Ontario Learning Since the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Updated Look at Student Experiences and Outcomes in 2021–2022

Ontario Learning Since the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Updated Look at Student Experiences and Outcomes in 2021–2022 was written by Sarah Brumwell and Jackie Pichette, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. Several challenges to student persistence and integration that emerged during the pandemic diminished as in-person courses and campus access resumed. The sudden shift to online-only […]

Accessibility Services at Ontario Colleges and Universities: Trends, Challenges and Recommendations for Government Funding Strategies

Accessibility Services at Ontario Colleges and Universities: Trends, Challenges and Recommendations for Government Funding Strategies was written by Sophie Lanthier, Ryan Tishcoff, Spencer Gordon & Julia Colyar. Demand for accommodation and accessibility supports in Ontario has grown significantly and funding has not kept pace Over the past decade, demand for accommodations and accessibility supports in […]

Inclusion in Work-integrated Learning: Lessons from Administrators, Employers and Students

Inclusion in Work-integrated Learning: Lessons from Administrators, Employers and Students was written by Ken Chatoor & Amy Kaufman, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. Study reveals the importance of inclusivity to work-integrated learning experiences and where improvements can be made Work-integrated learning (WIL) provides many benefits for postsecondary education (PSE) students including improved labour market […]

Student Identity and Work-integrated Learning (WIL): Exploring Student Experiences of WIL by Demographic

Student Identity and Work-integrated Learning (WIL): Exploring Student Experiences of WIL by Demographic was written by Ken Chatoor & Lena Balata, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. System-wide data collection is needed to improve the work-integrated learning experience for students from underrepresented groups Work-integrated learning (WIL) is playing an increasing role in preparing students with […]

Student Identity and Work-integrated Learning (WIL): Exploring Student Experiences of WIL by Demographic

HEQCO’s fall 2021 survey of students reveals that women, immigrants and students with disabilities are not experiencing the same levels of inclusive, high-quality WIL as others. These demographic groups report statistically significant higher rates of dissatisfaction, barriers to accessibility at different stages of their placement, harassment from colleagues and mental health challenges. Authors: Ken Chatoor […]

Ontario School Boards Require Clearer Guidance to Collect Student Census Data

Recent Ontario legislation requiring school boards to collect identity-based data is an important step toward greater equity. However, issues with implementation have meant results have been delayed, inconsistent or limited. To facilitate the collection of high quality and comparable data, government should provide clearer guidance and more complete data collection templates to school boards. Author: […]

Improving PSE Access and Experience for Refugees in Ontario

Improving PSE Access and Experience for Refugees in Ontario was written by Lena Balata, Natalie Pilla and Jackie Pichette, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario & Sara Asalya, Newcomer Students’ Association. Refugee students’ success built on clear information about postsecondary options, strong social networks and mentorship Ontario welcomes nearly half of the country’s refugees and […]

Mapping the Impacts of COVID Disruptions on Postsecondary Access in Ontario in COVID School Year 2 (2020-21)

Mapping the Impacts of COVID Disruptions on Postsecondary Access in Ontario in COVID School Year 2 (2020-21) was written by Kelly Gallagher-Mackay and Robert S. Brown with Christine Corso and George Tam in collaboration with the research department of the Toronto District School Board. Graduation rates and PSE confirmations improved for many TDSB students during […]

Hamilton Community Research Partnership project shows the potential benefits of data-sharing coalitions

In October of 2023, we published a data brief on the relationship between high school math classes and postsecondary choices: In Ontario, information on a student’s educational journey from kindergarten through to postsecondary education (PSE) is tracked through the Ontario Education Number (OEN). However, data connected via the OEN is restricted to the Ontario government […]