In 2021, the University of the Fraser Valley was home to about 14,500 students, 2,100 of whom are international, coming from 51 different countries. Recently, UFV was recognized for their continual dedication and received a high rating of four stars out of five for being a top international university by Quacquarelli Symonds Limited (QS).
According to the associate vice president, International, David McGuire, “Quacquarelli Symonds Limited (QS) [is] the global higher education research company that conducts QS Stars audits.” He adds that it is “one of the most respected university rankings systems in the world.”
McGuire explained that the way the ratings are determined are based on an assessment that covers eight different categories. Each category can be rated from one to five stars, and there is a general rating of the school that follows the same system. In essence, two ratings altogether.
This is not the first time that UFV has received such recognition for their dedication to education. McGuire said that “UFV’s first QS Stars audit began in mid-2017, with the results announced in late 2018. At that time, UFV received an overall rating of four stars, with a full five-star rating in two areas: Teaching and Employability.”
McGuire stated that “the QS Stars latest audit began in July 2021, with the results announced just four months later in Nov. 2021. The 2021 audit saw UFV maintain its overall rating of four stars. Not only did the university maintain its five stars in Teaching and Employability, UFV also improved ratings to five stars in the areas of Internationalization, Inclusion, and Online Learning.”
“UFV International strives to attract students from diverse backgrounds and support each person throughout their educational journey as part of our institutional mission to engage learners, transform lives, and build communities,” said McGuire.
He added that “using the QS platform, we have seen success in these areas. International students coming to Canada are not just looking at other institutions in Canada. They may be considering programs in a few different countries.”
McGuire further explained that by using the “QS Stars, those students can look at areas of institutional expertise and choose a university that aligns well with their educational goals. This can lead to more engaged students. Here at UFV, we’re seeing improved academic success and improved student retention among a more diverse student population.”
When asked what UFV plans to do to maintain this high standard as a top international school, McGuire said that “the QS Stars process has reminded UFV of the importance of data in measuring our success as well as the importance of having ambitious, yet achievable, goals.” He concluded by stating, “while we don’t see these exercises as dictating how we educate at UFV, if there are areas where we can improve our ratings and those improvements align with our institutional goals as set out in the Integrated Strategic Plan, we will work to implement relevant changes.”
Image: Laura Ayres / The Cascade
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
