The Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC) is a group of Canadian Universities that works together to survey students in order to gain a better understanding of the Canadian undergraduate student population. The surveys provide comparative information on student characteristics and experiences. Each survey targets a specific undergraduate sub-sample based on a three-year cycle that alternates between:
- first-year students
- middle years (Prior to 2013, all undergraduates)
- graduating-year students
The surveys establish a profile of undergraduate students and cover a range of topics, including:
- student demographics
- involvement in academic activities
- extra-curricular activities
- skill growth and development
- student satisfaction with their university
- education financing and debt
- future education and employment
Waterloo has participated in CUSC first-year and graduating student surveys only since 1998. The most recent survey instruments and summary results are available below.
If you are interested in survey results, please send a request to IAP through the Survey data request form or email analysis@uwaterloo.ca.
CUSC Qualitative Feedback Project
Undergraduate students, CUSC wants to know... How do students interpret and answer CUSC survey questions?
CUSC is recruiting students to participate in an online focus group or interview to test the CUSC surveys. Selected participants are eligible to receive $50/interview or $75/focus group.
If you are interested in participating, please register at CUSC Qualitative Registration Form.
Additional information about the project
- As part of its continuous improvement process, CUSC is recruiting bachelor's students to help test one of the three CUSC student surveys (first-year, middle-year, or graduating students) to ensure the questions are clear and relevant to students' experiences.
- During the sessions, students will be asked to review one of CUSC's surveys and provide feedback on their understanding of the survey questions. No specific knowledge or experience is required to participate.
- Students can choose to participate in a 90-minute online focus group or a one-hour one-on-one interview conducted via video conference. Sessions will be scheduled between December 2024 and February 2025 to suit student availability.
- As a token of appreciation, selected students will receive $50/interview or $75/focus group.
- The project is being conducted by Prairie Research Associates Inc. (PRA) on behalf of the CUSC-CCREU Board.
- For more information, contact survey@pra.ca.