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 Peer Helper Program at the University of Guelph: Analysis of Skills Objectives

Research Summary: Students Involved in On Campus Activities More Likely to Improve Key Skills Students involved with on-campus activities like student government, residence associations and peer mentoring are more likely to improve several skills valued highly by the labour market and postsecondary education, according to a new study published by the Higher Education Quality Council […]

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 […]

Evaluating Postsecondary Supports For Ontario Students With Learning Disabilities

Research Summary: Provincial program improves academic success for students with learning disabilities Many postsecondary students with learning disabilities are apprehensive about disclosing their disability because they want independence and parity with their peers. But new research finds that those who utilize support services designed to level the playing field are likely to benefit through increased […]

Academic Engagement of Recent Immigrant Adult Students (RIAS) in Postsecondary Education: A Case Study of Ontario Colleges and Universities

Research Summary: Postsecondary Institutions Not Meeting the Unique Needs of Recent Immigrant Adult Students Postsecondary education (PSE) institutions play a vital role in helping recent immigrant adult students integrate into Canadian society. However, most colleges and universities are not identifying, or responding to, the specific needs of this unique group of learners. A new study […]

Student Services at Queen’s University: An Evaluation of the Supported Learning Groups Pilot Program

Research Summary: Additional course support at Queen’s has mixed results in improving grades, engagement and retention As class sizes grow and budgets are squeezed, instructors at Queen’s University are finding new ways to improve learning. One approach, known as Supported Learning Groups, pairs upper year undergraduate students who have completed the course with students who […]

Supporting Student Success: The Role of Student Services within Ontario’s Postsecondary Institutions

Research Summary: Culture More Important Than Structure for Programs and Services Supporting Student Success Ontario is in the midst of unprecedented growth in the postsecondary education (PSE) sector, with more students than ever pursuing college and university opportunities. These students come from diverse backgrounds and considerable resources have been dedicated to student affairs and services […]

@ Issue Paper No. 10 Defining, Measuring and Achieving “Student Success” in Ontario Colleges and Universities

Executive Summary: Students Service Programs Not Reaching Those Who Need Them Most While colleges and universities across Ontario offer a wide range of academic, personal and financial support programs to help students successfully realize their postsecondary education (PSE) goals, most students remain unaware of the services available to them.  A new @Issue paper Defining, Measuring and […]

The Impact of Mental Health Problems in the Community College Student Population

Student mental health in higher education a campus-wide challenge From depression to psychotic disorders, mental health issues among young people are a reality, and postsecondary education is feeling the impact.  The challenge for Ontario’s colleges and universities is how to ensure that these students are given the support that they need to successfully complete their […]