Public Attitudes toward the University: The 1991 Winnipeg Area Study. Occasional Papers II (original) (raw)

This study examined City of Winnipeg residents' attitudes toward and perceptions of the importance of the University of Manitoba, located in Winnepeg. Personal interviews were conducted with residents at 533 Winnepeg addresses. Cross-tabulation analysis of interview results against a range of variables found that age, education, income, family member attending the university, and political affiliation were most significant in predicting attitudes toward the University. The results of the survey reflect opinions very similar to results in urban soundings of the Edmonton (Alberta, Canada) area and results of a similar national survey. These various studies have confirmed a high level of support for universities generally, and an appreciation of the role and importance of the institution to social, economic, cultural scientific, and technological development. This is the case generally regardless of whether it is of direct personal benefit to the survey respondent. Responses to some questions revealed a number of areas in which the university could be doing a better job of explaining what it is doing and why. Special concerns of individual groups provided some admonitions which could direct institutions to a renewed scrutiny of particular areas. An appendix lists survey questions. (JB)