Fall 2005 Provincial Part-Time Student Survey

Every few years, the 25 Ontario colleges conduct a province-wide survey of Continuing Education (Part-Time) students. In fall 2005, at Centennial, some 9,055 Continuing Education students were surveyed – with a 56% return rate.

We are very proud that our students continue to rate our instructors and courses ever more highly: 95% (up from 93% in 2002) are very satisfied/satisfied with instructor quality; and 94% continue to be very satisfied/satisfied with quality of courses.

Some other highlights:

• Most CE students are female (61%), between 35-44 years old (27%);
• 85% of CE students are pursuing a program or professional designation;
• 86% are employed (70% full-time, 16% part-time);
• 70% already have postsecondary education (12% certificate, 24% diploma, 34% degree);
• 80% of our students would recommend their course to a friend;
• Centennial is the 2nd most culturally diverse college in the province (48% of our CE students speak other than English or French, 14% indicated English skills cause problems);
• Most (92%) are very satisfied/satisfied with overall ease of registration (38% in-person, 19% phone, 37% Web);
• 93% have access to a computer (92% at home);
• 29% of Centennial CE students' employers paid some or all of course costs, and 12% provide time off to attend courses;
• 94% feel safe in college buildings;
• Barriers to success: 28% finances; 18% language skills
• Most important reason for choosing Centennial: 26% previous positive experience; 22% location;
• Main reason for taking CE courses: to improve in current career (36%); changing career (22%).