Institutional Research and Academic Planning
UCUES data use
Over the last twenty years, data from UCUES has been used for a variety of internal, external, and policy purposes. Included are examples of campus and systemwide uses of data collected from UCUES.
Examples of UCUES data used for research, policy, and improvement:
General aggregate data: UCOP broadly distributes student experience data collected through UCUES in UC's Information Center to improve transparency of UC’s learning environment and challenges facing students. UCOP also includes data related to students’ learning experiences, diversity and inclusion, and financial aid (including students work hours and family income) in the annual Accountability Report and in reports to the UC Board of Regents to enhance evidence-based decision making to improve student success and development.
Engagement data: UCOP and campuses use UCUES data to examine the effect of student engagement in academic and civic activities on the post-baccalaureate experience, including graduate education, employment industries, and earnings. Additionally, student engagement data is analyzed to determine its effect on student success including first-year retention and degree-completion.
Student experience data: UCOP uses student experience data to examine the value of a UC degree and to better understand challenges of student subpopulations such as foster youth, veteran students, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and parenting students.
COVID-19 data: UCOP and campuses use data to examine students' concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning experience and challenges.
Basic needs data: UCOP and campuses use basic needs data to examine student food and housing insecurity and develop UC basic needs goals for 2025.
Data of students with disabilities: UCOP uses data to examine experience of students with disabilities and report to the Regents for initiatives to help them improve their experiences and successfully complete their UC education.
Three-year degree data: UCOP uses the three-year degree data from UCUES to support UC's three-year degree pathways project.
Climate data: UCUES data is used to evaluate students’ experiences and perceptions of campus climate in the UC Accountability Report. Additionally, UCOP used climate data in UC’s amicus brief in the affirmative action cases submitted to the US Supreme Court.
Additionally, UC campuses use UCUES data for academic program review, accreditation, media relations, and as a catalyst to discuss areas of strength and improvement for the campuses. The following are examples of campus-specific uses of UCUES data:
Campuses distribute data to administrators, academic programs, and administrative departments to understand student experiences and learning challenges.
Campuses use data for academic program review and WASC accreditation for quality evaluation of courses and instruction and student learning outcomes assessment.
UCUES data have been broadly used in Student Affairs at the campuses to evaluate campus services to monitor the impact of service changes in the undergraduate experience and guide their efforts.
UCUES results have been presented to the campuses’ Transfer Task Force, the Undergraduate Advising Committees, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Internship and Careers Center, Financial Aid, Admissions, and study abroad centers for initiatives to provide students with appropriate learning and life support.
UCUES data on research participation was used to establish a profile of students who report engaging in various research activities and better understand how participation in research activities is related to student outcomes such as academic engagement, GPA, and likelihood to pursue an advanced degree.
