2014 gss student satisfaction...

1 November 2014

2014 GSS Student Satisfaction Survey Results prepared for the Graduate Student Society of UBC Vancouver

1

Disclaimer The scope of this report is limited to presenting the data provided by the client in a summary format for consumption by the client. Therefore, all data is presented as-is and no claim is made as to its accuracy prior to acquisition by the report authors. All questions posed, answer keys, and responses were created prior to and independent of the involvement of the author in compiling this report and the author makes no claim as to the statistical, methodological, or logical validity of any of the data presented herein, or to any of the conclusions that may or may not be reached by the client or by others as a result of the data presented here. Due to the design and collection of all data by the client prior to engagement of the author, no attempts have been made by the author to identify or control for existing survey methodology issues.

Contact Details For the Graduate Student Society of UBC Vancouver, contact the current President at [email protected] For the report author, contact Sean Cregten at [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

2

Introduction

This report presents in summary form the responses acquired by the Graduate Student Society of UBC-Vancouver (GSS) during a survey of their membership in 2014. The results and analysis of the responses as presented in this report have been compiled by Common Metric Ltd. from the data provided by the GSS.

Report Scope This report covers the summary of responses to all non-free form questions asked by the GSS during this survey, with the exception of questions that sought information that could be used to personally identify an individual and a small number of questions relating to the GSS’ mission.

Report Structure This report maintains the order of questions as they were posed to GSS’ membership, with the above noted exception regarding the GSS’ mission. Questions with free form responses have been excluded from the report and provided to the GSS separately and without context, for the sake of clarity of the report and to exclude any possibility of presenting personally identifying information.

Survey Response Rate The survey had 1,546 submitted responses to the first question, and 641 responses to the final question. As all question sections required an answer, this represents a 41% retention rate from beginning to end of the survey. This retention rate is relatively low and could be raised in future with slight changes to the structure and ordering of the survey questions. The graduate population at UBC Vancouver in 2013/2014 was 9,912.1 The 1,546 survey starts and the 641 survey completions therefore represent approximately 16% and 6% of the graduate student population respectively, assuming each response was from a UBC Vancouver graduate student without repetition of respondents.

Potential Resources for Further Information Related information that may be of use for comparative purposes include: the AMS Academic Experience Survey; data available from UBC Planning and Institutional Research; and resources available from the UBC Provost’s office and the UBC Vice President Students’ office.

1 UBC Office of Planning and Institutional Research, UBC Vancouver Campus Fact Sheet, 2014

3

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

1. Demographics ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Program Start Year ....................................................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Faculty .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

1.3 Academic Program ....................................................................................................................................... 6

1.4 Domestic or International ............................................................................................................................ 7

1.5 Gender ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.6 Commute to Place of Academic Work ......................................................................................................... 7

1.7 Satisfaction: Quality of Student Life ............................................................................................................. 7

1.8 Satisfaction: Academic Program .................................................................................................................. 8

1.9 Satisfaction: Amount of Funding .................................................................................................................. 9

1.10 Satisfaction: Cost of Living ......................................................................................................................... 10

1.11 Satisfaction: Student Support Services ...................................................................................................... 10

1.12 Satisfaction: Campus Facilities & Research Equipment ............................................................................. 11

2. GSS Strengths and Weaknesses .......................................................................................................................... 12

2.1 GSS Strengths ............................................................................................................................................. 12

2.2 GSS Weaknesses......................................................................................................................................... 12

3. Graduate Student Society Questions .................................................................................................................. 13

3.1 Lobbying ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

3.2 GSS Emergency Fund .................................................................................................................................. 13

3.3 GSS Orientation .......................................................................................................................................... 14

3.4 GSS Classes ................................................................................................................................................. 14

3.5 GSS Summer Sports Classes ....................................................................................................................... 14

3.6 Types of GSS Events ................................................................................................................................... 15

3.7 Grad Association, Committee, or Space ..................................................................................................... 15

3.8 Attend Events ............................................................................................................................................. 15

3.9 Make Friends .............................................................................................................................................. 16

3.10 Graduate Student Centre ........................................................................................................................... 16

3.11 Financial Support ....................................................................................................................................... 16

