching Excellence Award as well as the Laurentian University Status of Women Achievement Award. She is very committed to la Francophonie and engaged in promoting Indigenous perspectives, has pan-university experience from her active work at Senate and at the annual Ontario Universities’ Fair (to name just two examples), has served in administration as Acting Dean of the Faculties of Social Sciences and Humanities, and is active on social media.

Dr. Ambrose is very familiar with the University having been at Laurentian for 22 years and being the co-author of Laurentian University: A History (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2010). She has received awards for her scholarly publications from the Ontario Historical Society. Her current research interests include rural women’s history and the gender history of Canadian Pentecostalism. Her recent books include A Great Rural Sisterhood: Madge Robertson Watt and the Associated Country Women of the World (University of Toronto Press, 2015) and a co-edited collection, Women in Agriculture: Professionalizing Rural Life in North America and Europe, 1880-1965 (University of Iowa Press, in press).

“Leading the strategic planning process for Laurentian will certainly be an exciting challenge,” said Dr. Ambrose. “I look forward to working with students, colleagues, governors, alumni and community partners who will help shape and inform our new strategic plan.”

Laurentian is in the last year of its 2012-2017 Strategic Plan which was endorsed in a Globe and Mail editorial in October 2012 as “an excellent strategy”. Bold, ambitious, driven and concise, the 2012-2017 Strategic Plan was developed through extensive consultation featuring over 900 inputs.

Laurentian appoints Craig Fowler as Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development

Laurentian appoints Craig Fowler as Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development

Fowler will be responsible for developing new large-scale research collaborations to advance the University’s objectives

MARCH 3, 2016 – Laurentian University is proud to announce that Craig Fowler will assume the role of Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development at Laurentian University.


Mr. Fowler will be responsible for developing new large-scale research collaborations to advance the University’s objectives and foster innovation and economic development in the communities we serve. In its Strategic Plan, Laurentian University has set a goal of increasing total annual funded research from $21.9M in 2010 to $30M by 2017.

 

“We are thrilled by the experience and vision that Craig brings to this portfolio,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University.  “Craig’s expertise in bringing together major funding partners in large-scale collaborations, as well as his intimate knowledge of Laurentian, will serve us well in our own research objectives.”

 

Fowler served as Associate Vice-President, Administration and External Relations at Laurentian University since August 2012. Prior to joining Laurentian, Mr. Fowler served in a number of senior roles at the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, including as Director of Scientific and Research Collaborations and as Director of the Research Branch. He led the development of the Ontario Innovation Agenda, and also worked with the Ontario Research and Innovation Council which guided the development of the province’s Research and Innovation support programs. Mr. Fowler directed over $1.5 billion in research and innovation programming, and led Ontario’s international research and innovation outreach activities through several multi-million dollar agreements with China, India, Israel, Catalonia, Illinois and California. He subsequently led the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services for the Ontario Ministry of Finance, and served as Director of Risk Management at the Pan/Parapan American Games Secretariat.

 

Mr. Fowler completed his undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and his master’s degree in Economic Development at the University of Waterloo. He began his career in economic development with the town of Richmond Hill.

 

“Laurentian has ambitious goals for its research portfolio and I am excited to bring my experience in supporting research and innovation to this new role,” said Mr. Fowler. 

 

Laurentian President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux announced this appointment at a luncheon of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce which was featuring Paul Davidson, President and CEO of Universities Canada, as guest speaker. During his talk, Davidson highlighted how today’s businesses must be nimble, responsive and visionary in the face of emerging challenges. Partnering with universities helps companies and communities gain this competitive advantage. He spoke about universities' role in providing the skills, new knowledge and innovation Canada needs to compete, open up new markets and get fresh ideas to market faster. He illustrated how higher education is building prosperity through research, innovation and experiential learning, and how the potential of universities can be harnessed to make Canada's businesses, communities and regions stronger.

 

“Craig Fowler’s appointment in this new role of Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development at Laurentian aligns directly with the vision articulated today by Mr. Davidson at the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce. It also echoes the perspectives offered earlier this week by Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary with Canada’s new Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, as he helped launch Laurentian’s 2016 Research Week,” explained Dominic Giroux.

 

Karen Hourtovenko, Chair of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the announcement. “One of the three goals in the Chamber’s 2015-2017 Strategic Plan is to create strong change agents. We want to nurture community champions and foster positive actions for community prosperity. The Chamber is delighted to see Laurentian University once again step up its efforts to enhance partnerships, innovation and economic development, and we look forward to working with Mr. Fowler in his new role”.

 

To view Laurentian University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Research Plan, click the link below

Strategic Research Plan.

Laurentian University awards campus modernization contract

Laurentian University awards campus modernization contract

University Board of Governors approves $34M tender for Phase 2 of renewal

October 24, 2014 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors has unanimously approved the tender for the historic Campus Modernization project, awarding the contract to Cy Rheault Construction. 

 

The modernization project represents a major renewal for Laurentian’s Sudbury campus. The project will entail new construction as well as upgrades and renovations to nine campus buildings over the next two years, with scheduled completion by December 2016.

