About BC Student Outcomes
What is the student outcomes survey project?
The student outcomes survey project collects and distributes information from former post-secondary students who are asked to evaluate many aspects of their educational experience and to talk about their subsequent employment and further education. British Columbia has collected post-secondary student outcomes information since 1988.
Currently, the project includes three surveys:
The Outcomes Working Group (OWG) oversees all aspects of these surveys, from data collection to reporting of survey results.
The Baccalaureate Graduate Survey (formerly housed by the Research Universities Council) is now housed at BC Stats, but still overseen by the BGS Steering Committee.
Who collects student outcomes data?
BC Stats manages the collection of student outcomes information on behalf of the Outcomes Working Group (OWG), and the BGS Steering Committee. Both the OWG and the BGS Steering Committee represent the interests of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development (ALMD) and participating post-secondary institutions. The student outcomes data are collected annually.
What sort of questions are former students asked?
Former students are asked a series of questions about their employment and any further education they've taken since leaving post-secondary programs. They are also asked for specific feedback on many aspects of the programs and courses they took and to assess their level of satisfaction with their overall educational experience. In addition, there are questions on topics such as student finances, campus services, or career transitions that may not appear each year.
How is information from student outcomes surveys used?
- For evaluation and program improvement - Data are used by managers and other decision makers in the B.C. post-secondary education system. Program staff at institutions and ALMD use the data to change or develop programs, and labour market analysts use the data to assess the supply and demand of labour in B.C.
- For accountability purposes - Student outcomes data provide important information on the state of the post-secondary education system in B.C. The data support the development of key performance indicators, which are used by ALMD to assess the effectiveness of the post-secondary education system.
- For making knowledgeable choices - Information on the outcomes of former students and their opinions on the quality of post-secondary education programs are important resources for prospective students. High school and college counsellors use outcomes information to help students plan their education. Employment and training counsellors use the data to support recommendations for funding educational and training programs for their clients.