The Diversity of Ontario’s Universities: A Data Set to Inform the Differentiation Discussion

Research Summary: Differentiation: Toward a more coherent and sustainable university system A new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that the province’s 20 universities could be organized into at least three distinct clusters based on a set of variables that other jurisdictions have used to differentiate their university systems, setting […]

Succeeding with Disabilities Graduates with Disabilities and the Factors Affecting Time-to-Completion

Research Summary: Graduates with disabilities take longer to complete their programs Persons with disabilities face considerable barriers in accessing postsecondary education, but a new study from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario shows that once enrolled, they also face obstacles in completing their degrees. Credential type, program area, type of disability and Grade Point […]

The Impact of Multiple Electronic Learning Resources on Student Academic Performance

Research Summary: Online Learning Tools are Most Effective When Focused on Interaction First-year chemistry students at Carleton University have access to a wide range of online and electronic resources, including a website with lecture slides and useful links and videos, a video on demand (VOD) service to watch lectures remotely and a collaborative homework management […]

Measuring Student Success and Satisfaction in Technology-Enhanced Learning Studio Environments

Research Summary: Learning studios improve student and faculty satisfaction at Lambton College Learning studios, which offer enhanced teaching and learning technologies, flexible furnishings and an open layout, are gaining popularity in many educational institutions. But what impact do they have on student achievement and success, as well as student and faculty satisfaction? A study of […]

Non-Traditional Pathways to Postsecondary Education: A Qualitative Study of the Experience of Students in College Preparatory Programs

Research Summary: Students Benefit from College Preparatory Programs College preparatory programs help students who are interested in attending postsecondary education (PSE) but may lack the admission requirements or have been away from school for an extended time and need additional skills development. A new study published by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) […]

The University of Waterloo and Work-Integrated Learning: Three Perspectives

Research Summary: Waterloo Students Benefit Academically and Professionally from Co-op Involvement The University of Waterloo operates the largest postsecondary co-op program of its kind in the world, and a new report from Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that Waterloo co-op graduates feel they benefit academically and professionally and are more satisfied than […]

Strategies for Supporting Youth Education: A Snapshot of Early Intervention Programs in Ontario

Research Summary: Early Intervention Programs Should be Tailored to Specific Needs of the Community Community-driven early intervention programs provide youth with the resources, support and information necessary to complete high school and transition into postsecondary education (PSE). These programs can be an effective tool in boosting PSE participation, particularly for groups less likely to pursue […]

Beyond Labs and Libraries Career Pathways for Graduate Students

Research Summary: New reports explore the stark realities of the university doctorate  Doctoral enrolments in Ontario universities have nearly doubled over the last decade, with roughly two-thirds of doctoral students hoping to become university professors. Considering that Canadian full-time professors are now the highest paid in the world – working more hours but enjoying better […]

@ Issue Paper No. 15 So You Want to Earn a PhD? The Attraction, Realities and Outcomes of Pursuing a Doctorate

Research Summary: New reports explore the stark realities of the university doctorate Doctoral enrolments in Ontario universities have nearly doubled over the last decade, with roughly two-thirds of doctoral students hoping to become university professors. Considering that Canadian full-time professors are now the highest paid in the world – working more hours but enjoying better […]