2008 Senior Survey results
Prepared by
The Office of Academic Assessment
June 2008
Undergraduate students intending to graduate in May 2008 or summer 2008, as identified by their departments, were asked to complete a web-based survey soliciting their opinions regarding aspects of their experience at Virginia Tech. After an initial contact and a follow-up from a departmental representative and another follow-up from the Office of Academic Assessment, 1548 of 3652 students across the University returned completed surveys, resulting in a response rate of 42.4%.
As you review the attached information, note that the quality of these data are dependent on the number of students responding, the response rate, and the particular wording of each question. The survey provides only an overview of student perceptions and does not allow for in-depth probing that would lead to explanations behind those perceptions. Results, however, may indicate areas for further examination.
Some section highlights among responses to the 53 items of the survey include the following:
From my experiences at Virginia Tech, I have improved my
· Critical thinking skills (97%)
· Ability to retrieve information & resources to help solve a problem (94%)
· Oral communication skills (93%)
· Ability to solve problems creatively (92%)
· Quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills (91%)
· Ability to lead people effectively (91%)
· Understanding of ethical behavior (88%)
· Writing skills (88%)
· Understanding of the relationship between society & art (65%)
· Knowledge of classic works of fine and applied arts (59%)
The coursework in my department
The faculty in my department
Participation
Demographic characteristics
If you have questions regarding the results or the survey process, contact Dr. Steve Culver, Assistant Director, Office of Academic Assessment, sculver@vt.edu, 231-4581.
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The course work in my
major department… |
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Strongly Disagree (1) |
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Disagree (2) |
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Agree (3) |
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Strongly Agree (4) |
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University Mean (SD) |
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1. was
intellectually challenging |
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5 (.3%) |
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50 (3%) |
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810 (52%) |
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683 (44%) |
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3.40 (.57) |
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2.
required me to think critically |
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7 (.5%) |
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42 (3%) |
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750 (48%) |
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745 (48%) |
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3.45 (.57) |
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3.
increased my understanding of my field |
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9 (.6%) |
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29 (2%) |
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559 (36%) |
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948 (61%) |
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3.58 (.56) |
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4. helped
me become a better writer |
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52 (3%) |
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300 (19%) |
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786 (51%) |
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408 (26%) |
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3.00 (.77) |
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5. helped
me synthesize information from different sources |
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8 (.5%) |
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96 (6%) |
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959 (62%) |
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484 (31%) |
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3.24 (.58) |
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6.
presented me with alternate points of view |
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15 (1%) |
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171 (11%) |
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872 (56%) |
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487 (31%) |
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3.19 (.66) |
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The course work in my
major department…(Continued) |
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Strongly Disagree (1) |
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Disagree (2) |
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Agree (3) |
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Strongly Agree (4) |
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University Mean (SD) |
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7.
applied concepts learned in class to new situations |
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9 (.6%) |
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114 (7%) |
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913 (59%) |
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512 (33%) |
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3.25 (.60) |
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8.
increased my understanding of ethical behavior |
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27 (2%) |
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241 (16%) |
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867 (56%) |
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409 (26%) |
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3.07 (.70) |
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9.
incorporated technology that enhanced my learning |
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39 (3%) |
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228 (15%) |
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811 (52%) |
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465 (30%) |
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3.10 (.74) |
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10.
increased my knowledge of technology |
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49 (3%) |
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282 (18%) |
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765 (49%) |
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446 (29%) |
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3.04 (.77) |
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The faculty in my major
department… |
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Strongly Disagree (1) |
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Disagree (2) |
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Agree (3) |
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Strongly Agree (4) |
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University Mean (SD) |
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11. set
high standards for my learning |
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12 (.8%) |
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69 (5%) |
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876 (57%) |
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590 (38%) |
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3.32 (.60) |
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12.
encouraged active learning |
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13 (.8%) |
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97 (6%) |
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842 (54%) |
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588 (38%) |
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3.30 (.62) |
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13.
encouraged student-faculty interaction outside the classroom |
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55 (4%) |
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309 (20%) |
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744 (48%) |
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436 (28%) |
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3.01 (.79) |
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14.
provided opportunities for students to learn cooperatively |
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13 (.8%) |
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101 (7%) |
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883 (57%) |
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549 (35%) |
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3.27 (.62) |
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15. were
concerned about student learning and development |
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17 (1%) |
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91 (6%) |
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893 (58%) |
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542 (35%) |
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3.27 (.62) |
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16. were
accessible outside of class |
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10 (.6%) |
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76 (5%) |
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887 (57%) |
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568 (37%) |
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3.31 (.59) |
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17. knew
me as a person |
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77 (5%) |
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368 (24%) |
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705 (46%) |
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396 (26%) |
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2.92 (.83) |
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18. When you had a question or needed clarification
regarding an academic problem (e.g., what courses to take, graduation
requirements, etc.) from which of the following resources were you more
likely to seek an answer? (check all that apply) |
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University Frequency (%) |
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My official academic advisor |
976 (63%) |
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College or department professional
advisor |
524 (34%) |
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College Academic Programs office |
71 (5%) |
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A faculty member in my major
department |
674 (44%) |
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A faculty member outside of my
major department |
98 (6%) |
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A staff member |
171 (11%) |
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University catalog |
511 (33%) |
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Departmental materials |
551 (36%) |
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Other students |
917 (59%) |
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From my experiences at
Virginia Tech, I have improved my... |
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Strongly Disagree (1) |
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Disagree (2) |
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Agree (3) |
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Strongly Agree (4) |
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University Mean (SD) |
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22.
