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PBA Home > Institutional Research & Analysis > Surveys > Senior Survey 1998 > Seniors at a glance Senior Survey, 1998Preparing for workThe Senior survey contains many items that assess students’ perceptions of their preparedness for the working world. Seniors rate:
Importance and Achievement. Seniors rated managing time and tasks, interpersonal relations, general computing, and analyzing real-world problems as the most important practical skills for after-graduation success (see Table below). Applying theories practically and mathematics/quantitative reasoning skills were rated least important. For the most part, seniors' ratings of their current level of achievement on these job-related skills map closely to their importance ratings (see plot below). One exception is analyzing real-world problems; seniors rated their achievement on this dimension quite low as compared to the importance rating it received. Highest achievement has been obtained for interpersonal relations, managing time and tasks, and writing skills. Seniors rate their achievement lowest for mathematics/quantitative reasoning and public speaking. |
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
Preparing for Work
Spring 1998
Item Mean on a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
---------------Percent who say-----------
Importance after graduation: None Little Some Much Critical Mean
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1r imp: managing time/tasks 1 1 3 22 73 4.7
1t imp: interpersonal relations 1 1 8 25 65 4.5
1s imp: general computing 1 2 10 30 57 4.4
1f imp: analyzing real-world problems 1 3 12 29 55 4.4
1g imp: writing 0 2 17 31 49 4.3
1b imp: synthesizing knowledge 0 3 17 38 43 4.2
1c imp: leadership 1 3 16 32 47 4.2
1e imp: deal w/ people from diff. cultures 1 5 15 27 52 4.2
1h imp: public speaking 1 5 23 38 33 4.0
1a imp: applying theories practically 1 6 29 36 28 3.8
1i imp: math/quantitative reasoning 2 17 35 28 17 3.4
----------------Percent who say-----------
Level of achievement now: None Little Some Much Substantial Mean
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1t ach: interpersonal relations 2 3 22 38 35 4.0
1r ach: managing time/tasks 2 6 19 37 35 4.0
1g ach: writing 1 7 24 42 27 3.9
1s ach: general computing 3 10 29 27 31 3.8
1b ach: synthesizing knowledge 1 5 32 45 17 3.7
1a ach: applying theories practically 1 7 37 39 16 3.6
1c ach: leadership 2 11 36 31 20 3.6
1e ach: deal w/ people from diff cultures 3 15 28 30 25 3.6
1f ach: analyzing real-world problems 2 9 34 38 18 3.6
1i ach: math/quantitative reasoning 3 17 35 27 19 3.4
1h ach: public speaking 5 21 37 25 13 3.2
1998 Senior Survey
Skill/knowledge areas related to work
Ratings on "Importance after graduation" and "Level of Achievement at grad"
Achievement Rating
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Substantial 5.0 + | |
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Much 4.0 +-----------------------------------+-----------InterpTimenlgmnt-- --+--
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| | Writing |
| | Computing |
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| Synthknowledge |
| ApplyingtheorWorkwProblemanalysis |
| | Leadership |
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| Math | |
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| Publicspeaking |
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Some 3.0 + | |
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---+--------------------------------+-------------------------------+--
3.0 4.0 5.0
Some Much Critical
Importance Rating
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Satisfaction. Seniors were somewhat satisfied with the extent to which their major programs offered opportunities for work-related experiences/preparation (see Table below). Forty-one percent of seniors were satisfied with the course quality in their major program for employment or graduate school, 38% were satisfied with the availability of practica, internships, or research experiences in their major, and 36% were satisfied with the opportunity provided by their major program for hands-on applied experiences. Note, however, that almost one-third (31%) of the senior respondents were dissatisfied with the hands-on experiences available through their major program. |
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
Preparing for Work
Spring 1998
Item Mean on a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
Percent Very Dissatisfied, Dissatisfied, Neutral, Satisfied, and Very Satisfied
--------------------------Percent who say------------------
Satisfaction in your major: VeryDis Dissat Neutral Satis VerySat Mean
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3d course quality for employ/grad schl 5 19 35 32 9 3.2
3n rsch opps/practicum availability 8 19 34 26 12 3.2
3o opp for hands-on experiences in class 8 23 34 25 11 3.1
