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 Planning and Institutional Research (PaIR) 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
Confidentiality and Uses
All responses are confidential. Responses will be reported in aggregate, except for comments which will be anonymized but otherwise reported as submitted.
All data will be securely stored by Voxco (survey platform), Academica Group, and Niagara College. For more information, please see the following links:
The information obtained from this study will be strictly used for planning purposes. The privacy and confidentiality of provided information will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990.
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.