INTRODUCTION

This publication is the fourth in an on-going annual series. The first edition was distributed in September 1998 and reported primarily on the 1997/98 academic year. This edition reports on goals and objectives set in the 2000/01 academic year and many tables include initial 2001/02 student data. Its purpose is to provide the reader with quantitative data to use in assessing Carleton University's progress in achieving its publicly-stated strategic goals and objectives. Where possible, the format and definition of the data have been retained from last year in order to provide year-to-year comparability - as well, most tables provide for multi-year comparisons. Some sections have been added and others have been extended to provide information relevant to the 2000 strategic goals.

Starting in 1998, the provincial government required all universities to provide the public with annual data on three areas of performance namely: graduation rates, placement rates for graduates and default rates for students participating in the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Carleton University participated in this exercise and posted the results on its web site (www.carleton.ca). The latest available data is included in this publication.

There continues to be improvement in many of the indicators. Notably, high school entrance grades and retention continue to improve. These improving indicators are a demonstration of our continuing commitment to implement the strategic goals and "promote our identity as a modern, vibrant, and dynamic research-intensive and learning institution." Some indicators, for example graduation rates, do not fully reflect the changes made at Carleton over the past few years - these indicators are measuring a Carleton of a different time.

On a particularly positive note, the satisfaction survey of first year students has given Carleton a positive rating - for example, 90% of those surveyed were satisfied with their decision to attend Carleton University. The students have also given us useful feed-back and have indicated some areas where their concerns need to be addressed.

I would like to thank the staff of the Office of Institutional Research and Planning for their work in assembling this document.

R. Van Loon

President, Carleton University.

December 2001

Note: Data for the 2001/02 academic year is preliminary and subject to minor changes. The date of production is noted on each table. For the most complete and up-to-date data available refer to www.carleton.ca/oirp.