What is the BC College and Institute Student Outcomes (CISO) project?

The BC College and Institute Student Outcomes (CISO) 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. Former students are surveyed approximately 9 to 20 months after they complete all, or a significant portion, of their programs. BC has collected college and institute student outcomes information since 1988.

Who collects the College and Institute Student Outcomes data?

BC Stats manages the collection of student outcomes information on behalf of the Outcomes Working Group (OWG). The OWG represents the interests of the Ministry of Advanced Education (AVED), participating colleges, university colleges, institutes, Thompson Rivers University, and other educational associations. 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 their college and institute 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, each year a set of special questions is added to the questionnaire, allowing for a more in-depth analysis of an area of particular interest.

How is College and Institute Student Outcomes information used?

1. For accountability purposes, student outcomes data provide important information on the state of the post-secondary education system in BC. The data support the development of key performance indicators, which are used by AVED to assess the effectiveness of the college and institute system.

2. For evaluation and program improvement, data are used by managers and other decision makers in the BC post-secondary education system. Program staff at institutions and AVED use the data to change or develop programs, and labour market analysts use the data to assess the supply and demand of labour in BC.

3. 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.

For more information about BC College and Institute Student Outcomes, contact Marti Lea Thib at MartiLea.Thib@gov.bc.ca