August 24, 2012
Satisfied seniors: Survey measures graduating student satisfaction
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Recent graduates are giving Kansas State University high marks when it comes to their experience at the university.
The finding comes from the university's office of assessment and its latest survey, which measures the quality of the undergraduate experience as reported by graduating seniors.
Designed to give students the opportunity to reflect upon their experiences at the university, the survey was sent to 3,322 graduating seniors. Of the nearly 1,900 surveys that were returned -- an overall response rate of 57 percent -- 97 percent reported they had a positive experience at Kansas State University and would recommend it to others.
"K-State students get the best undergraduate experience possible and this survey confirms that," said Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students. "Prospective students and their parents recognize that K-State is a quality investment, which we see each year with our increased enrollment."
A majority of respondents -- 94 percent -- reported that during their years at the university they had made progress in several areas, such as gaining a broad general education; better understanding of their own and others' abilities, interests and personalities; increased team participation; positive interaction with diverse people; and ability to learn on their own, pursue ideas and find quality information.
"The positive experience seniors have is a testament to our faculty and staff, who care deeply about the success of our students," Bosco said.
K-State seniors also reported very high levels of satisfaction provided by various offices and services across campus. More than 90 percent of respondents indicated they were highly satisfied with admissions services; office of the registrar; access to electronic library resources, including electronic journals and books; the quality and quantity of library holdings; library staff; and the McCain Performance Series as well as various lecture series on campus.
According to Brian Niehoff, associate provost for institutional effectiveness, the purpose of the survey is to obtain valuable information that can be used to improve the university.
"The senior survey allows us to obtain immediate feedback -- since these are graduating seniors who are responding -- on programs, academics and services at the university," Niehoff said. "We encourage all departments and units in the university to read through the report, make note of areas where we can improve, then seek ways to continually improve what we do and how we do it."
According to the survey, 71 percent of the respondents also reported they would be beginning employment after graduation while 22 percent would attend graduate school or other types of educational programs.
A summary and full report on the senior survey is available at the office of assessment's website.