Satisfaction

 Sophomore survey shows students are pleased; outlines areas requiring attention

Beth Bliss, News Editor

 Campus food services, student counseling resources and faculty performance received top ratings from select Appalachian State University sophomores in a survey conducted last spring, the results of which were released last week.

 Survey results said the university had the system's highest ratings in the following categories: faculty dedication to student academic success;  evaluation of instructors; overall education offered to students; registration services; financial aid services and staff effectiveness; campus food services; services for commuting students; and university opportunities to develop leadership skills.

 Certain aspects of Appalachian faired poorly with students surveyed.  Survey results said Appalachian State received low ratings on its library services and on the effectiveness of graduate assistants in the classroom.

 Director of Institutional Research and Planning  Bobby Sharp said survey results are indicative of both positive and negative aspects of the university. "Clearly, we're doing some things right, some things students perceive as high quality," said Sharp. "But students also pointed out some places (needing) attention."

 Survey results will also be used to determine university funding. Sharp said the general administration will use the results as part of an incentive funding program, through which schools will be financially rewarded to keep student ratings high.

 "Program improvement is a main focus," Sharp said. "(The survey) is not just a matter of making (the university) feel good; there are funds attached."

 All schools within the UNC system were asked to poll sophomores with 44 to 59 credit hours, 30 of which had been completed at the institution, said Sharp.

 This excluded transfer students as eligible sources, but Sharp said this was necessary for the survey. "We didn't want to (survey) transfers who hadn't had enough experience (at Appalachian) to be measured," he said.

 The survey was initiated by the general administration as a system-wide assessment tool,  and Sharp said it is one of three surveys used to grade the university's performance in several categories. "(The survey) is part of the information-gathering process at the administrative level," Sharp said.

 Last spring marked the pilot year for the sophomore survey, but it joins surveys for incoming freshmen and outgoing seniors, both of which are conducted annually.

 Sophomores were added to the survey list because the general administration wanted another perspective, Sharp said.  The survey focuses on a student's first two years at Appalachian and features questions associated with the general education program.

 "We catch students coming out of their lower-level experience at (Appalachian). The senior (exit) survey focuses on the upper-level experience in their major area," Sharp said.

  Eligible sophomores were given surveys through their academic adviser or through the mail.

 Of approximately 1100 distributed surveys, Approximately 600 students returned usable information. Sharp said this was approximately a 55% return rate.

 Next spring, the survey will continue, but Sharp said Appalachian may consider other delivery methods to boost survey return rates.

 Sharp encouraged sophomores to take the survey seriously in an effort to improve the overall climate of Appalachian.

 Sophomore Erin N. Wagner of Cary also recognized this need. Wagner said she will take the survey in the spring to voice her opinions to the university.

 "I think it's important (for sophomores) to take this survey because it will help me let the university know its weak and strong areas," Wagner said.

 "It will improve the rest of my years here and hopefully help future students as well," she said.
 
 
 

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