3.12 GSS Fee ....................................................................................................................................................... 17

3.13 Attended GSS Events .................................................................................................................................. 17

3.14 New Society Location ................................................................................................................................. 17

3.15 Social Media Platforms .............................................................................................................................. 18

3.16 GSS Newsletter ........................................................................................................................................... 18

4

4. Academic Support ............................................................................................................................................... 19

4.1 Courses outside Program ........................................................................................................................... 19

4.2 Mandatory Courses .................................................................................................................................... 19

4.3 Meeting with Supervisor/Advisor .............................................................................................................. 20

4.4 Comfortable Discussion Topics with Supervisor/Advisor ........................................................................... 20

4.5 Conflict with Committee ............................................................................................................................ 21

4.6 Academic Supervision ................................................................................................................................ 21

4.7 Flexibility in Thesis ..................................................................................................................................... 22

4.8 Challenges to Academic Performance ....................................................................................................... 23

4.9 Minimum Stipend ....................................................................................................................................... 24

4.10 Ability to Cover Living Expenses ................................................................................................................. 24

4.11 Preparation for Graduate Work and Career Goals ..................................................................................... 25

5. Student Wellbeing and Mental Health ............................................................................................................... 26

5.1 Discomfort Due to Race/Ethnicity .............................................................................................................. 26

5.2 Discomfort Due to Gender ......................................................................................................................... 26

5.3 Discomfort Due to Sexual Orientation ....................................................................................................... 26

5.4 Stress Due to Finances ............................................................................................................................... 27

5.5 Stress Due to Academic Workload ............................................................................................................. 27

5.6 Stress Due to Advisor/ Supervisor Pressures ............................................................................................. 28

5.7 Stress Due to Preparation for Life after Graduation .................................................................................. 29

5.8 Stress Due to Personal Life ......................................................................................................................... 29

5.9 Stress Due to Other .................................................................................................................................... 30

5.10 Unhealthy Stress ........................................................................................................................................ 30

5.11 Effect of Stress on Academic Performance ................................................................................................ 30

5.12 Awareness of Campus Services .................................................................................................................. 31

5.13 Referral to Campus Services ...................................................................................................................... 31

5

1. Demographics

1.1 Program Start Year

Question: I started my current graduate program at UBC in:

Responses:

1546

Results: Options Percentage

2008 or before 3%

2009 5%

2010 7%

2011 10%

2012 19%

2013 29%

2014 27%

Comment:

For the purposes of analysis in other sections, all respondents from 2011 and prior have been grouped together to provide more appropriate statistical volume.

1.2 Faculty

Question: My program is housed in the Faculty of _____.

Responses:

1546


Applied Science 16%

Arts 16%

Commerce (Sauder School of Business) 4%

Dentistry 1%

Education 17%

Forestry 3%

Land and Food Systems 2%

Law 1%

Medicine 14%

Other 7%

Pharmaceutical Sciences 1%

Sciences 20%

Comment:

For the purposes of analysis in other sections, only respondents from the five faculties with substantial volume (Applied Science, Arts, Education, Medicine, and Sciences) have been analysed.

6

1.3 Academic Program

Question: The name of my academic program is _____. Responses:

1363

Results: Faculty Options Total

Applied Science Electrical and Computer Engineering 50

Applied Science Mechanical Engineering 37

Applied Science Civil Engineering 28

Applied Science Total Other (under 20 / program) 123

Arts Psychology 29

Arts Economics 27

Arts Library and Information Studies 20

Arts Total Other (under 20 / program) 164

Sauder (MBA) Business Administration 45

Sauder Total Other (under 20 / program) 23

Dentistry Total Other (under 20 / program) 10

Education Counselling Psychology 29

Education Total Other (under 20 / program) 226

Forestry Total Other (under 20 / program) 40

Land and Food Systems Total Other (under 20 / program) 22

Law Total Other (under 20 / program) 8

Medicine Neuroscience 41

Medicine Population and Public Health 30

Medicine Experimental Medicine 26

Medicine Total Other (under 20 / program) 112

Other Total Other (under 20 / program) 12

Sciences Physics 50

Sciences Chemistry 37

Sciences Genome Science and Technology 30

Sciences Zoology 26

Sciences Microbiology and Immunology 25

Sciences Computer Science 23

Sciences Botany 20

Sciences Total Other (under 20 / program) 96

Comment:

Responses have been grouped where less than 20 respondents selected a program.

