Many student surveys never reach their potential. Sometimes the communications do not land. Sometimes the survey design gets in the way — the survey may be too long, too confusing, or too removed from what students actually care about. And sometimes students simply do not see the value in completing them. Too many institutions launch surveys with good intentions, and they land with a thud.
The tension is real: you need student insight to make good decisions — and students need a reason to share their experiences. Student surveys are only as valuable as the responses you get and the insights you glean from them.
So, what actually works?
In this session, Jen and Ellie pull back the curtain on the reality of running student surveys at Queen’s — the misfires, the wins, and the surprises. From the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS) and a campus culture and climate survey to a Student Communications Survey that exceeded response rate expectations, they share how they turned survey signals into strategy, and what partnerships have made a difference.
This is not a theoretical session. It is grounded in real results, real response rates, and real changes made because of what students said — including how survey findings have shaped marketing and communications strategies. Attendees will come away with practical tools and information, and a clearer sense of how to move from survey signal to strategy in their own institutions.
Jennifer Ross
Director, Strategic Projects and Communications, Queen’s University
Jen leads strategic communications and special projects in Queen’s Office of the Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, where she translates complex institutional priorities into clear messaging for students, staff, senior leaders, and governance committees. Her work spans day-to-day student communications, wellbeing, equity, policy, and media response. She also leads Student Affairs’ student survey work at Queen’s, including project design, response rate strategy, and using findings to shape communications.
Ellie Sadinsky
Executive Director, Student Affairs, Queen’s University
A former broadcast journalist, Ellie brings 25+ years of communications leadership experience in government and post-secondary education. She leads student and staff communications, issues management, and Advancement for Queen’s Student Affairs, and collaborates with colleagues in 20+ units in Student Affairs and with campus partners, in providing services, programs, and initiatives that promote student access, success, leadership and wellbeing. She previously served as Queen’s Communications Director. Ellie has spent time as Acting Executive Director of Student Wellness Services at Queen’s and is a founding Steering Committee member of the BP Network, a past national Co-Chair of PEPAH, and past member of Queen’s Board of Trustees.