WUSA Representative Survey Highlights

Three students are seated at a picnic table outdoors, engaged with their devices and books, with a tall modern building and green trees in the background. One student wears headphones while another focuses on a smartphone. Shadows create a dappled effect on the scene, setting the stage for some useful Final Exams Tips.

The Representative Survey Platform (RSP) is a new tool developed by WUSA, where a randomized group of students from all faculties are invited to participate in surveys throughout the year. Participants receive gift cards in exchange for their time and feedback. These RSPs provide a way for WUSA to gather student feedback and concerns relating to specific questions, while avoiding the potential for selectivity or distribution bias. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, you can sign up here to be added to the waitlist for future RSP surveys and will be contacted when a spot becomes available.  

Previous RSP Reports can be found in the Research & Consultation section of our website and are usually accompanied by an abridged summary that highlights key insights.  

These full reports include recommendations for ways in which WUSA can adapt to better meet the needs of its undergraduate student members. These recommendations may be internal to WUSA or externally directed toward stakeholders on or off campus. 

RSP 3: Student Pulse Survey: 

The purpose of this specific RSP was to gain a better understanding of the behaviours, habits, likes, and dislikes of undergraduate students, as well as communication preferences and best time to host WUSA Events. The report’s findings include the fact that: 

  • 78.7% of surveyed students agree that WUSA provides important services. 
  • 69.3% of students felt that they were unable to attend a WUSA event due to lack of time. 
  • 52.6% of students did not know that they could leave feedback or ask general questions through wusa.ca.  

These are only 3 of the dozens of questions that were asked as a part of the survey, which includes many more key insights that will influence WUSA’s decision-making process.  

Responses to identified student questions and gaps in knowledge can be found below: 

  • Feedback and General Questions: Students can submit feedback and/or general questions in the contact section or at the bottom of the page on wusa.ca.  
  • Study Spaces: Study spaces are located throughout SLC! Individual study rooms, lounges, and even a piano room can be booked by going to the Turnkey Desk.  

The full Student Pulse Survey Report and the Summarized Student Pulse Survey Report can both be found on the WUSA Website on the Research & Consultation page or by clicking the links above. The summarized report will provide an overview of some of the key findings of the report while the full report contains the totality of the research and questions asked to students as a part of the survey.  

RSP 4: WUSA Yearly Planning Survey: 

This RSP focused on member interaction with the 2024-25 WUSA General Election, learning about relevant student issues, and student priorities for the upcoming governance year. This report found that  

  • 86.4% of student respondents were aware of the WUSA General Election. 
  • 74.5% of students felt they did not have the free time to attend the WUSA General Meeting. 
  • Most students want student mental health, job availability, and promoting belonging on campus to be prioritized in future WUSA advocacy work.  

Many students identified a lack of understanding of WUSA’s structure as a barrier to engagement. WUSA’s organizational structure, as well as undergraduate students’ role in affecting change within WUSA, can be found on the Student Bodies Webpage. This is mainly achieved through decisions made by an elected group of students who comprise WUSA’s Board of Directors. In addition, each year an annual general meeting is held in which any undergraduate student can bring forward concerns or changes they’d like to see made. 

The full WUSA Yearly Planning Survey and the Summarized Student Pulse Survey Report can both be found on the WUSA website on the Research & Consultation page or by clicking the links above.  

Interested in participating in the Representative Survey Platform? Sign up here to be added to the waitlist.

Rory Norris 

Communications Assistant 

Published: Wednesday, October 9, 2024

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