Many St. Thomas students disagree with the Globe and Mail Canadian University Report’s narrow view of the school. While the survey results section of the report spoke well of the school, the written profile has become a point of much contention.
The profile states in part that STU “distinguishes itself with its strong liberal arts tradition; students are encouraged to study the Great Books, such as Dante’s Inferno and Homer’s Iliad.”
“Despite its old-fashioned and Catholic roots, the university has a reputation for its parties,” it said before referencing Harrington Hall’s alcohol ban two years ago and the alcohol-related death STU student, Andrew Bartlett, in 2010.
Fourth-year psychology and human rights major Devin Donegani said STU isn’t necessarily old fashioned.
“In some ways we are old fashioned. Part of the student population is more conservative and old fashioned, but I wouldn’t necessarily say we’re an old fashioned school. I mean, we’re at the front of human rights education, we’re one of only a few schools in the country that offers a human rights major.”
Another point of contention is to what extent the university is Catholic. While the school offers classes in religious studies and Catholic studies, and operates a chapel on campus, university information rarely highlights the school’s Catholic roots. The “about” section on STU’s website make no reference to the religion.
“I wouldn’t say anyone’s opposed to the church. I wouldn’t say people are opposed to the partying aspect either. But I would say that giving us both of those titles just doesn’t go hand in hand. It doesn’t make sense,” second year STU student Ryan Nowlan said.
There are also tidbits of information listed, including accolades to professor Rusty Bittermann and Governor General award winning alumnus David Adams Richards, and that the university is intimate.
“I do agree with the article that we provide a more intimate environment, and that our liberal arts program is strong,” said fourth year student Jeff Arbeau, who is working towards honours in both English and Great Books.
In the survey portion of the report, STU ranked highly in many categories, receiving “A”s in “quality of teaching and learning” and “campus atmosphere.” The lowest grade the university received was a “C” in “co-op, internship and other work-related opportunities.”
“I think we have a small but dedicated faculty who are progressive, open-minded and very approachable. I don’t see any negative sort of old-fashioned approach to teaching. As far as partying goes, I imagine it’s no different than any other school,” said Arbeau. “I think those that come here with a purpose stay disciplined and those that come to party have their niche as well.”
