Ontario University Graduate Survey (OUGS) [Exact dates TBD]
Surveyed Population: Undergraduate alumni (2 years after graduation)
Institutional Surveys
Institution-wide student surveys are critical tools used to gather insight into students’ perceptions of the quality of teaching, academic support, campus life, and other key factors that contribute to their overall satisfaction. Conducting regular surveys allows for the identification of key areas of improvement, address student trends, and make data-driven decisions to enhance the student experience.
2024-25 Survey Schedule
The calendar captures institutional surveys that will be administered to students and alumni the throughout the academic year. Divisions and offices are encouraged to avoid administering surveys at the same time as another survey to the same population. To have your survey added to the calendar, please contact data@utoronto.ca.
Last updated: September 24, 2024
Undergraduate Student Surveys
The National Survey of Student Experience (NSSE), created by Indiana University’s Centre for Postsecondary Research, measures the quality of student experiences at over 1,500 institutions in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on engagement with faculty, staff, and services.
Reports from previous NSSE surveys can be found on the Vice-Provost, Students website.
Last administration: 2023
Frequency: Every three years
Administration period: March – May
Population: First-year and final year undergraduate students
Theme(s): Academic Challenge, Learning with Peers, Experiences with Faculty, Campus Environment
The Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) survey, initiated by the Center for the Study of Higher Education and the University of Minnesota’s Office of Institutional Research, collects insights about student experiences in classrooms, labs, and campus life at global research universities. It’s a longitudinal study that explores links between education experiences, program characteristics, and student outcomes.
Explore the SERU dashboard to view the 2021 SERU survey results for U of T.
Last administration: 2021
Frequency: Every three years
Administration period: March – April
Population: Undergraduate students
Theme(s): Student Satisfaction, Academic Engagement, Educational Experience, Climate for Diversity, Evaluation of Major, Academic & Personal Development, Student Wellbeing, Plans & Aspirations, Cost of Attendance
The MSL survey examines student leadership values at both the institutional and national levels including the campus experience factors that influence leadership development. The most recent version included a module on COVID-19 impacts.
Last administration: 2021
Frequency: Every three years
Administration period: February – March
Population: Undergraduate students
Theme(s): Mentoring Relationships, Academic-based Experiences, Involvement Experiences, Civic Engagement Involvement, Leadership Development Experiences, Perceptions of Campus Climate
Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE) is deployed to incoming students prior to the start of their fall classes. BCSSE collects data about entering students’ prior academic and co-curricular experiences, as well as their expectations for participating in educationally purposeful activities during the coming academic year.
Last administration: 2023
Frequency: Once a year
Administration period: Course enrollment to the first two weeks of classes
Population: UTM and UTSC direct entry undergraduate students and transfer mature students
Theme(s): First Year Academic Expectations, Institutional Expectations, Expected Engagement and Challenges
Graduate Student Surveys
The Graduate Student Experience in the Research University (gradSERU) survey is a comprehensive, longitudinal study designed to help answer questions about the potential relationship between graduate education experiences, program characteristics, and development outcomes of graduate students at leading research universities.
Explore the gradSERU dashboard to view 2023 gradSERU survey results for U of T.
Last administration: 2023
Frequency: Every three years
Administration period: March – May
Population: Graduate students
Theme(s): Selection and Admission, Financial Support, Advising, Research & Teaching Experience, Program Climate, Health And Well-Being, Obstacles To Completion, Career Plans
The Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey (CGPSS) provides performance measures on student satisfaction with their graduate programs and experience. It helps identify the University’s strengths and ensure that our graduate programs continue to improve, inspire, and set high standards of academic excellence.
View the CGPSS Aggregate Reports for historical survey results.
Last administration: 2022
Frequency: Every three years
Administration period: February – March
Population: Graduate students
Theme(s): General and Program Satisfaction, Professional Skills Development, Research Experience, Presentations and Publications, Supervisor and Thesis, Financial Support, University Resources and Student Life
Other Student & Alumni Surveys
This Census is a tool that supports the University in better understanding the demographics of the student population. The data will be used to develop, assess, and maintain programs and initiatives that respond to student needs.
Last administration: Ongoing
Frequency: Ongoing
Administration period: Ongoing
Population: All students
Theme(s): Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Disability, Indigenous Identity, Racial and/or Ethnocultural Identity, Educational Attainment of Parents or Guardians
The Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey is designed to help institutions better support student’s health and wellbeing. It covers topics such as mental health assets and deficits, health services and behaviours, academic achievement, among others.
Last administration: 2022
Frequency: Every three years
Administration period: February – April
Population: All students
Theme(s): Mental Health Assets, Mental Health Deficits, Health Service Utilization/Help Seeking, Physical Health, Sexual Health Behaviours, Substance Use, Food Security
The Ontario University Graduate Survey is designed to understand how Ontario universities help to prepare students for employment. The survey collects data on employment rates, salaries, and skills development by subject.
Last administration: 2023
Frequency: Every year
Administration period: November – March
Population: Undergraduate alumni (surveyed 2 years after graduation)
Theme(s): Employment Outcomes, Further Education, Salary and Benefits, Satisfaction and Experience
The NCHA survey, organized by the American College Health Association (ACHA), is to assist university health service providers, health educators, counsellors and administrators in collecting data about students’ habits, behaviours and perceptions regarding the most prevalent health topics.
Read the most recent report on the findings from the NCHA at the University of Toronto.
Last administration: 2019 (Not administering currently)
Frequency: Every three years
Administration period: February – March
Population: Undergraduate and graduate students
Theme(s): Safety and Campus Climate, Mental Health & Well-being, Self-care, Academic Performance