spring 2012. this survey came out of a pres staff discussion about what makes students successful. ...
TRANSCRIPT
Graduating Student Survey
Spring 2012
This survey came out of a Pres Staff discussion about what makes students successful.
Input from Deans and Student Development Group
Also addressed the questions of PEM (student goals) and College Affairs Committee (student connections)
Delivered via SurveyMonkey
Response rate 31% (107 graduates responded)
Background
Earn
an
Assoc
iate
s Deg
ree
Earn
a C
ertifi
cate
No sp
ecifi
c go
al, s
elf d
iscov
ery
Other
Caree
r Cha
nge
Gradu
ate
from
HS
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%68%
11% 8% 8%2% 2%
What were your original goals for coming to GCC?
Goals
The majority of graduates came to GCC with the intent of earning an
Associates degree.
Goals
Did your goals change after coming to GCC?
36%
YES
Changed major/found my passion
Influenced by faculty
NO
Pursue further education
“After attending GCC, I realized how important an education really is in today's economy and now I want to further my education and obtain a bachelors degree.”
“The amazing professors here immediately influenced my thinking by the way they taught, small classroom settings, and the ways in which students were encouraged to reflect on the world and integrate it into what we learn in the classroom..”
“GCC allowed me to fluctuate my schedule and 'mess around' for a semester or two for me to really find what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I changed my major 4-5 times to finally figure out my dream..”
I met ALL of my goals
I met MOST of my goals
I met SOME of my goals
I met FEW of my goals
I met NONE of my goals
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
58.9%
33.6%
7.5%
0% 0%
To what extent did you meet your goals at GCC? n = 107
93% of graduates met all or most of their goals at GCC
Goals
Two thirds of graduates plan to continue at a 4-year institution.
Post GCC
Enter the military
Unsure
Pursue a certificate or other credential
Other
Take some time off
Continue in my current job
Continue attending GCC
Advance in my career
Enter the workforce
Pursue a Bachelor’s degree at a 4-year college
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
1%
8%
8%
9%
12%
17%
18%
22%
41%
66%
What are your plans after graduation? n = 106
Technology/computer support
Peer Tutoring
Math Studio
Library support
My advisor
Connection with a particular GCC faculty, staff member, or administrator
Support and friendship of fellow students
Financial aid
Family support
GCC professors
My hard work & investment of time
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
13%
18%
18%
26%
45%
49%
52%
60%
69%
78%
92%
Factors that were VERY IMPORTANT in helping you stay at GCC and be successful.
n = 107
Graduates most frequently cite their own hard work and investment of time as a key
factor in their success.
Success factors
Additional success factors (cited by <10% of grads)
Participation in New Student Orientation
Vet Net
Participation in a Learning Community
Counseling & Disability Services
The Advising Center
Student clubs or activities on campus
Women’s Resource Center
Participation in a college success course like GCC101 or HUD 114
Other (please specify)
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
3%
4%
6%
7%
7%
7%
8%
9%
9%
Factors that were VERY IMPORTANT in helping you stay at GCC and be successful.
“…I have 2 kids and a full course load - so just really not enough time…”
Were you involved in activities/clubs/events on campus?
NO
YES
“I just work full-time and go to school full-time, so I don't have any more time to give.”
“I just chose not to participate because of my schedule. But I appreciated that these things existed at GCC.”
“I made a lot of friends and helped the community.”
“Strong sense of pride and leadership. A sense of belonging”
“Some fun, and good conversations…I attend all events for free food, and appreciate this..”
24%
76%
Difficult transition, numerous challenges.
How would you describe your transition to GCC and your first semester?
Smooth transition, no real problems.
Average transition, a few problems.
61%
26%
13%
Transition challenges
“I had a problem with advisors they did not seem to get to know me and understand my goals and help me set up a schedule that worked for me, they did not seem to put their heart into their jobs…”
Personal Challenges3Advising6 Academic Workload5
“the work and classes were harder than I thought they would be.”
“I had a horrible mindset. I almost quit after the 1st semester..”
Overall satisfaction
Would you recommend GCC to a friend or family member?
96%
Course availability and scheduling
The College's communication with students
Sense of community on campus
Academic rigor of courses
0 1 2 3
2.14
2.16
2.23
2.37
Poor Fair Good Excellent
Satisfaction continued…
What was the best part of attending GCC?
The professorsStaff, students & people
Feeling of communitySmall classes
Small campus
Location
Low cost
Source: survey comments
What would you change to improve the GCC experience?
Nothing, it was all goodNursing program
Course offerings & scheduleActivities
Advising
Communication
Source: survey comments
What advice would you give to a new student coming to GCC?
Work hardAsk questions/seek help
Use resourcesSet & follow goals
GCC is a great place
Enjoy yourself
Source: survey comments
Sharing results?
Next steps