There are many important and exciting things happening in the life of UVic which I would like to write about, but none so important as our convocations. I offer my congratulations to all 856 of you who are graduating on November 30, and to all of your family, friends and others who have supported you throughout your studies.
Some of you will already have well-laid plans-for a holiday, a job, or further studies-but it would not be surprising if some of you are facing the future with a degree of uncertainty. I am pleased to tell you that the experience of the Class of '93 suggests that you need not worry.
Statistics Canada, in 1995, surveyed 7,490 former students who graduated from UVic, SFU and UBC in 1993. Ninety-five per cent of them reported that they had learned a great deal over the course of their studies, and 90.2 per cent agreed that they received quality instruction. They were also highly satisfied with their practical training and hands-on learning, and found that they had marketable skills for their future careers. Nearly three quarters (71.8 per cent) reported that they would select the same program again.
Almost 94 per cent of the Class of '93 reported that their university developed their ability to analyse and think critically, 89 per cent their ability to solve problems, and 84 per cent their ability to work effectively with others. These are the skills which employers repeatedly identify as important, so you might ask, did they get jobs? The report shows that nearly 85 per cent of graduates in 1993 found permanent employment within two years of graduation, no matter what their field of study. And a full 89.7 per cent of graduates in full-time positions and 84.1 per cent in part-time positions were satisfied with their current employment.
So, as well as being justly proud of your intellectual growth, you can also be confident that your courses were professionally relevant and that you have the skills you will need to succeed in the years ahead. Your years of hard work were worth it not only for your personal development but for your future prosperity.
The survey reinforces my hope that when we interview you in future years about your post-graduation experiences, you will be building on your UVic education through employment, study or other means, and that you too will have a powerful and positive message for the UVic graduates who follow you.
With the Class of '93, I want to offer you my best wishes today and for
the future. Please keep in touch.