7

1.4 Domestic or International

Question: I am a _____ student. Responses:

1236

Results:

Options Percentage

Domestic 65%

International 35%

1.5 Gender

Question: I identify as _____ gender. Responses:

1160

Results:

Free Response Percentage

Female 58%

Male 41%

Other 1%

1.6 Commute to Place of Academic Work

Question: It takes me _____ minutes to get from my home to my place of academic work. Responses:

1227

Results:

Options Percentage

0-15 23%

16-30 29%

31-45 22%

46-60 16%

61+ 11%

1.7 Satisfaction: Quality of Student Life

Question: Please rate your experience as a graduate student at UBC in the following categories based on your expectations: Overall quality of student life

Responses:

1208

Results:

Options Percentage

Very dissatisfied 3%

Dissatisfied 5%

Somewhat dissatisfied 11%

Somewhat satisfied 30%

Satisfied 42%

Very satisfied 10%

8

1.7.1 Breakdown: By 1.6 Commute to Place of Academic Work

1.8 Satisfaction: Academic Program

Question: Please rate your experience as a graduate student at UBC in the following categories based on your expectations: Your academic program

Responses:

1208

Results:

Options Percentage


Dissatisfied 6%



Satisfied 41%

Very satisfied 17%

1.8.1 Breakdown: By 1.2 Faculty

Results: Options 0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 61+

Very dissatisfied 3% 2% 3% 3% 5%

Dissatisfied 3% 5% 6% 6% 5%

Somewhat dissatisfied 8% 10% 11% 14% 12%

Somewhat satisfied 26% 30% 32% 29% 40%

Satisfied 46% 43% 43% 37% 33%

Very satisfied 14% 10% 6% 11% 5%

275 352 263 190 129

Results: Options

Applied Science

Arts

Education

Medicine

Science





Satisfied 34% 43% 38% 43% 51%

Very satisfied 8% 19% 26% 12% 17%

181 199 209 179 259

9

1.9 Satisfaction: Amount of Funding

Question: Please rate your experience as a graduate student at UBC in the following categories based on your expectations: Amount of Funding

Responses:

1204

Results:

Options Percentage


Dissatisfied 15%



Satisfied 23%

Very satisfied 7%

1.9.1 Breakdown: By 1.1 Program Start Year


Results: Options 2011 or Prior 2012 2013 2014

Very dissatisfied 15% 10% 12% 13%

Dissatisfied 14% 17% 18% 10%

Somewhat dissatisfied 17% 16% 16% 20%

Somewhat satisfied 23% 28% 25% 29%

Satisfied 23% 21% 24% 22%

Very satisfied 8% 9% 6% 7%

344 254 407 199

Results: Options

Applied Science

Arts

Education

Medicine

Science


Dissatisfied 15% 14% 15% 22% 10%



Satisfied 17% 26% 21% 22% 28%


181 199 206 179 259

10

1.10 Satisfaction: Cost of Living

Question: Please rate your experience as a graduate student at UBC in the following categories based on your expectations: Cost of living

Responses:

1206

Results:

Options Percentage


Dissatisfied 22%



Satisfied 10%

Very satisfied 1%

1.10.1.1 Breakdown: By 1.6 Commute to Place of Academic Work

1.11 Satisfaction: Student Support Services

Question: Please rate your experience as a graduate student at UBC in the following categories based on your expectations: Student support services

Responses:

1203

Results:

Options Percentage


Dissatisfied 7%



Satisfied 30%

Very satisfied 5%

Results: Options 0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 61+


Dissatisfied 21% 20% 25% 24% 23%



Satisfied 15% 11% 6% 8% 9%


273 352 263 189 129

11

1.12 Satisfaction: Campus Facilities & Research Equipment

Question: Please rate your experience as a graduate student at UBC in the following categories based on your expectations: Campus facilities and research equipment (labs, libraries, office/work space, etc.)

