Improving the Accessibility of Remote Higher Education: Lessons from the pandemic and recommendations

New study examines how COVID-19 pandemic has amplified challenges for students with disabilities and offers recommendations for improving accessible remote learning The sudden shift to remote learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has important implications for accessibility in postsecondary education. A new study from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that, on […]

Opportunities and Challenges in Predictive Modelling for Student Retention

Use of predictive modelling to improve student retention growing Predictive modelling — the analysis of large data sets to predict future outcomes — remains a small but growing practice among higher education institutions as a means of identifying students who are at risk, and putting in place targeted interventions to improve student retention and success. […]

Academic Advising: Measuring the Effects of “Proactive” Interventions on Student Outcomes

More Robust Student Outreach Could Reduce Drop-out Rates First-year students who received repeated emails encouraging them to participate in advising services — particularly in group advising sessions — were less likely to drop out, finds a new report published by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). The study was conducted by researchers at […]

Using Predictive Modelling to Inform Early Alert and Intrusive Advising Interventions and Improve Retention

Researchers develop a model to forecast dropout rates, better support students Can a mathematical equation predict which students are most likely to drop out? Yes, according to the findings of a new report published by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Researchers at Mohawk College and the Education Policy Research Initiative (EPRI) developed […]

Q Success: Supporting underrepresented students in transition

Queen’s transition program of significant interest to underrepresented students First-year undergraduate students can benefit from programs designed to smooth their transition into postsecondary education and such programs are of particular interest to students who are underrepresented in higher education, according to a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Initially piloted […]

Understanding the Student Experience of a University Labour Strike: Identifying Strategies to Counter Negative Impact

Report reveals negative effects of university labour strikes on students Labour disruptions at postsecondary institutions can lead to high levels of stress and confusion among students , finds a new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Understanding the Student Experience of a University Labour Strike: Identifying Strategies to Counter Negative Impact identifies the […]

Discovering the Benefits of a First-Year Experience Program for At-Risk Students: Quantitative Follow-upAnalysis

Lakehead University examines impact of its Gateway program on student success A new study from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) examines Lakehead University’s Gateway program, which was developed to help non-traditional students – those who do not meet the entrance requirements but who exhibit academic potential – enrol and succeed in university. […]

Students Weigh In National Analysis of Results from the 2013 Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey

Graduate students not happy with guidance on employment opportunities after graduation Data from the 2013 Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey (CGPSS) show that while graduate students are satisfied with the general aspects of their programs and their student experience, they are not when it comes to career preparation. According to a new report from […]

Writing Instruction Using an Online Assignment Planner

Research Summary: Integrating Online Writing Assistance into the Classroom Creates Challenges In an effort to improve writing skills, the Writing Centre at Wilfrid Laurier University developed a series of free online resources and tools for students. However, a recent study by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) found that even when integrated into […]