The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the academic learning environment since March 2020. In order to study the impacts of this transformation and adapt services, supports, and resources to student needs, McGill University has released a series of student surveys to better assess current realities, understand what's going well, and consider where more help may be needed.
- Survey Results: Checking In Today, Planning For Tomorrow
- COVID-19 Student Impact Survey Results
- Planning for a Remote Fall Semester - Survey Results
- Checking-In Student Survey Results
Survey Results: Checking In Today, Planning For Tomorrow
One year after the pandemic changed the way we live and learn, McGill invited students to participate in another University-wide survey. We wanted to check in on how you were feeling and learning in the Winter semester and how those experiences compared to Fall 2020. We wanted to understand the impact of COVID-19 on your research, specifically amongst our graduate students. Finally, we wanted to know your plans as we look ahead to the gradual reopening of campus.
The survey was open from March 18 to April 8, 2021, and had a response rate of 24%.
Results of the survey are being used to provide and adapt supports based on student degree type, as well as academic and student life experiences.
What did we learn?
We created two infographics to highlight the key messages from the survey results. You can view them below or click here for PDF versions (with clickable links):
View Graduate Results
Undergraduate Results
Graduate Results
COVID-19 Student Impact Survey Results
The COVID-19 Student Impact Survey was launched in May 2020 to help units across the University better understand the student experience in the Winter 2020 term. These results highlight the experiences of current McGill students. They will be used along with the results of a new survey for incoming students to inform how we serve and support students in the coming year.
Highlights of findings
While many students acknowledged some of the beneficial aspects of remote learning, they told us that they faced several challenges with this new model.
What went well?
Percentage of undergraduate students |
Percentage of
|
Feedback topic |
|
80% |
62% |
appreciated flexible hours to complete coursework |
|
92% |
90% |
had sufficient access to a reliable computer |
|
91% |
89% |
had sufficient access to videoconferencing software |
|
86% |
83% |
had access to the software needed for their program |
|
75% |
83% |
had access to online resources from McGill Libraries |
What were the challenges?
|
Percentage of undergraduate students |
Percentage of |
Feedback topic |
|
50% |
52% |
did not have a quiet place to learn/study |
|
73% |
66% |
had difficulty focusing and paying attention
Tutorial Services has developed a wide array of Learning Strategies for students, including resources focused on Remote Learning and a suite of webinars on topics like time management, note-taking, exam strategies and more. |
|
71% |
73% |
experienced personal stress
McGill students can also access Keep.meSAFE, a student-focused mental health counselling service that provides access to licensed counsellors through phone, video call, and secure mobile chat. Information is available for undergraduate and graduate students. |
|
73% |
70% |
want help to get and stay motivated
For upcoming webinars to support students’ remote learning success, undergraduates should register for SKILLS21. Graduate students should consult the bimonthly SKILLSETS ebulletins for upcoming events and resources or visit the SKILLSETS webpage.
Consult the list of student services available online. |
About the survey
The COVID-19 Student Impact Survey was a collaboration between Teaching and Learning Services (TLS), Student Services, and Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). Its purpose was to help units across the University to understand the student experience since the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a temporary campus closure and courses to move to remote delivery and changed the way we all live. Survey questions were divided into three sections: 1) Home Situation, 2) Experiences with Remote Learning, and 3) Intentions for Future Study. Results are being used to inform how we serve and support McGill students in the coming academic year.
The survey was open from May 1 through to May 24, 2020. It was administered to a population of over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students who were enrolled at McGill in the winter 2020 term after the add/drop deadline. The response rate was 22%. Female students were overrepresented by 9% and international students by 5%; the sample was determined to be representative by Faculty.
Planning for a Remote Fall Semester - Survey Results
From June 25 to July 11, 2020, Student Services surveyed new and returning degree-seeking students about their needs and preferences for the remote Fall 2020 semester. Specifically, the five key objectives of this survey were to determine:
- Key information about students’ living situations;
- Access to technological tools;
- Access to academic supports;
- Student needs and wellbeing; and
- Methods for creating connections and community during a COVID-19 reality.
The survey was circulated to 31,500 students and had a 30% response rate. Results have and will continue to be used by services and Faculties to provide you, McGill students, with programs and services that meet your needs.
What did we learn?
We created two infographics to highlight the key messages from the survey results. You can view them below or click here for PDF versions:
View Graduate Results
Undergraduate Results
Graduate Results
Questions about this survey can be sent to %20lina.digenova [at] mcgill.ca (subject: I%20have%20a%20question!%20Planning%20for%20a%20Remote%20Fall%20Semester%20Survey) (Dr. Lina Di Genova), Director of Evaluation and Strategy , Student Services and %20natalie.phillips [at] mcgill.ca (subject: I%20have%20a%20questions!%20Planning%20for%20a%20Remote%20Fall%202020%20Semester%20Survey) (Natalie Phillips-Elgar), Planning Analyst, Analysis, Planning & Budget.
Note: The following students groups were excluded from this survey population:
- students who are on a leave of absence, an exchange at another university, etc.;
- students in diploma and certificate programs
- residents and fellows.
Checking-In Student Survey Results
In October, McGill Student Services launched a survey to check in on you and how your fall semester was going. Results of the survey are being used to provide and adapt supports based on your location, learning and student life experiences.
The survey was open from October 6th to 18th, 2020, and the overall response rate was 28% (or 9,900 students out of 36,500 eligible to participate).
What did we learn?
We created two infographics to highlight the key messages from the survey results. You can view them below or click here for PDF versions (with clickable links):
Undergraduate Results
Graduate Results
