The Better Data Project
The Better Data Project focuses on enhancing the collection, management, and use of identity data across campus to inform inclusive action. One of the first steps is getting to know who is a part of UVic. For this reason, the Better Data questionnaire is open to all UVic employees and students
Complete your questionnaire today - it takes less than two minutes!
Results so far
As of July 8, 2024, approximately 9250 community members have completed their questionnaire, including 28% of all students and 36% of all employees (including staff, faculty, and librarians).
Here is some initial insight into our student community:
identify with a disability related to attention
identify as queer
identify as a racialized person or a person of colour
Here is some initial insight into our employee community:
identify with a disability related to mental health
identify with a religious or spiritual tradition
identify as a racialized person or a person of colour
If you’re interested in learning more about where the Better Data Project is headed, view our 2024 spring report. Check back frequently for our most recent data updates!
About the Project
Data collection will tell us who is a part of the UVic community. The more people that respond to the questionnaire, the more accurate picture of representation we will have. This data will be used to inform:
- a review of support structures to ensure they respond to the diverse needs of our students and employees;
- strategies to enhance both student and employee recruitment, retention, and advancement;
- evaluation of key institutional plans, including but not limited to the Strategic Plan, the Equity Action Plan and the Indigenous Plan.
Types of data collected
Demographic data is information related to your personal identity. We understand that your identity is personal, complex and constantly shifting. Questions were formed based on community consultation with various campus partners, as well as guidelines from experts in the field of equity and anti-oppression within post-secondary institutions. We ask our campus community to share information across six identity categories:
- Gender identity;
- Sexual orientation;
- Disability;
- Indigenous identity;
- Racial and/or ethnocultural identity; and
- Religious and/or spiritual identity.
Data collected as part of the Better Data Project is separate from all other data collection at UVic. While this may mean you have provided similar information in other areas (e.g., the student admission application), separating the Better Data questionnaire ensures that your data will not be accessible by any individual unit or used in any other institutional process (e.g., payroll). Find out more about how the data is used.
Your privacy
The data collected through the Better Data questionnaire meets the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality. Its data management processes follow both internal UVic policy and BC legislated requirements. Learn more about how we’re protecting your privacy in the questions below:
Other frequently asked questions
We have answers to some common questions you may have about the Project, the design of the questionnaire and how to complete it.More questions?
Email betterdata@uvic.ca.
If you have feedback on the Project or the questionnaire itself, please provide it through our feedback form.
