With top rankings across many student satisfaction and mental health categories, Brock University has once again shown why it’s the school of choice for anyone looking for an outstanding and supportive post-secondary experience.

For the fourth-straight year, Brock has earned the No. 1 ranking among all comprehensive universities in Canada for mental health supports while making improvements in other important areas in the 2022 Maclean’s University Rankings released Thursday, Oct. 7.

Brock continues to be a leader for student services, ranking first in Ontario and third for comprehensive universities in Canada for student satisfaction thanks to its top national ranking for mental health supports, second ranking for academic advising, extracurricular activities and administrative staff, and third for residence living and student life staff.

For the second year Brock has improved one spot in the overall rankings to 12th among comprehensive universities. Compared to all Canadian universities, Brock moves up three spots to 29th in the nation, an improvement of nine spots in the past two years.

The annual Maclean’s rankings are based on data from thousands of student surveys, as well as data from the universities themselves. Of note, Brock’s student response to the surveys more than doubled from last year. As a comprehensive institution, Brock is ranked against schools such as the University of Waterloo, Simon Fraser, Ryerson, York, Guelph, Carleton and others.

After a challenging year for all students, faculty and staff, Brock University Interim President Lynn Wells is pleased the University is continuing its positive trajectory.

“The last year has been disruptive for Brock students, staff and faculty in a number of ways. We persevered through these challenges to present students with the best educational experience we could,” says Wells. “Brock’s improved rankings — both in the overall categories and around student satisfaction — point to the hard work being done across the University to support our students at a time when they need it the most.

“I am grateful to all members of our community who made these results possible. We’re happy to see that we have taken steps forward in key areas, but these results also tell us that there is still more work to be done.”

The Maclean’s rankings also list some of Canada’s best programs. In the education list, Brock improved three spots to be ranked 12th in the country while the Nursing program is ranked 19th.

“I am very proud to see achievements in these programs being highlighted more broadly in the sector,” Wells says. “Brock has a number of signature programs and areas of strength for teaching, research and creative activity. Recognition like this brings attention to Brock’s success and benefits all of us.”

Other highlights from the student satisfaction portion of the rankings include Brock holding the third spot for student life staff, extracurricular activities and residence living.

Among the 15 comprehensive universities in Canada, Brock is also ranked fourth for steps to prevent sexual assault, fourth for promoting Indigenous visibility and fifth for experiential learning.

“These indicators clearly attest to the transformative experience students receive both inside our formal educational forums of teaching and research and across the spectrum of experiences that enhance and complete a truly comprehensive educational journey,” said Anna Lathrop, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Students. “Brock’s rankings for student satisfaction are again proof that our outstanding reputation for a student-centred post-secondary experience is a primary driver for all that we do. Within the context of the pandemic, ranking No. 1 in student mental health is quite simply an outstanding achievement.”

Brock student leaders also applauded the rankings and the positive direction they point to.

“While it is reassuring to see we are once again ranked No. 1 for mental health, we are continuously working with students and our partners at the institution to work on more that can be done,” said Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) President Rafay Rehan. “BUSU will continue to strive for a better experience for our undergraduate students through its funding of mental and physical health services, the Student Justice Centre, Human Rights and Equity office, sexual violence education and support, and more.”

Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) President Christopher Yendt said the results “affirm the continued commitment to graduate students and the graduate student experience.”

“Mental health is a major priority among our members,” he said. “The University’s investment in improved student access and outcomes is necessary to ensuring Brock provides an equitable and sustainable graduate community where all students feel supported, engaged and empowered to succeed.”