Background Characteristics and Patterns of Access to Postsecondary Education in Ontario: Evidence from Longitudinal Tax Data

Research Summary: As university access in Ontario increases, so too does the gender gap University participation in Ontario has increased over the last decade, including students from lower income groups, according to a new study from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO).  But the gender gap is also increasing, as women continue to […]

@ Issue Paper No. 14 Disability in Ontario: Postsecondary education participation rates, student experience and labour market outcomes

Research Summary: Numbers up but students with disabilities still face challenges in postsecondary education The number of students with disabilities at Ontario’s colleges and universities has increased in recent years but they still encounter barriers into, through and after postsecondary education (PSE), according to a synthesis of current research from the Higher Education Quality Council […]

Postsecondary Education Participation of Under-represented Groups in Ontario: Evidence from the SLID Data

Research Summary: Research confirms parental education matters most  When it comes to pursuing postsecondary education (PSE), parental education matters more than family income, according to a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). While university participation is greater for youth from higher-income families, those with at least one university-educated parent are […]

Exploring the Canadian Graduate and Professional Student Survey (CGPSS): Results from 2007 and 2010 for Ontario Universities

Research Summary: Graduate students slightly less satisfied with quality of academic experience and student life While graduate student enrolments have increased dramatically in recent years, a new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) shows that graduates remain satisfied with their education, although satisfaction has dropped slightly since 2007. Project description Using […]

Impact of Sheltered ESL Support Programming on Student Engagement and Academic Performance at OCAD University

Research Summary: Program-Specific ESL Courses Increase Academic Performance, Student Engagement Many English as a Second Language (ESL) students say their limited language skills create barriers to academic success, such as not actively participating in class, trouble collaborating with other students and increased difficulty working independently. A new study by the Higher Education Quality Council of […]

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 […]

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 […]