Responses:

1207

Results:

Options Percentage


Dissatisfied 6%



Satisfied 41%

Very satisfied 15%




Very dissatisfied 6% 3% 2% 2%

Dissatisfied 6% 5% 6% 4%

Somewhat dissatisfied 11% 9% 13% 8%

Somewhat satisfied 26% 26% 23% 17%

Satisfied 38% 42% 40% 50%

Very satisfied 13% 15% 17% 18%

344 255 407 201

Results: Options

Applied Science

Arts

Education

Medicine

Science





Satisfied 38% 38% 38% 45% 46%

Very satisfied 13% 10% 12% 18% 22%

181 199 209 179 259

12

2. GSS Strengths and Weaknesses

2.1 GSS Strengths

Question: As part of the GSS strategic planning process the GSS Board of Directors (known as GSS Council) has identified the GSS’ four major strengths of the Society: - Financial stability and well-being - Lobbying capabilities and political influence - A dedicated volunteer base - Facilities and capital assets Do you feel this list is an accurate representation of the Society’s Strengths?

Responses:

836


No 8%

Yes 36%

Not sure 56%

2.2 GSS Weaknesses

Question: As part of the GSS strategic planning process the GSS Board of Directors (known as the GSS Council) has identified the GSS' four major weaknesses of the Society: - Communication with members can be improved - Not sufficiently quantitatively-based as an organisation - Membership engagement is not as high as it could be - Lack of internal memory Do you feel this list is an accurate representation of the Society's weaknesses?

Responses:

797


No 4%

Yes 57%

Not sure 39%

13

3. Graduate Student Society Questions

3.1 Lobbying

Question: One of the primary responsibilities of the GSS is to conduct lobbying and to advocate for graduate student education on three levels: university, provincial, and federal. Select up to five of the following areas that you feel the GSS should devote most of its lobbying energy:

Responses:

743 respondents, for a total of 2915 selections

Results: Options Total

Establishing guaranteed minimum stipends and increasing the number of scholarships

549

Ensuring the survival of the U-Pass 423

Lack of graduate student professional development and career preparation 349

Lack of student health coverage 289

Length of time-to-completion for degrees 251

Policies regarding student-supervisor relationships and conflicts 250

Open Access (the use of online technology to freely share knowledge) 239

Lack of academic office/work space for graduate students 230

Long wait times for accessing childcare 131

Issues around obtaining permanent residency 129

Other 75

3.2 GSS Emergency Fund

Question: At present, the GSS operates a small graduate student Emergency Fund for members who are undergoing unexpected short-term dire financial straits and who have exhausted all other options. This fund is managed and regulated by very specific conditions in order to ensure its appropriate use. Do you support the continuation of the Emergency Fund?

Responses:

735


No 4%

Yes 82%

Unsure 14%

14

3.3 GSS Orientation

Question: Which of the following applies to you?

Responses:

734


I have participated in the GSS/Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Orientation

39%

I am not aware of the GSS/Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Orientation

35%

I am aware of the GSS/Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Orientation but did not attend

27%



I have participated … 45% 46% 36% 20%

I am not aware of … 24% 36% 34% 58%

I am aware of … but did not attend 31% 18% 30% 21%

229 152 250 103

3.4 GSS Classes

Question: Throughout the year the GSS holds various social, language, and recreational classes that run anywhere from 7-10 weeks and are run at-cost for graduate students. Which of the following applies to you?

Responses:

730


I am aware of GSS classes but have never taken any 47%

I am not aware of GSS classes 40%

I have taken one or more GSS classes 13%

3.5 GSS Summer Sports Classes

Question: The GSS summer sports program holds an annual 10-week league (end of May - start of August) for both soccer and softball at highly subsidized rates. Would you be interested in participating in the GSS summer sports league if it featured more sports? If so, what sports would you prefer?

Responses:

707

Results:

Options Percentage

I am not interested 64%

I am interested in the following sports: 36%

Comments: Common mentions: volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, ultimate Frisbee.

15

3.6 Types of GSS Events

Question: Most of the events that the GSS currently holds for students are intended to be social. Would you be interested in attending events that are more academically and/or career development oriented?

