UBC’s Student Diversity Census is the university’s primary tool to collect student demographic data. It enables 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 is an annual census initiative developed to enhance UBC’s understanding of the diversity of the student population.
Information gained through the census will enable the university to identify ways to improve student experience and success. This includes efforts 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 to:
- Obtain more fulsome and accurate information on student diversity.
- Identify barriers to full participation and success, and any inequities that may exist amongst the student body.
- Use the data to improve decision making so as to enhance student experiences and success.
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 submitted data will only be used and disclosed as follows:
- Data will be analyzed for statistical purposes by the university. The results of this analyses will be reported to the university community in an anonymized aggregate form only, without identifying individual students.
- The data may 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 an anonymized aggregate form only, without identifying individual students.
- Aggregate data 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.
To count yourself in for 2024, please complete the census by October 31. Students can access their unique census link via the invitation message available in their Canvas Conversations inbox.
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.