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Participation. Seniors were asked to indicate the number of times they participated in various work-preparation activities during their last full semester on campus (see Table below). Forty-four percent said they tried to integrate coursework with practical problems 10 or more times during their last full semester; 39% had applied course material to a practical problem 10 or more times. However, over one-third (34%) had never interacted with a faculty member or TA outside the classroom for the purpose of discussing career-related issues. Nearly one-third (31%) had never participated in career-planning activities. |
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
Preparing for Work
Spring 1998
During Last Full Semester, Number of Times:
----------------Percent who say-----------------
Item Never 1-3 4-6 7-9 10+ Mean
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5s integrate coursework w prac problem 4 13 25 14 44 3.8
5r apply course material to prac problem 6 17 27 12 39 3.6
5n work on small group project 7 26 27 11 29 3.3
5o give oral present in front of group 11 43 25 10 11 2.7
5z participate in career-planning activs 31 32 19 5 12 2.4
5c career issues - fac/ta interactions 34 38 17 6 6 2.1
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Work Experience. Seniors rated the extent to which they had acquired experience working in jobs related to their major while a student at CU-Boulder. Work experience included paid positions, internships, assistantships, or volunteer positions. Thirty-one percent reported substantial work experience and 36% reported some work experience. About one-third (34%) of seniors reported no work experience related to their major while enrolled at CU-Boulder. Use of Career Services. Seniors were also asked about their use of the university's career services programs (e.g., career counseling, internships, on-campus interviewing). Slightly under half (47%) of the seniors had used career services. Of those who had used the service, one-quarter (25%) were satisfied with the services they received. However, a full third (33%) of users reported low satisfaction with career services. Do Differently. Seniors indicated what they would do differently if they could repeat their academic career at CU-Boulder. Forty percent of seniors said they would spend more time on career advising and 41% said they would spend more time participating in campus-related research projects, internships, and applied experiences. |
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
Preparing for Work
Spring 1998
Weighted by Senior Population
If you had it to do over, spend more time on:
Item --Percent who say--
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8.5 more: career advising 40
8.8 more: research/internships 41
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Changes over Time in Preparation for Work Questionnaire items assessing work-related issues were examined for changes over time (see Table below). Seniors report increasing levels of importance over the years for general computing skills. Importance ratings for other skills/knowledge areas have changed little over time. Not surprisingly, students’ achievement in mastering general computing skills has increased across the years. In addition, recent seniors are more satisfied with their opportunities for research/practicum experiences. Seniors also report having more opportunities now than in previous years to integrate coursework with practical problems, work on small group projects, and give oral presentations. The data do not indicate, however, that more seniors are obtaining substantial experience in jobs related to their major while enrolled at UCB. |
CHANGES OVER TIME
Senior Survey 1993 to 1998 -- University of Colorado at Boulder
Preparation for Work
Item Mean on a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
----------------Means over Years----------------
Item _93 _94 _95 _96 _98
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Importance of:
1r imp: managing time/tasks 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.7
1t imp: interpersonal relations 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.6 4.5
1s imp: general computing 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.4
1f imp: analyzing real-world problems 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.4 4.4
1g imp: writing 4.3 4.4 4.3 4.3 4.3
1e imp: deal w/ people fr diff cultures 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.2 4.2
1c imp: leadership 4.3 4.3 4.4 4.3 4.2
1b imp: synthesizing knowledge 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2
1h imp: public speaking 4.0 4.1 4.1 4.0 4.0
1a imp: applying theories practically 3.8 3.7 3.7 3.8 3.8
1i imp: math/quantitative reasoning 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.4
Level of Achievement:
1t ach: interpersonal relations 3.9 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0
1r ach: managing time/tasks 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9 4.0