Responses:

710


No 15%

Yes 58%

Not sure 26%

3.7 Grad Association, Committee, or Space

Question: Does your department have a graduate student (select all that apply): Department Organization (Association, Society, Council, etc.) Social Committee Building Association Specific space (graduate student reading room, lounge, etc.) Unsure None of the above

Responses:

689


Selected any of: Department Organization, Social Committee, Building Association, Specific Space

478

Unsure 204

None of the above 44

Comments: Total sums to 726, as some respondents selected both an association and also ‘unsure’ or ‘none of

the above’. For the purposes of breakdowns, two categories are recognised – “yes” to any of the above graduate associations (478), and those who did not record a yes (remainder).

3.8 Attend Events

Question: Do you attend your graduate student organization events on a regular basis?

Responses: 689 Results:

Overall Results 3.7 Grad Association,

Committee, or Space

Options Percentage Yes No

No 38% 36% 42%

Yes 40% 54% 9%

Not sure if there are any 22% 11% 49%

478 211

16

3.9 Make Friends

Question: I find it difficult to make new friends outside my department but within the University community.

Responses:

686

Results: Overall Results 3.8 Attend Events

Options Percentage Yes No / Unaware

Strongly disagree 4% 4% 4%

Disagree 12% 13% 12%

Neutral 25% 20% 29%

Agree 30% 33% 28%

Strongly agree 29% 30% 28%

275 411

3.10 Graduate Student Centre

Question: If your academic program or Department's social events were held in the Graduate Student Centre (Thea Koerner House), how likely would you be to attend them?

Responses: 686 Results: Overall Results



Very unlikely 10% 9% 13%

Unlikely 13% 14% 13%

Neither likely nor unlikely 29% 32% 22%

Likely 29% 29% 30%

Very likely 12% 13% 10%

I'm not sure where the Graduate Student Centre is

6% 3% 12%

476 210

3.11 Financial Support

Question: Do you agree that the GSS should provide financial support to UBC graduate student organizations (either a student group which represents an academic department or a graduate student club)?




No 11% 10% 12%

Yes 59% 61% 53%

Not sure 31% 29% 35%

474 206

17

3.12 GSS Fee

Question: Would you support an annual $5 fee which would be solely used to support graduate student organizations' events and activities (of either a student group which represents an academic department or a graduate student club)?




No 11% 30% 35%

Yes 59% 48% 41%

Not sure 31% 22% 24%

474 206

3.13 Attended GSS Events

Question: Have you attended a Graduate Student Society event in the Graduate Student Centre (Thea Koerner House - 6371 Crescent Road)?




No 55% 46% 76%

Yes 45% 54% 24%

473 205

3.14 New Society Location

Question: The Graduate Student Centre is currently 52 years old and is not centrally located on campus. Do you support the Society looking into a long-term plan for a new building in a more central location on campus?

Responses:

677


No 66%

Yes 34%

18

3.15 Social Media Platforms

Question: Which of the following social media platforms do you regularly use? (select all that apply):

Responses:



Facebook 536

LinkedIn 216

Twitter 172

Instagram 130

None 84

Google+ 75

Pinterest 70

Tumblr 30

Other 18

3.16 GSS Newsletter

Question: In an effort to reduce the length of the weekly GSS newsletter, the Society has only included select items that it feels are of value to most graduate students. As a result, some items are left out. Do you prefer:

Responses:

676


A more condensed newsletter containing only information that is relevant to all graduate students

57%

A longer newsletter containing information that may not be relevant to all graduate students

21%

Not sure 22%

19

4. Academic Support

4.1 Courses outside Program

Question: I would like more opportunities to take courses outside of my program or specific discipline. Responses:

671


Strongly Disagree 2%

Disagree 7%

Neutral 26%

Agree 39%

Strongly Agree 26%


Results: Options Applied Science Arts Education Medicine Science

Strongly Disagree 0% 2% 1% 4% 2%

Disagree 5% 7% 10% 8% 7%

Neutral 21% 24% 25% 31% 28%

Agree 45% 40% 38% 38% 37%

Strongly Agree 30% 27% 26% 20% 26%

87 117 114 111 147

4.2 Mandatory Courses

Question: I think that the mandatory courses in my graduate program provide me with a strong enough foundation to excel in my intended career path.

