The Queen’s community can gain its first look at data from the Student Experiences Survey—a wide-ranging and in-depth initiative to understand systemic racism, exclusionary and discriminatory behaviours, and sexual violence on campus—with the release of a snapshot report that highlights its overall findings.

Over 5,400 students responded to the questionnaire, in the Winter of 2021 reflecting on their experiences of campus over the previous year.  The outcomes confirm that while Queen’s has made progress in many of these areas, there is still much more to do.

Notably, equity-deserving students—including Black, racialized, non-binary, trans, Indigenous students, and students with disabilities—cited fewer positive responses related to belonging, inclusion, diversity, feeling safe and connected to campus, experiences of harassment and discrimination, and questions related to food and housing security. Data also shows that some student demographics are more likely to experience sexual harassment and sexual violence, and more likely to report that sexual violence is an issue at Queen’s.

The university has committed to use survey insights as part of its broad efforts to foster greater inclusivity and equity at the university, and to ensure Queen’s is a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.

Among its immediate actions will be continued collaboration with the Student Experiences Survey Student Advisory Group to identify actions and co-develop a student engagement strategy for the fall term and beyond. The institution will also complete faculty-level and other analyses that further detail the experiences of certain demographic groups to ensure alignment of efforts across campus. Information will support the university’s Declaration of Commitment to Address Systemic Racism, as well as the work of the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Task Force. The Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor will support capacity-building initiatives, identified by the student advisory group and campus stakeholders, to drive more progress and change.

Visit the Student Experiences Survey website for background on the project and to view the June 2021 Snapshot Report.