Canadian Student Survey FAQ

What is the Canadian Student Survey?

The Canadian Student Survey is part of a multi-institutional survey that will be conducted on university campuses across the country in the fall term of the 2009-2010 academic year. The first project of its kind in Canada, the survey is designed and coordinated by students, and strives to engage the entire student body to share their opinions and experiences about post-secondary education. The end goal of this project is to publish national and institutional-level reports that will assist national, provincial and institutional student leaders, stakeholders and policymakers to improve higher education.

Why should I participate in the Canadian Student Survey?

No other similar survey exists like this one, either in Canada or around the world. The Canadian Student Survey will fill an important gap in research about students in that it will generate policy-relevant data that will be fully accessible to students. The results of this survey will help student associations better understand issues of importance to students, and in turn will allow them to lobby for better policies at the local, provincial and national levels as well as provide better services to you on campus.

Which institutions are participating in the Canadian Student Survey?

Click here to view a listing.

How does the survey work?

An email was sent out to all undergraduate students at each participating institution inviting them to visit a website to participate in a protected online survey. You will need to either enter your email address or a unique login that is included in the email sent to you in order to being the survey.

*Please note your email address or unique login will NOT be linked to the survey data and will be used purely to verify that you are eligible to participate in the survey (i.e. have a university email address from one of the participating institution). In addition, each entered email address or login will be coded so that individual students cannot answer the survey more than once.

Is the Canadian Student Survey voluntary and confidential?

Yes, the survey is both voluntary and confidential. It is up to you if you want to participate in it or not. Your student status will not be affected if you choose or choose not to take part in this survey. We are not collecting any personal and confidential information. All your responses will be protected and your identity will not be matched to any of the responses.

Will I be paid for participating in the Canadian Student Survey?

No compensation will be offered. However, if you complete the survey you will be entered into a draw for ten national cash prizes of $100 each. In order to participate in the draw, once you submit your survey response you will be directed to a draw page where you can enter your contact details (should you wish to enter the draw). You contact details will be stored separately from your responses and there will be no way to link them. Please note all contact details will be destroyed after the draw and will not be used for any other purposes.

How long will the Canadian Student Survey take to complete?

It will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

Can I withdraw from the Canadian Student Survey?

Yes, you can withdraw from the survey at any time while you are completing it by either not clicking on the "Submit" button at the end of the survey or by simply closing the browser window. You can also refuse to answer any of the questions in the survey. In addition, any student who wishes to withdraw his or her response from the survey after he or she has participated will be able to send in a written request to canadastudentsurvey@gmail.com indicating that choice, and their data will be removed.

Has the Canadian Student Survey been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the Office of Research Ethics from my institution?

Yes, the Canadian Student Survey has been reviewed by each participating institution’s Office of Research Ethics. Click here to view a list of participating institutions.

Who can I contact if I have any additional questions or concerns about the survey?

You can either contact us at canadastudentsurvey@gmail.com or phone at no charge at 1-877-552-4372.