Responses:

671



Disagree 16%

Neutral 25%

Agree 39%

Strongly Agree 11%




Disagree 17% 10% 13% 18% 16%

Neutral 32% 21% 24% 23% 26%

Agree 33% 50% 43% 37% 38%

Strongly Agree 8% 13% 14% 13% 10%

87 117 114 111 147

20

4.3 Meeting with Supervisor/Advisor

Question: I generally meet with my supervisor/advisor _____.

Responses:

671


At least once a week 25%

Every two weeks 20%

Once a month 23%

Other 20%

Not applicable 12%



At least once a week 28% 12% 7% 39% 46%

Every two weeks 21% 19% 11% 18% 31%

Once a month 13% 37% 31% 16% 15%

Other 32% 23% 33% 13% 8%

Not applicable 7% 9% 18% 14% 0%

87 117 114 111 147

4.4 Comfortable Discussion Topics with Supervisor/Advisor

Question: I feel comfortable discussing the following with my supervisor/advisor (please select all that apply): Stipend/payments Funding/scholarship applications Graduation timelines Personal issues that affect my graduate work Direction of academic project Plans for after graduate school None of the above

Responses:


Results: Options Count

Direction of academic project 520

Graduation timelines 464

Funding/scholarship applications 399

Plans for after graduate school 360

Personal issues that affect my graduate work 311

Stipend/payments 308


21

4.5 Conflict with Committee

Question: I have had a conflict with my committee during my degree Responses:

669


Yes 11%

No 89%

4.5.1 Conflict with Committee - Resolution

Question: Was this conflict resolved? Responses:

72


Yes 46%

No 54%

4.5.2 Conflict with Committee – Resolution Process

Question: Were you satisfied with the resolution process? Responses:

33


No, I do not feel that a fair solution was reached 30%

Yes, I feel that a fair solution was reached 70%

4.6 Academic Supervision

Question: I feel that I have appropriate academic supervision during my graduate studies at UBC. Responses:

659



Disagree 13%

Neutral 22%

Agree 39%

Strongly Agree 21%




Disagree 14% 14% 12% 12% 9%

Neutral 21% 18% 23% 19% 20%

Agree 38% 34% 39% 44% 40%

Strongly Agree 17% 29% 22% 20% 24%

86 116 111 108 145

22

4.6.2 Breakdown: By 4.3 Meeting with Supervisor/Advisor

Results: Options At least once a week

Every two weeks

Once a month

Other Not Applicable


Disagree 5% 9% 13% 28% 12%

Neutral 18% 11% 17% 27% 46%

Agree 39% 47% 45% 23% 37%

Strongly Agree 36% 31% 19% 6% 3%

170 131 149 133 76

4.7 Flexibility in Thesis

Question: I am satisfied with the amount of flexibility I had/have in choosing my dissertation/thesis topic. Responses:

659



Disagree 6%

Neutral 14%

Agree 33%

Strongly Agree 29%

I have not yet picked a topic 4%

Not applicable; my program doesn't require writing a dissertation 10%

23

4.8 Challenges to Academic Performance

Question: Which of the following challenges have hindered your academic performance in progressing in your graduate degree? Please rate from most challenging to least challenging (1 through 6, 1 = most challenging, 6 = least challenging) Academic Issues Financial Issues Administrative Issues Social Issues Personal Issues Advisor/Supervisor Issues

Responses:

651

Results: Options 1 2 3 4 5 6

Academic Issues 15% 16% 18% 14% 14% 22%

Financial Issues 31% 17% 17% 11% 10% 13%

Administrative Issues 13% 16% 19% 14% 19% 18%

Social Issues 4% 9% 15% 18% 21% 33%

Personal Issues 16% 16% 16% 15% 14% 23%

Advisor/Supervisor Issues

13% 10% 11% 14% 16% 35%

Summary Statistics

Mean Standard Deviation

Median

Academic Issues 3.63 1.76 4

Financial Issues 2.94 1.77 3

Administrative Issues 3.65 1.68 4

Social Issues 4.42 1.49 5

Personal Issues 3.63 1.78 4

Advisor/Supervisor Issues 4.14 1.81 5

Comments As this question was not content controlled (i.e., a respondent was not restricted to using

each number only once) a variety of approaches were used by respondents to answer this question. This included ranking issues between each other from 1 to 6, as well as other techniques such as ranking the severity within each issue from 1 to 6. As a result of these inconsistencies in response interpretation, the data here can at best be used as weak indicator, and should not be taken as a definitive ordinal ranking.

