DataPilot: Transfer Pathways Uptake and Student Outcomes

Overview

Improving institutional capacity to monitor and report on pathway traffic and associated student outcomes (e.g., graduation rates) is key to the development of a more robust and seamless transfer system. Through the DataPilot, ONCAT is committed to working with our partners to improve the capacity for pathway monitoring across Ontario colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes, supporting each institution to participate in a pilot to assess student uptake of transfer pathways, along with the characteristics and associated outcomes. 

 

To date, ONCAT is working with 14 institutions at various stages of launching, implementing or have completed the DataPilot including: Algoma University, Ontario Tech University, Lakehead University, Nipissing University, Trent University, York University, Brock University, Fanshawe College, Humber College, Lambton College, Canadore College, Fleming College, Durham College, and First Nations Technical Institute.

Become a DataPilot Partner Institution

Institutions that participate in this DataPilot will receive: 

  • Funding to support in-house data clean-up, linkage, and analysis focused specifically on transfer students. Funding will range from $30,000 to $55,000, depending on the scope of work and level of reporting agreed upon by ONCAT and each participant. Larger requests will be considered based on institutional capacity needs.
  • In-kind analysis from ONCAT's research team. Once data reports are submitted, ONCAT may perform its own analysis and share these with institutions. This is a confidential process and helps to inform next-step projects. 
  • Pilot Partner Learning Forums to share approaches, learning, and recommendations. 
  • Opportunity to apply for DataPilot Phase 2 funding to support next step projects. Institutions that complete the DataPilot are eligible for additional funding to implement next step data projects or continue to address data reporting capacity needs identified in the first phase. Funding will range from $50,000 to $75,000, depending on the scope of work and level of reporting agreed upon by ONCAT and each participant. 

 

Project Deliverables

This pilot is intended to support institutional capacity-building, with the intent of improving reporting and tracking of transfer student in the sector.

The main deliverable is a report that includes: 

1. Data on transfer student uptake and outcomes (anonymized and/or aggregate data depending on what is most feasible for the institution). To preview the Data Collection Template, click here. Data elements include: 

  • Counts of transfer applications & registrations; 
  • Admission averages;
  • Average credits awarded for students traveling different pathways; 
  • Completion rates by pathway types;
  • Transfer student demographics (e.g., gender).

*Note: Collection of OEN and personal information data fields are not required 

2. Examples of technical details and resources used (e.g., syntax for analysis, process maps)

3. Reflection on data reporting enhancement opportunities/feasibility challenges 

Eligibility

Publicly assisted postsecondary institutions in Ontario (colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes) are eligible to apply.
 

Application

  • Applications are accepted through our online portal here.
  • To view the Budget Guidelines, please click here.
  • For more information and If you would like to discuss the DataPilot, please reach out to: