Well-being survey helps U of T foster healthy student experiences
Posted on February 12, 2025
Updated on February 24, 2025
By Sarah Ryeland-Etienne
In April 2025, undergraduate students will begin receiving emails inviting them to participate in the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS), an important survey about mental health, well-being and the U of T student experience.
This confidential survey gathers information about students’ health behaviours, which is an important step in developing the programs, services and tools to foster a healthy student experience. All information remains anonymous and personal details are never shared.
The survey focuses on nine main themes: Mental health assets, mental health deficits, student experience, health service utilization, physical health, academic achievement, substance use, nutrition and sexual health behaviour, and housing security.
“CCWS provides us with incredibly valuable insight about U of T students,” says David Newman, Executive Director, Student Experience. “When we understand their experiences and behaviours, we’re able to enhance the policies, resources, programs and services that support student well-being.”
Thanks to student participation in CCWS in both 2020 and 2022, the University was able to support the development of the Student Mental Health Resource and Navi, a chat-based virtual assistant. This work complements the implementations of recommendations from the Mental Health Task Force.
“This is the third time U of T has participated in CCWS,” says Newman. “Graduate and undergraduate students will receive their invitations in April. Our hope is to learn as much as we can about the ways in which students interact with mental health supports and who students look to for support with their overall well-being.”
CCWS was developed by academics who research health and well-being in Canada, together with staff members who support students at colleges and universities across the country. The survey results are shared with faculties, staff and students as a way to engage in deeper discussions about student well-being.
To thank participants, students who complete CCWS will be entered to win one of 300, $10 gift cards.