1g ach: writing 3.9 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.9
1s ach: general computing 3.5 3.4 3.6 3.6 3.8
1b ach: synthesizing knowledge 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7
1a ach: applying theories practically 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.6
1f ach: analyzing real-world problems 3.6 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.6
1e ach: deal w/ people fr diff cultures 3.7 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.6
1c ach: leadership 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.6
1i ach: math/quantitative reasoning 3.3 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4
1h ach: public speaking 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
Satisfaction:
3d course quality for employ/grad schl 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.2
3n rsch opps/practicum availability 2.9 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.2
3o opp for hands-on experiences in class . . . . 3.1
Number of Times during last full semester (1=never 5=10+):
5s integrate crsework w prac problem 3.6 3.7 3.7 3.6 3.8
5r apply course material to prac problem 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.4 3.6
5n work on small group project 2.9 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.3
5o give oral present in front of group 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7
5z participate in career-planning activs . 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.4
5c career issues - fac/ta interact 2.0 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.1
CHANGES OVER TIME
Senior Survey 1993 to 1998 -- University of Colorado at Boulder
Preparation for Work
Percent saying Substantial, Some, and None - Weighted by Senior Population
--------------Percents over Years----------------
Item _93 _94 _95 _96 _98
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6 experience in jobs related to major
Substantial . 27% 29% 32% 31%
Some . 34% 32% 36% 36%
None . 39% 39% 33% 33%
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
After graduation plans
Spring 1998
Weighted by Senior Population
After graduation:
------Percent who say-------
Highly
Item Unlikely Maybe Likely
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10c Expect—Full Time employment 18 22 60
10a Expect—Full Time grad/profess student 44 26 30
10d Expect—Part Time employment 48 37 15
10b Expect—Part Time grad/profess student 53 39 7
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Highest Degree. Seniors indicated the highest degree they ultimately planned to earn (see Table below). Of all seniors who expected to graduate from CU-Boulder by summer 1998*, about half (49%) planned to earn a Master’s degree; 18% planned to earn a Doctorate and 15% expected to earn a professional degree (e.g., JD, MD). However, of those seniors who said they planned to be full time students in a graduate program within one year of leaving CU**, under one-third (31%) expected a Master’s to be their highest degree. Instead, about one-third (35%) expected to earn a professional degree and another third (32%) expected to earn a Doctorate. These data indicate that students expecting to earn degrees that traditionally take more than two years to complete (e.g., law, medicine, doctoral programs) are more likely to enter these programs within a year of completing their undergraduate career at CU-Boulder than are those pursuing a Masters only. * A total of 454 seniors (56%) expected to graduate by summer 1998. ** 121 seniors expected to graduate by summer 1998 and expected to enroll full time in a graduate program |
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
After graduation plans
Spring 1998
Highest degree plan to earn
Of students expecting to graduate by summer 98 – Weighted by
senior population
% %
All Seniors expecting
Highest Degree Expected Seniors to be FT Students
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Bachelors 16 1
Masters 49 31
Specialist (e.g., EdS) 2 2
Professional 15 35
Doctoral 18 32
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Graduate school applications. Of the 121 seniors who expected to graduate by summer 1998 and who expected to be full time graduate students by the end of 1999, 23% had applied and received an offer from a graduate program. Seven percent had accepted an offer and 16% had not decided yet (see Table below). Nearly one-fourth (24%) of the seniors had not received an offer yet from the schools to which they had applied. Over half (54%) had not applied yet for graduate school admissions by the time they responded to the survey (February or March of their senior year). Seniors were asked to indicate the schools to which they had applied for graduate admissions. Schools most frequently listed by seniors included CU-Boulder, the University of Washington, the University of Denver, CU Health Sciences Center, and UC-Berkeley. |
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
After graduation plans
Spring 1998
Status of graduate school applications
