Student Experience at the Research University Survey

Throughout February and March 2021, approximately 40,000 undergraduate students will be asked to participate in the Student Experience at the Research University survey (SERU) via email.

This is the first time U of T will participate in SERU, though SERU has released a series of reports about the impacts of COVID-19 on students since last March from some of its other members.

What makes SERU unique?

  • It’s a survey that includes students from all years of study, not only those starting and completing their degree. The demographic and social identity questions have been customized for Canadian institutions.
  • The questions have been customized and designed recognizing that for most students, most of the 2020-21 academic year has been done via remote learning.
  • It has a significant focus on interactions with faculty, participation and interest in research and related high-impact learning experiences.
  • The survey focuses on the transition to remote instruction, the financial impacts of COVID-19, student health and wellbeing, belonging and engagement, and future plans.

Our intentions with this survey:

  • Share specific and relevant data with campuses, faculties and colleges
  • Compare our data against other large, publicly funded, research-oriented universities
  • Focus on questions related to experiences during COVID-19, to help support spring/summer and fall classes

Prizes

Students who complete the survey will be automatically entered in a random draw to win a gift card for Presto, Uber Eats, Chapters/Indigo or the U of T Bookstore. Your chances of winning depend on how many students complete the survey.

 

Previous reports

This is our first time participating in SERU. However, the School of Graduate Studies participated in the graduate SERU in 2017. You may also find it interesting to review the most recent results from the National College Health Assessment and the National Survey of Student Engagement.

 

For staff: SERU promotion

  • Digital slides: Please consider adding this U of T is Listening (PNG) slide to any lecture or presentation for undergraduate students.
  • Newsletters: Please add information about SERU to any newsletters or listservs you have. We can’t email groups directly about the survey, but we can add information to existing communications.
  • Social media: There will be a social media campaign using the hashtag #listenUT. Wherever possible and appropriate, please repost and retweet on your unit’s social media channels.