 

Major work to be carried out under the Campus Modernization program includes:

  • Renewal of the Alphonse Raymond building
  • Improvements to more than 20 classrooms and 10 teaching labs
  • Construction of a “front-door” Welcome Centre
  • Re-design creating centralized ”One Stop” Student Services
  • Construction of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre
  • Construction of University Club (Fraser Building)
  • Creation of the Executive Learning Centre (Fraser Building)

 

The contract for the Campus Modernization project is valued at $34M.  Timmins-based Cy Rheault Construction has previously carried out work on the first phase of the Laurentian University School of Architecture (2013) and renovations to Single Student Residence (2014).

 

The preliminary phase of Campus Modernization was carried out earlier this year by Sudbury-based Prosperi Construction Company Ltd. with renovations to the Science Building, which included construction of the new DNA lab, as well as renovations to the School of Education. 

 

Work will begin immediately on the renewal of the Alphonse Raymond building, which has been closed since September.  The building, which houses the University’s École des sciences de l’éducation, will be given a new entrance as well as new classrooms and offices.  The building will also be made fully accessible. The Alphonse Raymond work is expected to be complete in the summer of 2015.

 

"We’re going to see construction trailers and fencing on campus for the next couple of years, but by managing the project in stages we’ll be able to work through it," said Brad Parkes, Executive Director of Facility Services. "The work schedule will allow us to maintain our critical mass of classrooms and offices while parts of campus are under renovation."

 

"We are looking ahead to the next fifty years, and we are excited about the scope and the vision of this transformative program," said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  "We are confident the planned projects will serve to enhance the student experience at Laurentian, while achieving several of the targeted outcomes in our Strategic Plan."

 

"All of the projects under Campus Modernization go toward making our facilities better for students, faculty and staff," said Vice-President, Administration, Carol McAulay. "With the classroom  improvements, for example, we will be re-designing some of the old lecture-theatre rooms to create more ‘flat-floor’ classrooms.  This will give us more flexibility to accommodate diverse modes of teaching and learning."

 

The Campus Modernization program will also create new social spaces and gathering hubs for members of the university community across campus.  For more information on the project, please visit https://laurentian.ca/campus-modernization.

Laurentian unveils new look of great hall, dining options

Laurentian unveils new look of great hall, dining options

Marche-style restaurant experience at “focal point” of campus

August 27, 2014 – A sweeping re-design of Laurentian University’s iconic Great Hall has transformed the old cafeteria space into a contemporary, “Marché-style” dining venue under the name Fresh Food Company. 

 

“The Great Hall has always been a focal point of campus life.  This is the centrepiece of our expansion of food and beverage service, and it represents a signal moment for the university,” said Laurentian Vice-President, Administration Carol McAulay today at the Grand Opening.  “Over the past few years, we’ve consulted widely with the university community about dining and other amenities on campus, and we’ve enhanced those options accordingly.”

 

Described as a “restaurant-style experience” in the heart of Laurentian’s Sudbury campus, the Fresh Food Company dining space will offer healthy meals, prepared fresh at 12 separate ‘cooking stations,’ including the Deli, the Mongolian Grill, and the Dessert/Waffle Bar.  The Fresh Food Company will offer more local produce and locally-sourced food products, as well as daily specials and vegetarian options. It will be operated by Laurentian University’s food and beverage provider, Aramark Food Services.

 “We know from our research that students want fresh, made-to-order meals, served in a comfortable environment where they can hang out with their friends,” said Brian Struthers, Regional Vice President for Aramark. “The new Fresh Food Company delivers this enhanced, restaurant-like atmosphere, and we believe it will become a great campus hub for both food and social interaction.”

Marché-style dining will allow unlimited choices at set rates for each meal period.  Meal plan payment options will be provided for students in designated residences, with other meal plans available to staff and faculty.

Laurentian University has expanded food and beverage services on campus in the past 2 years, with the addition of a Starbucks location, the Bistro in East Residence, a Subway sandwich shop and, most recently, a Topper’s Pizza outlet. 

 

“Our vision was to create a range of dining options in our various campus neighbourhoods,” said Laurentian’s Director, Housing and Food Services, Ben Demianiuk.  “This is an expansion of menu options, but it’s also about enhancing the social amenities of campus life by adding new, welcoming spaces where people can gather, study or socialize,” he said. 

 

Laurentian has embarked on an ambitious $50 million dollar modernization and renewal program entailing upgrades to classrooms, labs, study and social spaces over the next three years.  The modernization program is outlined in the University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan.

Laurentian balances budget for fourth consecutive year

Laurentian balances budget for fourth consecutive year

Budget targets Strategic Plan, Graduate Expansion, Research and Barrie Campus

JUNE 20, 2014 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors today approved a 2014-2015 operating budget of $141.2M, marking the fourth consecutive year the University has achieved a balanced budget. The Board’s unanimous approval followed a series of sixteen consultation sessions with more than 160 people from across the Laurentian community in Sudbury and Barrie. 