Of students expecting to graduate by summer 98 and expecting to be full time graduate students
Weighted by senior population
Graduate School Applications:
Status %
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Applied & got an offer 23
Said yes (7)
Have not decided yet (16)
Have not heard yet 24
Turned down at all schools 0
Have not applied yet 54
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Employment applications. Of the 283 seniors who expected to graduate by summer 1998 and who expected to be employed full time by the end of 1999, over half (57%) had not applied yet for a job. Twenty-five percent had applied and received an offer from an employer. Sixteen percent had accepted an offer from an employer and 7% had not yet decided whether to accept the offer made to them (see Table below). Two percent had turned down the offer(s) they had received so far. Seventeen percent had not yet heard from any employers. Seniors applied for jobs from a wide variety of employers. Companies/employers listed most frequently were Lockheed Martin, Andersen Consulting, the military, GTE, and IBM. |
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
After graduation plans
Spring 1998
Status of graduate school applications
Of students expecting to graduate by summer 98 and
expecting to be employed full time
Weighted by senior population
Employment Application Status:
Status %
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Applied & got an offer 25
Said yes (16)
Offer but have not decided yet (7)
Turned down the offer (2)
Have not heard yet 17
Turned down by all employers 0
Have not applied yet 57
* 2% had turned down the offer(s) they received
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Changes over time in after graduation plans 1998 saw a fairly dramatic increase in the percentage of seniors reporting that they would be employed full-time within a year of graduating from CU-Boulder (see Tables below). In addition, while the percentage of seniors who had applied for a job at the time the survey was administered changed little since 1993, the percent who had already received a job offer increased substantially in 1998. Over half of the seniors (59%) who had applied for a job had already received an offer when they completed their survey in February/March of 1998. This finding is not unexpected given the strong economy both in Colorado and the U.S., in general. Interestingly, the percentage of seniors indicating that it is highly likely they will be full-time students is relatively unchanged since 1993. Thus, contrary to expectations, the strong economy appears not to have influenced seniors’ intentions of pursuing graduate/professional school after leaving CU-Boulder. |
CHANGES OVER TIME
Senior Survey 1993 to 1998 -- University of Colorado at Boulder
After graduation plans - all seniors -- Weighted by senior population
--------------Percents over Years----------------
Item _93 _94 _95 _96 _98
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Highly Likely to be:
Full Time student 22% 24% 24% 23% 23%
Part Time student 3% 1% 2% 2% 2%
Full Time employment 55% 56% 53% 53% 60%
Part Time employment 20% 19% 21% 22% 15%
CHANGES OVER TIME
Senior Survey 1993 to 1998 -- University of Colorado at Boulder
After graduation plans – Seniors expecting to graduate by summer
Weighted by senior population
-------------Percents over Years----------------
Item _93 _94 _95 _96 _98
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Among those likely to be employed FT:
Applied for a job 42% 36% 41% 46% 43%
Of those applying:
Percent who have a job offer already: 49% 49% 50% 45% 59%
Among those likely to be full time students:
Applied for graduate school 47% 50% 45% 45% 46%
Of those applying:
Percent who have an offer already: 49% 39% 37% 46% 49%
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
Use of Computers
Spring 1998
Item Mean on a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
----------------Percent who say-----------------
Importance after graduation: None Little Some Much Critical Mean
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1s imp: general computing 1 2 10 30 57 4.4
----------------Percent who say-----------------
Level of achievement now: None Little Some Much Substnl Mean
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1s ach: general computing 3 10 29 27 31 3.8
During Last Full Semester, Number of Times:
----------------Percent who say-----------------
Item Never 1-3 4-6 7-9 10+ Mean
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5q use a computer to access the WWW 2 4 9 5 79 4.6
5b use Chinook, computer indices 10 20 24 11 35 3.4
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Nearly all of the seniors had used electronic mail and the PC/Macintosh labs on campus (91% and 90%, respectively) (see Table below). Sixty-two percent of seniors who used electronic mail reported high levels of satisfaction; however, 37% of the seniors who used the computing labs on campus reported low satisfaction with these facilities. |