24

4.9 Minimum Stipend

Question: Does your program require a minimum stipend to all graduate students?

Responses:

658


Yes 33%

No 31%

Only to PhD students 5%

Unsure 31%



Yes 25% 25% 1% 42% 72%

No 42% 32% 48% 28% 6%

… to PhD students 6% 6% 4% 2% 4%

Unsure 27% 37% 48% 29% 18%

85 116 111 108 145

4.10 Ability to Cover Living Expenses

Question: I feel that the total amount I earn from UBC graduate student-related positions (e.g., teaching assistantships, research assistantships, scholarships, stipends, research, etc.) is enough to cover my living expenses.

Responses:

652



Disagree 25%

Neutral 20%

Agree 17%

Strongly Agree 4%

4.10.1 Breakdown: By 4.9 Minimum Stipend

Results: Options Yes No Only to PhD students Unsure

Strongly Disagree 19% 46% 55% 32%

Disagree 26% 26% 23% 25%

Neutral 19% 18% 10% 26%

Agree 30% 8% 10% 13%

Strongly Agree 6% 1% 3% 5%

213 205 31 203

25




Disagree 27% 26% 20% 30% 25%

Neutral 15% 16% 33% 19% 18%

Agree 18% 17% 8% 17% 29%


85 115 106 108 145

4.11 Preparation for Graduate Work and Career Goals

Question: Overall, I feel that the academic and professional development opportunities provided in my program adequately prepare me for completing my graduate work and for reaching my career goals following graduation.

Responses:

652



Disagree 17%

Neutral 31%

Agree 38%

Strongly Agree 6%




Disagree 16% 20% 15% 23% 12%

Neutral 31% 23% 33% 28% 33%

Agree 36% 37% 36% 38% 44%


85 115 106 108 145

26

5. Student Wellbeing and Mental Health

5.1 Discomfort Due to Race/Ethnicity

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements: I feel, or have been made to feel, uncomfortable while at UBC due to my race and/or ethnicity.

Responses:

650

Results: Overall Results 1.4 Domestic or International

Options Percentage Domestic International

Strongly Disagree 58% 63% 46%


Neutral 13% 11% 16%

Agree 6% 5% 8%

Strongly Agree 4% 2% 6%

443 207

5.2 Discomfort Due to Gender

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements: I feel, or have been made to feel, uncomfortable at UBC due to my gender.

Responses:

650

Results:

Overall Results 1.5 Gender

Options Percentage Female Male

Strongly Disagree 56% 49% 69%


Neutral 10% 11% 7%

Agree 6% 9% 2%

Strongly Agree 3% 3% 2%

370 239

5.3 Discomfort Due to Sexual Orientation

Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements: I feel, or have been made to feel, uncomfortable while at UBC due to my sexual orientation.

Responses:

650



Disagree 20%

Neutral 11%

Agree 2%

Strongly Agree 2%

27

5.4 Stress Due to Finances

Question: The following factors cause me stress on a regular basis: Finances Responses:

650

Results: Overall Results 1.4 Domestic or International

Options Percentage Domestic International

None 5% 5% 5%

Little 14% 16% 9%

Somewhat 31% 30% 33%

Very 29% 28% 32%

Overly 22% 22% 21%

443 207




None 2% 2% 10% 1% 8%

Little 11% 16% 13% 12% 17%

Somewhat 39% 33% 21% 28% 34%

Very 21% 25% 31% 40% 26%

Overly 27% 24% 24% 19% 15%

85 115 105 107 145

5.5 Stress Due to Academic Workload

Question: The following factors cause me stress on a regular basis: Academic workload Responses:

