Comment: The Maclean's survey

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The MacleanÕs survey matters. While 22 universities across Canada decided the methodology used in the MacleanÕs Magazine Universities Survey is flawed, to the point where we could no longer take part in the process, it remains a valuable resource that reveals a number of interesting points.

Much publicity has surrounded the decision by Dalhousie and others to withdraw from the survey. We have stated our concerns. As research institutions we take the proper use of data seriously and to participate in the MacleanÕs survey, without changes to the methodology would be hypocritical. In essence, the main concern is with MacleanÕs decision to assemble their data into Òleague tables” based on the arbitrary assignment of weights to variables. The issue is not the data itself, which is often provided by the universities themselves, although MacleanÕs does rely on reputation survey data with low response rates and skewed profiles of respondents.  By pulling together different kinds of data, out of context MacleanÕs magazine ends up comparing apples and oranges.

The value of transparency

But what must not be lost in the controversy is the value to the community of open and transparent access to information about post secondary education. MacleanÕs has provided valuable editorial coverage of the post-secondary sector for years, and has undoubtedly helped some prospective students make their decisions. One can look at the MacleanÕs survey results and find some interesting results. Even within the flawed Òleague tables” Dalhousie more than holds its own. Given that so many categories in the survey are linked directly to hard dollars spent, that a mid-sized institution like Dalhousie places where it does is a testament to our strength.

Dalhousie is grouped, appropriately, in the ÒMedical Doctoral” category, along-side the countryÕs largest and richest universities.  As number 26 in size, we are clearly Òpunching above our weight class.” Dalhousie is committed to openness and accountability. We are working to ensure all relevant information about the university is available to anyone who cares to look. We have a dedicated web site that shares information, warts and all - ÒAbout Dalhousie” at http://www.dal.ca/About%20Dalhousie/.

Opening up the process

The MacleanÕs survey matters because any opportunity to share information with prospective students, their parents and the broader public about what universities are all about is enormously valuable. It matters because it helps shine a light on a process that can sometimes be mysterious and confusing. We remain committed to sharing information and with a little work the MacleanÕs survey can be one more place where all can go to find useful data that opens the process wide and makes the difficult choice of where to attend university that much clearer.

Charles Crosby is Dalhousie's Media Relations Manager