NU is the only school in WNY recognized for an outstanding program aimed at enriching students’ experience.
Niagara University is again listed among the best colleges and universities in the North, according to annual rankings released Aug. 17, 2010, by U.S. News and World Report. NU is listed 58 among 171 colleges and universities in the northeastern United States that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s degree programs.
In addition to the regional ranking, U.S. News also highlights schools that are recognized for outstanding programs aimed at enriching the students’ experience. These rankings focus on internships, the first year experience, learning communities, senior capstone, service learning, study abroad, undergraduate research/creative projects and writing in disciplines. Niagara was recognized in the area of service learning, and it was the only Western New York institution to receive recognition in any one of the categories.
Niagara’s service-learning program was also highlighted in a special listing of outstanding examples of such programs across the nation. Only 29 institutions among all the colleges and universities in the country were selected for the service-learning honor.
“Niagara is especially pleased to have national recognition for our service-learning programs. Education experts agree that involving students in community service either as volunteers or as part of their course work is linked to success in their studies and in their professional lives,” said the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University.
Noting Niagara’s Catholic and Vincentian mission, he added, “Even more importantly for us at NU, service learning is part of what transforms our graduates into people who are about others and give back to their communities.”
The rankings, which are based on factors including peer assessment; retention, graduation and acceptance rates; class sizes; and the giving rate of alumni, will appear in the September 2010 edition of the magazine, which will be on newsstands Aug. 31.
