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, […]

Employment Experience of Ontario’s Postsecondary Graduates with Learning Disabilities

Research Summary: Postsecondary graduates with learning disabilities get satisfying jobs but reluctant to disclose their disability Most Ontario college and university graduates with learning disabilities are finding jobs and are generally satisfied with their current place of employment. But while many say their disability affected their on-the-job performance, they chose not to disclose of it […]

@ Issue Paper No. 6 Tuition Fee Policy Options for Ontario

Executive Summary:Access and Financial Sustainability Key Challenges for New Tuition Policy Framework Although Ontario enjoys the highest postsecondary participation rates in Canada, financial and non-financial barriers are preventing some students from pursuing college or university, according to a report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO).  In addition to improving access for groups […]

Access to Post-secondary Education: How Ontario Compares

Research Summary:  Parental education key determinant of who goes to college or university  Throughout Canada, having no family history of college or university is the most significant obstacle to postsecondary education (PSE). Family income is much less of a barrier. In fact, according to two new studies, a single year of parental education has a […]

Under-represented Groups in Postsecondary Education in Ontario: Evidence from the Youth in Transition Survey

Research Summary:  Parental education key determinant of who goes to college or university Throughout Canada, having no family history of college or university is the most significant obstacle to postsecondary education (PSE). Family income is much less of a barrier. In fact, according to two new studies, a single year of parental education has a […]

Assessment of Debt Load and Financial Barriers Affecting Students with Disabilities in Canadian Postsecondary Education, Ontario Report

Research Summary:  Ontario Postsecondary Students with Disabilities Face Unique Challenges College and university students with disabilities face significant financial burdens and a number of barriers that can strain their ability to successfully complete their education. Students with registered disabilities take longer to complete their education, which can significantly increase the costs of their education. They […]

From Postsecondary Application to the Labour Market

Research Summary: Work and family stronger influences on under-represented students While the majority of Ontario students recognize the value of postsecondary education (PSE) and want to participate, applicants from under-represented groups are less likely to attend immediately. And the pathways they choose are more influenced by work and family issues, according to a study conducted […]

Aboriginal Self-Identification and Student Data in Ontario’s Postsecondary System: Challenges and Opportunities

Research Summary: New data collection methods will improve evaluation of Aboriginal student access programs While the Province of Ontario has a number of initiatives to increase Aboriginal student participation in postsecondary education (PSE), improving data collection methods will provide more reliable information on the effectiveness of access programs.  Project Description  The Higher Education Quality Council […]