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Canada Doesn't

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by Simon Rogers (The Ubyssey) (CUP)

Charges that Canadian universities are mediocre in the quality of education they offer are unfounded, say representa- tives from three British Columbia universi- ties.

“For a country of our size and relative age, the quality of oursystem and some of our programs are absolutely first rate,’’ said John Stubbs, president of Simon Fraser University.

Stubbs was responding to accusations made by Peter Godsoe, chairperson and chief executive officer of the Bank of Nova Scotia, that a lack of funding for programs and lax entrance requirements has made Canadian universities mediocre in compari- son to their US and international counter- parts.

Godsoe compared Canadian public universities to privately-funded giants like Harvard and Oxford, warning that if schools in Canada fail to create ‘‘centres of excellence,’’ Canada will lose its brightest lights to these renowned Ivy League schools.

Stephen Crombie, the manager of media relations for the University of British Columbia disagrees with Godsoe’s

assessment of Canadian schools. ‘‘UBC has very high entrance standards, attracting students with high marks from within Canada and [around] the world. It does not follow that the level of education we provide is mediocre.’’

“‘Where we differ with some of our American counterparts such as Harvard or Stanford is in the graduate field,’’ said George Pederson, newly appointed presi- dent of the Royal Roads University.

Canadian Alliance of Student Asso- ciations (CASA) chairperson Alex Usher was taken aback by the criticism. ‘“‘It isa bit farfetched to assume schools in as young a country as Canada can be expected

Harvard

to excel in both undergraduate and gradu- ate educational programs. A very definite trade-off has to be made.”’

Nonetheless, Canadian graduate schools attract a large number of interna-

tional students, many coming from the US.

Graduate students in research fields at UBC do 60 per cent of all the research conducted in British Columbia.

“‘If you look at the standard of graduate-level education as it is spread thinly across Canada, as a whole, you are bound to find it somewhat deficient in comparison to some of the strong grad programs offered in certain American schools,’’ Crombie said.

‘Many institutions in Canada, however, offer excellent graduate pro- grams.”’

Andrew McElheran, BC director of CASA, says Canadian universities have a right to pride themselves on their accessi- bility as well as excellence. ‘‘To this end, we have been successful. The consequent benefits of having a financially accessible system are marked.’’

America’s tradition of boasting prestigious and privately-funded institu- tions stands in contrast to Canada where universities are publicly funded and have more moderate tuition fees, according to UBC student councillor David Borins.

“‘T hope that Canada will continue to reject the kind of elitism presented by the American Ivy League schools,’’ Borins said.

‘‘Canadian universities provide an excellent education and an undergraduate program that educates people as critical thinkers. I have studied in Canada and in England. Canada’s universities have a good reputation and command respect interna- tionally and from people in the working world.’’

HEL Tines by RICHARD LAYTON |

STUDENT

BUY4 AND RECEIVE 2

WHEN

PARC

(Press Release)

Starting October 29, full-time students will be able to ride the rails at incredible savings. VIA Rail has just announced a new 40% student discount on all economy seat bookings to anywhere in Canada at any time of the year.

VIA has also made it easier for students to secure bookings at the 40% off tate. There are no booking restrictions, no advance purchase requirements, and no blackout periods. Students simply need an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) to prove they are eligible for the discount.

The ISIC is a student identity and discount card administered in Canada by the Canadian Federation of Students- Services and Travel CUTS/Voyages

Sant

TRAVEL PACKS

TICKETS-FREE-YOU'RE SAVING 33%t!

STUDENT DISCOUNTS

PURCHASE A RETURN TICKET RECEIVE 10% OFF

EXPRESS

WE OFFER CUSTOMERS SAME-DAY SCHEDULED SERVICES!

For information on the above: SPECIAL S664 A OR URE +800-56/515] S{ULENTS ry

VIA Rail Announces N ew 40% Student Discount

November 7

Campus. It is internationally recognized as proof of full-time status, and effective January 5, it will be the one and only student identification honoured by VIA Rail.

In addition to VIA Rail savings, students can use their ISIC to save money on accommodation, admissions to muse- ums and cultural attractions, and a whole host of other valuable products and serv- ices across Canada and around the world.

The Canada Student Travel Discount Guide, distributed free with the ISIC, contains information on how and where to use an ISIC in Canada. The 1996 edition of the guide is scheduled to come out in January. Students travelling abroad can also pick up a free copy of the JSIC World Travel Handbook, the guide to ISIC discounts and special services in 93 countries.

All full-time students 12 years old and over who attend a secondary or post- secondary institution are eligible for the card. The cost is $15.00; full members of the Canadian Federation of Students receive the card for free. ISICs are avail- able at all Travel CUTS/Voyages Campus offices, select VIA Rail stations, and most student association offices across Canada.

For more information contact Jo- Anna Murphy Ward, ISIC Administrator, CFS-Services/Travel CUTS: tel: 416-977- 5228