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
Use of Computers
Spring 1998
Item Mean on a 1 to 3 scale, where 3 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
Use of Computer-related services
--------------Percent who say---------------
---Of Those Who Used---
Item Unaware Used Low Satisf Hi Satisf Mean
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4h satisfaction - electronic mail 0 91 7 62 2.5
4g satisfac - CU listings on WWW 8 62 10 38 2.3
4j satisfaction - pc/macintosh labs 1 90 37 18 1.8
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Changes over time in computer use Not surprisingly, seniors’ ratings of the importance of and achievement in acquiring computing skills has increased since 93. While seniors are more frequently using computers to access the web, computer use for accessing Chinook is holding steady. |
CHANGES OVER TIME
Senior Survey 1993 to 1998 -- University of Colorado at Boulder
Use of Computers
Item Mean on a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
----------------Means over Years----------------
Item _93 _94 _95 _96 _98
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Importance and Achievement:
1s imp: general computing 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.4
1s ach: general computing 3.5 3.4 3.6 3.6 3.8
Number of Times Last Full Semester (1=never, 5=10+)
5q use a computer to access the WWW 3.3 4.6
5b use Chinook, computer indices 3.4 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.4
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Seniors’ use of computing services and facilities on campus have shown dramatic increases over time. In 1993, only 37% of the seniors reported using email; in 1998, 91% used email. There have been similar increases in use of CU listings on the web and use of campus computing labs, though the data suggest that the number of students using these facilities has plateaued or may even have decreased in the case of CU listings on the web. While satisfaction ratings are holding steady for email and CU listings, there has been a substantial decrease in satisfaction over time with the campus PC/Mac labs. |
CHANGES OVER TIME
Senior Survey 1993 to 1998 -- University of Colorado at Boulder
Use of Computers
Satisfaction: 1=Low 2=Medium 3=High Satisfaction - Weighted by Senior Population
% of Respondents
------Who Used Service------ ----Average Satisfaction----
Item _93 _94 _95 _96 _98 _93 _94 _95 _96 _98
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4h satisfaction - electronic mail 37 45 67 83 91 2.4 2.3 2.5 2.6 2.5
4g satisfac - CU listings on WWW 42 59 70 68 62 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.3
4j satisfaction - pc/macintosh labs 78 80 85 88 90 2.4 2.4 2.3 2.2 1.8
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
If I Could Start Over …
Spring 1998
Weighted by Senior Population
Spend more time or less time on:
Item -Percent who say--
---------------------------------------------------------
8.2 more: interaction w/faculty 57
8.8 more: partic research/internships 41
8.1 more: academics/studying 41
8.5 more: career advising 40
8.3 more: course sequencing/selection 35
8.7 more: extracurr clubs/activities 35
8.6 more: social activities 30
8.4 more: academic advising 29
8.12 diff: take less time to graduate 27
8.15 diff: NOTHING differently 23
8.16 diff: other (see write-in) 14
8.14 diff: go somewhere else besides UCB 14
8.11 less: social activities 9
8.10 less: academics/studying 7
8.13 diff: take more time to graduate 6
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Item 8.16: *Of the 14% (n=114) who said they would do some "other" thing differently, 17% mentioned "study abroad." Another 10% of these 114 seniors said they would "change their major" if starting over at CU-Boulder. Other activities seniors would do differently included "work more," "work less," pursue or avoid a certain class, participate in a certain extra-curricular activity, or seek out a CU-Boulder service. Some of the comments were simply further expansions on items they had already selected in response to this question. *The comments to 8.16-"DIFF: OTHER", sorted by major. OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES Outside-the-classroom activities and class projects are an important part of the undergraduate experience. We asked seniors to indicate how often they participated in various activities during their last full fall or spring semester at CU-Boulder (see Table below). Seventy-nine percent of seniors used a computer to access the web 10 or more times. Other frequent activities included reading a newspaper or magazine and talking with friends about class knowledge. While a majority of seniors (67%) had never discussed a personal issue with a faculty member or TA, a third (33%) had done so. Few students had participated in a formal group where personal problems were discussed (63% never) or interacted with a faculty member or TA for the purpose of participating in independent study (61% never).
