- Do I have to complete the Census?
- As of February 2023, all students are required to complete the Census. We encourage all students to share their information because the more responses we receive, the more we’ll learn about our student community, and the better we’ll be able to act based on the data. There is a “prefer not to answer” option for […]
- Will my response have any bearing on my academic record or any other student records?
- No. The data you share with us won’t affect your academic record in any way, nor will it have any bearing on your eligibility for admission or registration to any U of T program. No professor, teaching assistant or Academic Advisor will have access to this personal data. This data will never be used as part of implementing a policy associated with your academic […]
- How is the data being stored and how is my privacy protected?
- Data is stored on secure University of Toronto servers and is encrypted at all times. The University of Toronto is committed to privacy safeguards your personal information in a way that is consistent with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). This includes all information provided through the U of T Student Equity Census. We won’t use your information for other purposes, […]
- I don’t identify with any group experiencing barriers to access. Why should I complete the Census?
- The primary goal of this Census is to gain a deeper understanding of the composition of our student community. The data we collect will help us to learn more about who isn’t currently represented in our community, but it will also show us how to provide better supports to our current student population. Your personal participation in the Census is a way to be part of our collective action towards […]
- Why does the Census use the terminology that it does?
- Identity is personal and complex, so we looked at a wide variety of terminology and considered many ways to collect this information. Feedback from our students was critical in designing the Census questions. In every response, you have the opportunity to list how you want to identify, beyond the list of options provided. Terminology is fluid and you may change how you want to identify – that’s why you have the option to […]
- Why does the Census focus on the specific demographic areas that it does?
- The Census is gathering a broad range of demographic information – this includes information about gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, Indigeneity, race and ethnocultural identity and educational attainment of parents/guardians. In response to further feedback from our students, we added a new question on religious, spiritual affiliations or beliefs for the 2024-25 academic year. This […]
- How will having this information remove barriers for underrepresented student groups?
- The information we gather helps us see who’s here and who isn’t – at the University in general, and in specific faculties and programs. It lets us know whether we’re adequately engaging and supporting students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are historically and currently underrepresented in post-secondary education. It helps us to better understand […]
- Can I delete my answers after I have submitted?
- Each question has a “prefer not to answer” option, so you can use this if there is specific information you don’t want to share. We don’t keep a historical record of your previous responses and any previous data you submitted will be removed.
- Can I change my answers?
- Yes, you can log in again to change or modify your responses at any time – the information is collected and updated on an ongoing basis. If you make changes, your previous responses will not be saved.
- What changed on the Census since its initial launch?
- Following a comprehensive review by the U of T Student Equity Census Advisory Roundtable, and looking closely at student feedback, some of the questions and categories on the Census have changed. The revised version of the Census launched on December 1, 2021. These changes included: In response to further feedback from our students, we added a […]
- How do I access the Census and how long does it take to complete?
- The U of T Student Equity Census is accessible through ACORN. Simply log in using your UTORid and fill out your responses – it should only take about five minutes to complete. You can find the Census in the “Profile & Settings” section of your ACORN account.
- Who should complete the Census?
- All undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at the University of Toronto on a part-time or full-time basis are required to complete the Census. However, students are in no way required to share any information that they do not wish to share. The “prefer not to answer” option is always there for students to use, and this option […]
- Why is U of T collecting this data?
- Excellence flourishes in an environment that embraces the broadest range of people and reflects local communities. The U of T Student Equity Census supports U of T’s commitment to creating inclusive working and learning environments through better understanding the characteristics of our student body. This initiative aligns with broader institutional efforts that support anti-discrimination and enhanced equity. […]