“As we enter the third year of our Strategic Plan, we continue to make investments to shape the future of Laurentian University,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “Despite increasing funding pressures, Laurentian has sustained investments to support the University’s aspirations. We thank those who took part in the consultation process for their contributions in helping us to achieve this goal.” 

The new Faculty of Graduate Studies is part of an ambitious graduate expansion implementation plan requested by the University’s Board of Governors to meet regional needs, nearly doubling domestic graduate enrolment between 2011 and 2018. This will include an increase in Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA). Fall 2014 master’s program applications have increased by 71%. 

Upcoming faculty appointments will include new research chairs in Cancer, Occupational Health and Safety, Sustainable Northern Development, Indigenous Relations and Governance, and Histoire franco-ontarienne. 


Other budget highlights include: 

  • Budget increase of $4.3M or 3.1% over 2013; 
  • $41.9M to support strategic plan outcomes from 2012-2020; 
  • School of Architecture Phase II on track, on budget; 
  • $44.6M to modernize the Sudbury campus including a University Club, an Executive Learning Centre and an Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (partially supported by donations from Glencore and RBC); 
  • $25M commitment, up from $14M, to open a new satellite campus in Barrie; 
  • Great Hall on Sudbury campus under renovation and scheduled to re-open in September 2014 as Fresh Food Company; 
  • Completion of the rehabilitation of the Single Student Residence on the Sudbury campus; 
  • $3.3M in additional investments to support research through 2020; 
  • Stable faculty and staff complement; 
  • New Faculty of Health, new Faculty of Education, new Faculty of Graduate Studies, new School of Environment; 
  • New master’s programs in Indigenous Relations and Sciences infirmières;
  • $536K increase to support growth in the award-winning Bharti School of Engineering. 


“Our focus has always been to deliver an outstanding student experience,” said Carol McAulay, Vice President, Administration at Laurentian. “This budget backs that commitment and keeps us on track to deliver the 40 outcomes outlined in our Strategic Plan.” 


2013-14 Accomplishments include: 

  • School of Architecture welcomed first class of 68 students in September 2013; 
  • Centre for Academic Excellence well-established and supporting both pedagogy and student success; 
  • One-stop student service model developed and implemented. Centralized physical space will be reflected in Campus modernization capital plan; 
  • New food service outlets introduced (East Bistro, Starbucks, Subway); 
  • Re-introduction of men’s varsity hockey and introduction of women’s; 
  • New website launched: www.laurentian.ca ; 
  • Faculty of Management on its way to secure two prestigious international accreditations; 
  • Average entry grade reached 81%; 
  • Sudbury Campus is 100% wireless; 
  • Certificate of Bilingualism awarded growing number of students; 
  • Nine new Indigenous faculty members; 
  • 1% of payroll allocated to departments for staff training. 

Laurentian Employees Drive University’s Goal for Organizational Excellence

Laurentian Employees Drive University’s Goal for Organizational Excellence

Latest Employee Engagement Survey Reflects Positive Momentum

August 28, 2013–Laurentian’s strategic plan aspiration for organizational excellence is showing measurable progress in the latest employee engagement survey.  The results of the bi-annual survey measuring 20 drivers of employee engagement were released to faculty and staff this week, with progress reported in all 20 areas.

 

In 2011, Laurentian launched the first Have Your Say employee engagement survey as a means of starting a discussion with employees throughout the university community.  It drew responses from 535 members of the Laurentian community, while the the 2013 Have Your Say survey elicited responses from 602 employees.

 

“The Have Your Say survey is about listening to our faculty and staff, finding out what they think is working and what they believe needs improvement,” said acting President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Kerr.  “We’ll never be the organization we aspire to be without listening to our people.”

 

Dr. Kerr said the survey represents a “feedback point” as part of an on-going campus discussion about organizational excellence.  “It’s a conversation about what it means to be a great organization, and frank discussion about what needs to be done.  Certainly, this isn’t a process that happens in the span of a couple of years.  But we’re committed to the objective, and the survey shows that some of the things we’re focusing on are making a difference to our employees.”

 

Stemming from the 2011 survey results, a number of specific actions were identified and were incorporated into the University’s 5-year strategic plan.  These include investments of;

  • more than $1.4M to establish the Centre for Academic Excellence,
  • more than $1.8M to enhance training and development opportunities for employees,
  • more than $2M in food services upgrades,
  • more than $44M to improve campus facilities.

 

Dr. Kerr says the University will continue to seek and act upon feedback from the Laurentian community, discussing various initiatives and directions as part of the ongoing process of employee engagement.

  

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University is one of the fastest growing universities in Canada in the past decade, now serving close to 10,000 students. With its main campus in Sudbury, it now offers a growing number of programs in Barrie to the 1,200 students located on that campus. Laurentian has the highest post-graduation employment rates in Ontario after 6 months at 92% and 95% after two years. The University receives high recognition for its enviable class sizes, having one of the lowest average class sizes in Canada.