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University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
Outside the Classroom Activities
Spring 1998
Item Mean on a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is most time - Weighted by Senior Population
During Last Full Semester, Number of Times:
----------------Percent who say-----------------
Item Never 1-3 4-6 7-9 10+ Mean
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5q use a computer to access the WWW 2 4 9 5 79 4.6
5i read newsmag/paper - internatl news 3 7 10 9 71 4.4
5t talk w/friends re: class knowledge 1 5 17 12 65 4.4
5m express views/opinions in class 3 11 15 11 60 4.1
5d exercise/work out alone 15 8 8 6 64 4.0
5s integrate crsework w prac problem 4 13 25 14 44 3.8
5r apply course material to prac problem 6 17 27 12 39 3.6
5a use library to rsch paper/project 5 19 27 13 37 3.6
5e exercise/work out with others 22 13 13 4 49 3.5
5b use Chinook, computer indices 10 20 24 11 35 3.4
5c course help - fac/ta interaction 7 24 28 13 28 3.3
5n work on small group project 7 26 27 11 29 3.3
5u outline readings or course notes 22 16 18 8 37 3.2
5l spend 5+ hours writing paper 9 28 27 13 23 3.1
5x serious talk w students diff bkgrnds 13 26 27 9 25 3.1
5v number days skipped 1+ classes 10 30 27 9 23 3.1
5j read scientific journal article 23 21 17 6 32 3.0
5k read book for pleasure 14 39 17 5 25 2.9
5c course fdbk - fac/ta interaction 16 30 27 12 15 2.8
5g attend extracurric event 19 31 26 6 18 2.7
5o give oral present in front of group 11 43 25 10 11 2.7
5p speak a foreign language 46 16 8 3 26 2.5
5f attend athletic event 42 15 16 8 19 2.5
5z participate in career-planning activs 31 32 19 5 12 2.4
5w do course suggested/extra readings 32 35 19 4 10 2.2
5c career issues - fac/ta interact 34 38 17 6 6 2.1
5h leadership role extracurric event 55 19 9 4 13 2.0
5c indep study/rsch - fac/ta interact 61 23 7 2 7 1.7
5y in formal group where personal issues disc 63 18 9 3 7 1.7
5c personal issues - fac/ta interact 67 20 8 2 3 1.5
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Changes over time in outside-the classroom activities Participation in some outside-the-classroom activities and class projects have shown increases over the years (see Table below). 1998 seniors are much more likely to spend time using a computer to access the web than were seniors in 1996. Integrating coursework with practical problems, participating in small group projects, and giving oral presentations has also increased since 1993, reflecting a trend in the curriculum toward more practical experiences and away from total reliance on traditional, lecture-based classes. The time trend also shows a reduction in the number of times students have participated in formal groups where personal issues are discussed. |
CHANGES OVER TIME
Senior Survey 1993 to 1998 -- University of Colorado at Boulder
Outside the Classroom Activities
Item Mean on a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
During Last Full Semester, Number of Times:
----------------Means over Years----------------
Item _93 _94 _95 _96 _98
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5q use a computer to access the WWW 3.3 4.6
5i read newsmag/paper - internatl news 4.6 4.6 4.4 4.4 4.4
5t talk w/friends re: class knowledge 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.3 4.4
5m express views/opinions in class 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.1
5d exercise/work out alone 4.0 3.9 4.0 4.0 4.0
5s integrate crsework w prac problem 3.6 3.7 3.7 3.6 3.8
5r apply course material to prac problem 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.4 3.6
5a use library to rsch paper/project 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.7 3.6
5e exercise/work out with others 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.5 3.5
5b use CARL, computer indices 3.4 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.4
5c course help - fac/ta interaction 3.1 3.1 3.3 3.3 3.3
5n work on small group project 2.9 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.3
5u outline readings or course notes 3.2 3.2 3.3 3.1 3.2
5l spend 5+ hours writing paper 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.1
5x serious talk w students diff bkgrnds 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.1
5v number days skipped 1+ classes 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1
5j read scientific journal article 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.0
5k read book for pleasure 2.8 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.9
5c course fdbk - fac/ta interaction 2.6 2.6 2.8 2.7 2.8
5g attend extracurric event 2.9 2.7 2.6 2.7 2.7
5o give oral present in front of group 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7
5p speak a foreign language 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.5
5f attend athletic event 2.5 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.5
