The University of Northern British Columbia can count another feather in its scholastic cap, after nabbing second place among Canadian universities in its category.
The annual Maclean's magazine rankings are based on a subjective reputation survey. The result is something UNBC President Daniel Weeks said he takes very seriously.
"We're very excited that we're clearly on the right path," he said after Thursday's results were posted. "We know that both students and parents look at publications and pour through them to help them make a decision."
Last year, the university tied for third after recording best-ever second-place finishes in the fall of 2012 and fall 2008. It faced 18 competitors in the Primarily Undergraduate category and based on student population is one of the smallest universities.
"I think it's a sign that the university is becoming a little more mature and that we have a balanced approach to what we do," said Weeks, adding the school took top prize for library acquisitions.
It also came away with top-three results in student awards, student/faculty ratio, library expenses and did well across categories, said Weeks, showing it is consistent.
"We're very close to being number one and we're going to look at this data very closely and see what we can do to perhaps see that we can move up yet again."
But, to get to the top prize, said Weeks, UNBC will have to work on getting larger endowments and increasing the number of scholarships.
"I think the fact that we're knocking on the door after only 25 years really speaks to the incredible dedication of the people that built this institution," said Weeks, referring to the the year Victoria approved the creation of UNBC.
Ultimately, Weeks said the rankings are a testament to the teachers and students that fill its halls.
"Being ranked second in Canada is just a feather on the cap to all those people."
