The Student Experience Survey (SES) is administered by the Statistical Consulting and Survey Research Unit (SCSRU), in collaboration with the University of Waterloo Institutional Analysis and Planning (IAP) department, the Associate Vice President, Academic, and the Associate Provost, Students. Data from the survey informs programs administered by the faculties, the Associate Provost, Students office, Student Success Office, Library, satellite campuses and and other academic support units.
Implementation
The survey is sent to a sample of University of Waterloo undergraduate and graduate students to understand students' perceptions of their academic and non-academic learning environment and experience at Waterloo. The first survey was piloted in spring 2022. The SES has since run every fall and winter term.
Topics covered in the fall SES may include but are not limited to:
- student perceptions of general well-being, feelings of belonging and inclusion on campus, student support systems
- student perceptions of campus life, and overall engagement in non-academic activities and recreation
- student perceptions of faculty services
Topics covered in the winter SES may include but are not limited to:
- student perceptions of various learning experiences and supports
- student perceptions of workload
- student perceptions of academic unit initiatives
Eligibility and Participation
Survey links are generated for a random sample of undergraduate students and all eligible graduate students. Only those who were included in the original invitation list and who received a SES invitation can participate in the survey. Students interested in sharing their experience can send their feedback to analysis@uwaterloo.ca or submit their feedback through the Anonymous Student Experience Feedback form.
Results
Results from the SES are used to inform internal planning and decision-making. Key results from previous iterations of the survey are available below. For more information about past surveys or general inquiries about the SES, please email analysis@uwaterloo.ca.
Past Surveys
Spring 2022 SES results
Other data collected from this survey will be used to better inform the University of Waterloo's policies on several topics. These topics include, but are not limited to, student engagement, classroom activities, and perceptions of belonging at the university.
Fall 2022 SES results
Other data collected from this survey will be used to better inform the University of Waterloo's policies on several topics. These topics include, but are not limited to, student perceptions of belonging, classroom activities and content, and instructor feedback.
Winter 2023 SES results
Other data collected from this survey will be used to better inform the University of Waterloo's policies on several topics. These topics include, but are not limited to, the stability of student housing, accessibility of nutritional food, and student workload.
Fall 2023 SES results
Other data collected from this survey will be used to better inform the University of Waterloo's policies on several topics. These topics include, but are not limited to, the stability of student housing, accessibility of nutritional food, and student wellness.
Winter 2024 SES results
Other data collected from this survey will be used to better inform the University of Waterloo's policies on several topics. These topics include, but are not limited to, the student workload, classroom activities and topics, the use of AI tools, and student wellness.