5z participate in career-planning activs 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.4
5w do course suggested/extra readings 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2
5c career issues - fac/ta interact 2.0 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.1
5h leadership role extracurric event 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
5c indep study/rsch - fac/ta interact 1.7 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.7
5y in group where personal issues disc 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.7
5c personal issues - fac/ta interact 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.5
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
Use of and Satisfaction with Services
Spring 1998
Item Mean on a 1 to 3 scale, where 3 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
--------------Percent who say---------------
---Of Those Who Used---
Item Unaware Used Low Satisf Hi Satisf Mean
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4h Electronic mail 0 91 7 62 2.5
4u Womens resource center 15 8 8 62 2.5
4n Recreation center 0 88 6 51 2.4
4p Study abroad 2 16 15 57 2.4
4g CU listings on WWW 8 62 10 38 2.3
4s University libraries 0 97 10 36 2.3
4a Academic records 1 80 12 32 2.2
4o Registrations 0 98 13 30 2.2
4r UMC 0 95 11 27 2.2
4f Counseling services 20 17 25 38 2.1
4q Student academic srvcs cnt 28 13 15 25 2.1
4c Book center 0 98 21 27 2.1
4d Bursars office 1 83 20 21 2.0
4k Ombudsman office 68 4 33 29 2.0
4e Career services 7 47 33 25 1.9
4i Financial aid office 11 51 32 21 1.9
4t Wardenburg 0 64 38 21 1.8
4j PC/macintosh labs 1 90 37 18 1.8
4b College advising services 1 89 41 17 1.8
4m Police department 3 42 46 14 1.7
4l Parking management 3 66 81 3 1.2
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Changes over time in use of and satisfaction with services Not surprisingly, the percent of seniors reporting email use has risen steadily since 1993 when only 37% of seniors used email (see Table below). In 1998, nearly all of the seniors (93%) used email. The percent participating in study abroad also reached its highest number in 1998 (16%). Two services showed considerable declines in usage in 1998. After increasing in the years from 1993 to 1995, the percent of seniors reporting that they use CU on-line listings declined in 1996 and showed further decline in 1998. Additionally, after holding steady during the previous years, usage among seniors of the Wardenberg Health Center declined sharply in 1998. Satisfaction with services has remained fairly stable across the years. Only one service logged an increase (counseling services)and only two services showed a significant decline (recreation center and PC/Macintosh labs). Satisfaction ratings for PC and Macintosh labs on campus showed the biggest decrease from the prior year, and continued a trend toward declining levels of satisfaction over time. |
CHANGES OVER TIME
Senior Survey 1993 to 1998 -- University of Colorado at Boulder
Faculty and Courses
Satisfaction: 1=Low 2=Medium 3=High Satisfaction - Weighted by Senior Population
% of Respondents
------Who Used Service------ ----Average Satisfaction----
Item _93 _94 _95 _96 _98 _93 _94 _95 _96 _98
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4h Electronic mail 37 45 67 83 91 2.4 2.3 2.5 2.6 2.5
4u Womens resource center 7 8 2.1 2.5
4n Recreation center 89 89 88 89 88 2.6 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.4
4p Study abroad 13 12 13 14 16 2.3 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.4
4g CU listings on WWW 42 59 70 68 62 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.3
4s University libraries 99 98 98 98 97 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.3
4a Academic records 86 81 80 81 80 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2
4o Registrations 99 99 98 98 98 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.2
4r UMC 96 96 95 96 95 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.2
4f Counseling services 33 17 19 17 17 1.7 2.1 1.9 2.0 2.1
4q Student academic srvcs cntr* 9 10 10 11 13 2.0 2.1 2.0 2.2 2.1
4c Book center 97 93 87 83 98 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.1
4d Bursars office 83 85 80 84 83 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.0
4k Ombudsman office 5 5 4 4 4 1.6 2.0 1.9 1.8 2.0
4e Career services 44 46 47 49 47 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9
4i Financial aid office 47 50 46 47 51 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9
4t Wardenburg 75 72 73 74 64 1.7 1.7 1.9 1.9 1.8
4j PC/macintosh labs 78 80 85 88 90 2.4 2.4 2.3 2.2 1.8
4b College advising services 90 87 88 90 89 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.7 1.8
4m Police department 40 38 43 40 42 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.7
4l Parking management 68 67 72 71 66 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
* Known as University Learning Center prior to 1998.
