University/College Applicant Survey (UCAS): FAQs
Every year in March, Niagara College applicants are invited by email to participate in Niagara College’s online University/College Applicant Survey (UCAS). Please see the “Eligibility to Participate” section below. The survey is conducted by Academica Group in collaboration with Niagara College’s Institutional Analytics & Reporting (IAR) department on behalf of Niagara College.
If you have questions about the University/College Applicant Survey (UCAS), please email [email protected].
Purpose of the Survey
Your feedback is important. Niagara College uses your feedback to make changes to the application process that benefit you and future applicants, such as:
- enhancing online resources;
- better understanding and addressing the evolving needs of applicants; and
- enhancing the applicant experience.
The information you provide helps inform planning and continuous improvement efforts for current and future applicants.
The survey is scheduled from March 18 – 30, 2026.
What Participation Involves
Your participation in this online survey is voluntary. Your responses will be kept confidential and only reported in aggregate form. Participating in this survey will not impact your application to, or status at, Niagara College.
This survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete; written comments/ideas/suggestions take additional time depending on the length of the response you may choose to provide. You can stop the survey and return to complete it later at any time during the survey period.
The survey includes questions on your experiences as an applicant.
Eligibility to Participate
In March 2026, domestic applicants to Niagara College who are seeking to start in a regular post-secondary program at Niagara College in May 2026 (Spring), September 2026 (Fall), or January 2027 (Winter) will be invited by email to fill out the survey online.
The survey link you will be provided is unique to you. Please do not share it with others.
Survey Themes
Survey themes include:
- Demographic characteristics (for example, gender, age, marital status);
- Academic characteristics (for example, Niagara College was first choice, not first choice);
- Delivery preferences (for example, full time or part time, online/on-campus/a mix);
- Reasons for applying (for example, career, intellectual growth, exploring options for future);
- Key decision factors (for example, reputation of the college or program, extra-curricular activities);
- Use of information sources (for example, websites, guidance counsellors, campus tour, viewbook);
- Branding / top of mind associations (for example, innovative, teaching-focused, supportive);
- College-specific questions (for example, preferred method of receiving information from the college).
Survey Incentives
We appreciate the time and effort to provide an honest and complete assessment of your experiences as an applicant. As a thank you for your time, survey participants are entered into random draws for a chance to win a share of $6,000 in prizes.
Prize Rules and regulations
Bonus Draw Winners
Bonus Draw #1: Winner selected – Caitlin, NC Applicant
Bonus Draw #2: Winner selected – Andrew, NC Applicant
Bonus Draw #3: NC applicant
Bonus Draw #4: Winner selected – Cora, NC Applicant
Confidentiality and Privacy Notice
Participation in this survey may involve the collection of personal information as defined under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
Notice of Collection
Personal information is collected under the authority of the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act and in accordance with section 38(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). The information will be used by Niagara College for institutional planning, evaluation, and enhancement of applicant services and processes.
Questions about the collection, use, or disclosure of this information may be directed to:
Institutional Analytics & Reporting (IAR)
Niagara College
Email: [email protected]
Confidentiality of Responses
Survey responses will be treated as confidential and will be reported in aggregate form wherever possible. Individual responses will not be reported in a way that identifies you.
While your survey link is unique to you, any identifying information is separated from survey responses prior to analysis and reporting wherever feasible.
Written comments will be reviewed and may be included in reporting; however, reasonable efforts will be made to remove identifying details.
Use and Disclosure
Access to survey data is limited to authorized staff at Niagara College and contracted research partners (e.g., Academica Group) for the purposes described above. Data will not be used to make decisions about your admission or status at Niagara College.
Data Storage and Security
Survey data is collected and stored using third-party service providers, including Voxco and Academica Group. These providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for authorized purposes.
Data may be stored or processed on servers located outside of Ontario or Canada. As a result, it may be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions, including lawful access by foreign governments.
For more information, please review:
Retention
Survey data will be retained in accordance with Niagara College’s records retention policies and securely disposed of when no longer required.
Accessibility
In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Academica Group is providing a fully accessible online survey, compatible with current screen readers and assistive technologies. Applicants may use assistive technologies/devices at their disposal to complete this survey.
Alternative Delivery Options
Should you require alternative accessible options to complete the survey, please email the HWAS Reception Desk [email protected] serving students enrolled at Niagara College campuses in Niagara region.
Background
The UCAS is a proprietary survey instrument developed by Academica Group. Niagara College has been participating in this survey every year since 2008.