Understanding Student Attrition in the Six Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Colleges

Changing Career Goals Most Common Reason for Students Leaving College Early While there is a wide range of reasons why students leave college before completing their program, a new study by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that the most common factor influencing their decision is a change in career goals. Immediately […]

The Student Success Program From Pilot to Implementation

Research Summary: Student Success Programs May Improve Grades, Show Limited Impact on Retention and Satisfaction Programs aimed at supporting the academic and social needs of first-year students, often known as student success programs, are designed to help students thrive during the difficult transition into postsecondary education (PSE). A new study by the Higher Education Quality […]

College-to-University Transfer Arrangements and Undergraduate Education Ontario in a National and International Context

Research Summary: College-to-university transfer: 2 + 2 = potential savings for students and government Students who transfer from college to university to complete their undergraduate degree are likely to save themselves and the government money, and they often earn grades equivalent to students who go directly into university from high school, according to a new […]

Patterns of Persistence in Postsecondary Education: New Evidence for Ontario

Research Summary: Drop-outs More Likely in First Year but Numbers Lower than Previously Thought The first year of postsecondary education (PSE) is a critical time for students, with most “drop-outs” taking place during this period. However, simply looking at an institution’s “drop-out” figures only tells a part of the story, missing students who switch programs […]

Special Needs Students and Transitions to Postsecondary Education

Research Summary: Special needs students: Improving pathways to higher education Special education in Ontario and elsewhere is under intense scrutiny as calls for greater equity push schools toward more inclusive policies and practices, including those that improve the likelihood of special needs students pursuing postsecondary education (PSE). While there have been a number of promising […]

Educational Pathways of Youth in Ontario Factors Impacting Educational Pathways

Research Summary: Parental Education, Grades and Social Relationships Remain Strongest Predictors of Postsecondary Participation Youth with highly educated parents, strong overall grades and an academically engaged social network are the most likely to pursue college or university according to a new collaborative report from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and the Higher Education […]

Access Engagement Retention and Success of Under-represented Populations at Ryerson University

Research Summary: Access programs aim to reduce barriers to postsecondary education Improving access to and success in postsecondary education is an on-going concern for Ontario’s colleges and universities, particularly for those students who may be struggling to meet admission requirements and/or are among groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education —  including students from lower-income families, […]

Alternative Pathways to University Admission: An Examination of Academic Advising within the Niagara College/Brock University “Partners Program”

Research Summary: Access programs aim to reduce barriers to postsecondary education Improving access to and success in postsecondary education is an on-going concern for Ontario’s colleges and universities, particularly for those students who may be struggling to meet admission requirements and/or are among groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education —  including students from lower-income families, […]

The Transfer Experience of Ontario College Graduates who Further their Education

Research Summary:  More College Graduates Continuing Their Education in Pursuit of Increased Earnings and Career Advancement An increasing number of college graduates are returning to school to continue their education, not due to lack of employment options, but in pursuit of higher earnings, interesting and challenging career opportunities and enhanced status. A new report co-authored […]