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
Social Aspects of the Undergraduate Experience
Spring 1998
During Last Full Semester, Number of Times:
----------------Percent who say-----------------
Item Never 1-3 4-6 7-9 10+ Mean
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5d exercise/work out alone 15 8 8 6 64 4.0
5e exercise/work out with others 22 13 13 4 49 3.5
5k read book for pleasure 14 39 17 5 25 2.9
5g attend extracurric event 19 31 26 6 18 2.7
5f attend athletic event 42 15 16 8 19 2.5
5h leadership role extracurric event 55 19 9 4 13 2.0
5y in group where personal issues disc 63 18 9 3 7 1.7
|
Two-thirds (66%) of seniors were satisfied with their overall
social experience at CU-Boulder and nearly as many (63%) were satisfied
with their recreational experience (see Table below). Satisfaction with
the cultural experience at CU was rated somewhat lower; less than one-half
(43%) of seniors were satisfied with their cultural experience. Reflecting
the importance of social and recreational activities to college life, approximately
one-third of seniors said they would spend more time on social (30%) and
extracurricular activities (35%) if they could repeat their academic career
at CU-Boulder. Only 9% said they would spend less time on social activities.
|
University of Colorado at Boulder Senior Survey
Social Aspects of the Undergraduate Experience
Spring 1998
Percent Very Dissatisfied, Dissatisfied, Neutral, Satisfied, and Very Satisfied
Item Mean on a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
----------------Percent who say-----------------
Item VeryDis Dissat Neutral Satis VerySat Mean
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3s social experience satisfaction 3 8 23 40 26 3.8
3u recreational experience satisfaction 2 6 28 37 26 3.8
3t cultural experience satisfaction 6 19 32 31 12 3.2
If you had it to do over, spend time on:
Item -Percent who say--
------------------------------------------------------------
8.11 less: social activities 9
8.6 more: social activities 30
8.7 more: extracurr clubs/activities 35
|
Changes over time in social/recreational aspects
Only one item assessing participation in social/recreational activities showed a significant time trend (see Table below). Seniors’ last full semester participation in groups where personal problems are discussed is on the decline. Fewer seniors in 1998 participated in such groups as compared to earlier years. |
CHANGES OVER TIME
Senior Survey 1993 to 1998 -- University of Colorado at Boulder
Social aspects of the undergraduate experience
Item Mean on a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
----------------Means over Years----------------
Item _93 _94 _95 _96 _98
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5d exercise/work out alone 4.0 3.9 4.0 4.0 4.0
5e exercise/work out with others 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.5 3.5
5x serious talk w students diff bkgrnds 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.1
5k read book for pleasure 2.8 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.9
5f attend athletic event 2.5 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.5
5h leadership role extracurric event 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
5y in formal group where personal issues disc 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.7
|
Seniors’ satisfaction with their social, recreational, and
cultural experiences at CU-Boulder seems to be holding steady across the
years (see Table below). However, it should be noted that time-trend data
suggest that satisfaction with the rec center may be down in 1998 as compared
to prior years (see Use of and Satisfaction with Services section). |
CHANGES OVER TIME
Senior Survey 1993 to 1998 -- University of Colorado at Boulder
Social aspects of the undergraduate experience
Item Mean on a 1 to 5 scale, where 5 is most positive - Weighted by Senior Population
----------------Means over Years----------------
Item _93 _94 _95 _96 _98
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3s social experience satisfaction 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8
3u recreational experience satisfaction 3.8 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.8
3t cultural experience satisfaction 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.2 3.2
Last revision 07/29/03
