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. The ongoing development and implementation of the SES is facilitated by a steering committee with consultation and advice from multiple stakeholders and units across campus. Data from the survey informs programs administered by the faculties, the Associate Provost, Students office, Student Success Office, Library, and other academic support units.
Implementation
The survey is sent to a sample of University of Waterloo undergraduate 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 in 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
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.