The UBC Student Diversity Census aims to enhance the collection of student demographic data and will enable the university to better understand student experiences, support student inclusion and success, and assess progress of equity, diversity and inclusion priorities.
Overview
Launched in fall of 2023, the census will enhance UBC’s understanding of the diversity of the student population. This information will allow the university to identify ways to enhance access to programs and services designed to address systemic barriers and inequities where they exist for members of historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized (HPSM) groups.
The three main reasons for conducting this census are:
- Self-identification provides more fulsome and accurate information, which is essential to advancing UBC’s EDI priorities.
- Disaggregated data will better inform UBC’s planning, reporting, and policy making with considerations of the distinct contexts and lived experiences of all students.
- Census results will provide insights and enable the university to make informed decisions that will contribute to creating a more inclusive and robust campus experience for all members of the UBC community.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete the census. All questions have a “choose not to disclose” option, so you can complete the survey even if you do not wish to provide answers to one or more of the questions. The Student Diversity Census is ongoing and personal information/responses can be updated at any time by re-accessing the census.
Your Student Diversity Census results will only be used and disclosed as follows:
- They will be analyzed for statistical purposes by UBC and the results of such analyses will be reported to the university community in anonymized aggregate form only, without identifying individual students.
- They will be made available to researchers under strict conditions of confidentiality and security through UBC’s Data Governance Program; the results of this research may be published in anonymized aggregate form only, without identifying individual students.
- They will be provided to UBC units through UBC’s Data Governance Program to administer programs that are intended to advance equity and ameliorate adverse conditions of members of HPSM groups.
Access your census link in your Canvas inbox. (CWL required).
FAQ
What is the Student Diversity Census?
The UBC Student Diversity Census is UBC’s primary tool to collect student demographic data. These data will enable the university to better understand the diversity of the student community, student experiences, support student inclusion and success, and assess progress of equity, diversity and inclusion priorities.
When will the Student Diversity Census run?
The Student Diversity Census launched on September 25 and all UBC students are asked to complete it. Please respond to the census at your earliest convenience. Students can return to the census to update their responses anytime.
Why is UBC collecting these data?
With this information, the University will explore ways to enhance access to programs and services designed to address systemic barriers and inequities where they exist for historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized groups and improve opportunities for students to reach their potential at UBC.
Why should I participate?
We can’t have an accurate understanding of student diversity without your participation. Only with your participation can we:
- Improve our understanding of the diversity of the student body;
- Identify barriers to access and inclusion; and
- Improve student programming and experiences with considerations of the distinct contexts and lived experiences of all students.
Who should complete the census?
All students (certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs, both domestic and international students, as well as those currently enrolled on either a part-time or full-time basis) are encouraged to complete the Student Diversity Census.
How will the data be collected?
Student data will be collected using a confidential and secure online form hosted on UBC Qualtrics. The link to access the census was sent directly to your email and to your Canvas inbox. The information you provide is private and confidential. Collected data will be stored in a protected UBC database.
How much time will the Student Diversity Census take to complete?
The census should take 5-10 minutes to complete.
Is the census mandatory?
No, the census is not mandatory, and each question includes an “I choose not to disclose” option.
However, we encourage all students to count themselves in to get an accurate understanding of the student community. We need maximum participation to best identify opportunities to and enhance student experiences.
Can I update or change my responses?
Yes, a student can update their information/responses as required, anytime, by reaccessing the census at any time.
How will the Student Diversity Census results be used?
The results will be used to develop, assess, and maintain programs and initiatives that respond to the needs of UBC students. Through connections with other student-related information, we will increase our ability to understand and improve the experiences of our students. Data from the Student Diversity Census will be used to inform initiatives aimed at redressing any disadvantages or discrimination faced by members of historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized groups.
Will this census be used in the admission process?
No but this will be reviewed in the future.
Will my data be shared?
Data will only be shared at an aggregated level (e.g., anonymized summaries). If case-level data are needed, approval must come from the Data Access Committee. Visit ACCESS UBC DATA for more information.
The information on the Census is collected by UBC under the authority of section 26(c) and (e) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) in order to fulfill its mandate under the University Act, Accessible British Columbia Act, and other legislation.
Your Student Diversity Census results will be stored in a secure location and will be protected in accordance with UBC’s Information Security Standards.