650


None 3%

Little 14%

Somewhat 45%

Very 28%

Overly 9%


None 7% 5% 3% 5%

Little 14% 15% 11% 15%

Somewhat 28% 31% 33% 33%

Very 28% 31% 28% 29%

Overly 22% 18% 25% 18%

208 136 219 87

28




None 6% 2% 4% 5% 3%

Little 15% 13% 11% 18% 14%

Somewhat 38% 47% 49% 47% 42%

Very 26% 29% 25% 24% 32%

Overly 15% 10% 11% 7% 8%

85 115 105 107 145

5.6 Stress Due to Advisor/ Supervisor Pressures

Question: The following factors cause me stress on a regular basis: Advisor/Supervisor pressures Responses:

650


None 20%

Little 36%

Somewhat 24%

Very 10%

Overly 9%

5.6.1 Breakdown: By 4.3 Meeting with Supervisor/Advisor

Results: Options At least once a week

Every two weeks

Once a month

Other Not Applicable

None 18% 12% 23% 16% 41%

Little 41% 45% 30% 30% 34%

Somewhat 24% 22% 26% 28% 18%

Very 9% 16% 10% 9% 7%

Overly 8% 5% 11% 17% 0%

170 130 146 128 76


None 2% 4% 3% 6%

Little 12% 20% 13% 14%

Somewhat 44% 43% 46% 51%

Very 31% 22% 31% 20%

Overly 10% 12% 7% 10%

208 136 218 87

29



None 12% 24% 33% 13% 14%

Little 36% 43% 31% 39% 38%

Somewhat 26% 19% 28% 21% 27%

Very 9% 6% 4% 18% 11%

Overly 16% 8% 4% 9% 10%

85 115 105 107 145

5.7 Stress Due to Preparation for Life after Graduation

Question: The following factors cause me stress on a regular basis: Preparation for life after graduation

Responses:

650


None 12%

Little 17%

Somewhat 32%

Very 25%

Overly 15%


5.8 Stress Due to Personal Life

Question: The following factors cause me stress on a regular basis: Personal life Responses:

650


None 10%

Little 29%

Somewhat 39%

Very 16%

Overly 6%


None 5% 9% 16% 20%

Little 13% 24% 16% 18%

Somewhat 34% 29% 32% 32%

Very 30% 23% 24% 17%

Overly 18% 15% 12% 13%

208 136 219 87

30

5.9 Stress Due to Other

Question: The following factors cause me stress on a regular basis: Other (see appendix) Responses:

646


None 48%

Little 17%

Somewhat 26%

Very 5%

Overly 3%

5.10 Unhealthy Stress

Question: During my time in graduate school at UBC, I have experienced a level of stress or anxiety considered by myself and/or others to be unhealthy.

Responses:

641



Disagree 18%

Neutral 18%

Agree 32%

Strongly Agree 26%

5.11 Effect of Stress on Academic Performance

Question: During my time in graduate school at UBC, the level of stress or anxiety that I have experienced has affected my academic performance

Responses:

641



Disagree 21%

Neutral 21%

Agree 29%

Strongly Agree 22%




Disagree 16% 19% 25% 16% 21%

Neutral 19% 18% 26% 21% 20%

Agree 27% 29% 24% 31% 32%

Strongly Agree 28% 30% 18% 22% 19%

85 114 103 107 142

31

5.11.2 Breakdown: By 5.10 Unhealthy Stress

Results: Options Strongly Disagree

Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree


Disagree 8% 71% 15% 15% 1%

Neutral 8% 15% 58% 20% 3%

Agree 3% 6% 25% 54% 22%


37 113 117 208 166

5.12 Awareness of Campus Services

Question: I am aware of the following counselling and wellbeing services that are available at UBC and I know how to contact them (please select all that apply):

Responses:



UBC Counselling Services 410

The GSS Advocacy Office 126

The UBC Ombudsperson for Students 169

The AMS Ombudsperson 125

Speakeasy 187

Sexual Assault Support Centre 273


5.13 Referral to Campus Services

Question: I would be comfortable referring a friend to the following counselling and wellbeing services (please select all that apply):

Responses:



UBC Counselling Services 336

The GSS Advocacy Office 122

The UBC Ombudsperson for Students 143

The AMS Ombudsperson 110

Speakeasy 131

Sexual Assault Support Centre 204


2014 gss student satisfaction...

Documents