On Nov. 19, the results of the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Student Satisfaction Survey were released province-wide. The results contain good news for Niagara College, and identify areas where we can focus our efforts for continuous improvement moving forward.
We remain among Ontario’s top tier of colleges for student satisfaction, now tying for third across the system in this important category, with 78.4% of students satisfied or very satisfied. This score also places us first among mid-sized colleges. The 2017-2018 academic year was challenging for many students, and overall student satisfaction rates declined across the province. Niagara’s decline was less pronounced, speaking to the level of dedication and care of our faculty and staff to ensure students were supported within a shortened fall term and compressed break times for students.
Our graduates continue to get jobs. Last year, 89% of graduates were employed within six months of graduation – a marked increase over the previous year’s result of 82.3%. Among surveyed employers, 88% said they are satisfied with Niagara College graduates in their employ, echoing last year’s results.
It is imperative that we retain this momentum as we approach the next round of KPI surveys this winter. Ontario’s post-secondary landscape remains extremely competitive and ever-evolving, and Niagara College continues to adapt with it. We’ve made waves across the country this year, adding to our roster of innovative programs providing unique applied learning experiences, like Commercial Cannabis Production and Artisan Distilling. And as our $65 million campus redevelopment project nears completion, I’m amazed at some of the innovative new learning spaces we’ve created for students, another key contributor to student satisfaction.
At the same time, we know there is still work to be done. The 2018-2019 academic year has brought its own unique challenges and opportunities, with record enrolment and a growing international student body creating a period of unprecedented change for our college. I have been consistently impressed at the passion and student-centric approach the entire NC community has brought forward in addressing these new realities, and I have no doubt that we will emerge a stronger college because of them.
The positive KPI survey results that we see each year – including our consistent placement among Ontario’s top colleges for student satisfaction – is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all faculty and staff, and our shared focus on our students’ satisfaction and success. Please accept my sincere thanks for all of your hard work in support of our students.
I encourage you to review this year’s KPI results, which are available online. While the release of this year’s results was delayed, partially due to the recent provincial election this spring, they still offer many insights into our work at the college. If you have questions regarding the survey, please contact Katerina Gonzalez, Director, Planning and Institutional Research at [email protected].
