U-Flourish Student Well-being and Academic Success Survey

The U-Flourish Student Well-being and Academic Success Survey is a longitudinal study that examines the well-being and academic success of students over the course of their university studies.

The U-Flourish Survey launched in September 2018 with a baseline electronic survey sent to all first year incoming undergraduates. Since then, thousands of students have “had their say” by completing surveys every Fall and Winter semester. In July 2020, we included an additional evaluation of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university student well-being and academic success.

Our goal, together with students, is to better understand what is needed to guide the development and enhancement of services and initiatives that will ensure a successful transition to university life and strong mental health throughout university. This study is also being done in collaboration with the the University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, and a consortium of leading UK universities, Nurture-U, so that we can compare between universities and countries.

How Can I Get Involved?

All incoming undergraduate students at Queen's University, as well as students who have completed a U-Flourish survey in the past, are eligible to participate in future surveys. If you have not yet completed a U-Flourish survey, look for an invitation sent to your Queen's student email. Thank you to those who have participated already!

Stay tuned for more information about upcoming surveys, findings, and ways to let us know what you need to succeed.

The U-Flourish Survey is the first to examine the determinants of student success using comprehensive, validated measures over time. The purpose of this study is to gather information that can be used in order to implement positive changes to the overall student experience. You will have the opportunity to tell us about what you need to succeed as a student and inform the development of tailored student resources and services.

Students who participate will also have an opportunity to enter into a draw for a chance to win an iPad, gift cards, or other prizes.

View the Letter of Information here. If you had additional questions, please email them to flourish@queensu.ca.

Findings from the Fall 2018 U-Flourish Survey

You spoke, we learned there were difference in symptoms across genders — You spoke, we learned there were differences in symptoms across genders.

You spoke, we learned about the rate of current treatment. 8.5% of Queen's students were receiving at least some form of support or help for their mental health team — You spoke, we learned about the rate of current treatment. 8.5% of Queen's students were receiving at least some form of support or help for their mental health.

We learned the extent of substance use and binge drinking. With 25% of students reporting binge drinking at least once a week; and 11% reported using cannabis at least once a week. — We learned the extent of substance use and binge drinking. With 25% of students reporting binge drinking at least once a week and 11% reporting using cannabis at least once a week.

You spoke we heard almost 20% of students reported significant problems with their sleep — You spoke, we heard almost 20% of students reported significant problems with their sleep.

You spoke, we heard 32.5% of all students reported experiencing significant symptoms of anxiety. 27.6% of all students reported experiencing significant symptoms of depression — You spoke, we heard 32.5% of all students reported experiencing significant symptoms of anxiety, while 27.6% of all students reported experiencing significant symptoms of depression.

[TBD]

Findings from the 2020 U-Flourish Survey

2020 COVID-19 Anxiety and Impact on Students

In 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic took hold. In order to assess how students were doing during this unprecedented time, we added a brief series of questions to the U-Flourish Survey specific to COVID-19.