writing skills |
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21 (1%) |
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159 (10%) |
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846 (55%) |
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517 (33%) |
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3.20 (.67) |
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23. oral
communication skills |
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10 (.6%) |
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95 (6%) |
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801 (52%) |
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636 (41%) |
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3.34 (.62) |
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24.
critical thinking skills |
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3 (.2%) |
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37 (2%) |
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807 (52%) |
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695 (45%) |
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3.42 (.55) |
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25.
computer skills |
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19 (1%) |
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195 (13%) |
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835 (54%) |
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494 (32%) |
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3.17 (.68) |
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26.
understanding of ethical behavior |
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18 (1%) |
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158 (10%) |
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943 (61%) |
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423 (27%) |
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3.15 (.63) |
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27.
ability to retrieve information and resources to help solve a problem |
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10 (.6%) |
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72 (5%) |
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899 (58%) |
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561 (36%) |
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3.30 (.59) |
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From my experiences at
Virginia Tech, I have improved my…(Continued) |
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Strongly Disagree (1) |
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Disagree (2) |
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Agree (3) |
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Strongly Agree (4) |
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University Mean (SD) |
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28.
understanding of the cultural traditions that have shaped Western experience |
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66 (4%) |
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354 (23%) |
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803 (52%) |
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322 (21%) |
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2.89 (.77) |
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29.
knowledge of the interaction between tradition and innovation |
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31 (2%) |
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279 (18%) |
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935 (60%) |
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295 (19%) |
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2.97 (.67) |
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30.
ability to compare alternative theories about human society, culture, and
behavior |
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28 (2%) |
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235 (15%) |
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917 (59%) |
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362 (23%) |
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3.05 (.68) |
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31.
understanding of patterns and processes that affect the relationship between
the individual and society |
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31 (2%) |
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208 (13%) |
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928 (60%) |
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374 (24%) |
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3.07 (.67) |
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32.
ability to evaluate the credibility of, use and misuse of scientific
information |
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16 (1%) |
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174 (11%) |
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939 (60%) |
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410 (27%) |
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3.13 (.64) |
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From my experiences at
Virginia Tech, I have improved my…(Continued) |
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Strongly Disagree (1) |
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Disagree (2) |
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Agree (3) |
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Strongly Agree (4) |
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University Mean (SD) |
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33.
ability to describe methods of inquiry that lead to scientific knowledge |
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18 (1%) |
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207 (13%) |
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960 (62%) |
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346 (22%) |
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3.07 (.64) |
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34.
quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills |
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17 (1%) |
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107 (7%) |
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913 (59%) |
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492 (32%) |
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3.23 (.62) |
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35.
understanding of fundamental principles of reasoning involved in mathematics
or logic |
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39 (3%) |
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243 (26%) |
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839 (54%) |
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412 (27%) |
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3.06 (.73) |
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36.
understanding of the relationship between art and society |
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97 (6%) |
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434 (28%) |
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743 (48%) |
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255 (17%) |
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2.76 (.80) |
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37.
knowledge of classic works of fine and applied arts |
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118 (8%) |
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492 (32%) |
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696 (45%) |
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224 (14%) |
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2.67 (.82) |
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From my experiences at
Virginia Tech, I have improved my…(Continued) |
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Strongly Disagree (1) |
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Disagree (2) |
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Agree (3) |
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Strongly Agree (4) |
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University Mean (SD) |
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38.
knowledge of different cultures and lifestyles |
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61 (4%) |
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244 (16%) |
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872 (56%) |
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354 (23%) |
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2.99 (.74) |
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39.
knowledge of environmental issues |
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44 (3%) |
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243 (16%) |
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848 (55%) |
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394 (25%) |
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3.04 (.73) |
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40.
ability to solve problems creatively |
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11 (.7%) |
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93 (6%) |
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945 (61%) |
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479 (31%) |
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3.24 (.59) |
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41.
ability to lead people effectively |
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14 (.9%) |
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108 (7%) |
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843 (54%) |
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566 (37%) |
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3.28 (.63) |
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42.
knowledge of global issues |
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31 (2%) |
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194 (13%) |
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896 (58%) |
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410 (27%) |
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3.10 (.68) |
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43. Which of the following have you participated in
while at Virginia Tech? (check all that apply) |
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University Frequency (%) |
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Internship, field experience,
co-op, or practicum |
1038 (67%) |
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Community service or volunteer work AS PART OF A COURSE |
438 (28%) |
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Community service or volunteer work OUTSIDE OF ANY COURSE
REQUIREMENTS |
992 (64%) |
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University learning community |
134 (9%) |
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43. Which of the following have you participated in
while at Virginia Tech? (check all that apply) (Continued) |
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University Frequency (%) |
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Research project with a faculty
member AS PART OF A COURSE/PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS |
399 (26%) |
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Research project with a faculty
member OUTSIDE OF ANY
PROGRAM/COURSE REQUIREMENTS |
291 (19%) |
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Study abroad |
294 (19%) |
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Attended a professional or scholarly meeting or conference |
751 (49%) |
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Gave a talk or exhibited your work at a professional,
scholarly, cultural, or artistic conference or meeting |
328 (21%) |
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44. What is your graduation date? |
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University Frequency (%) |
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Summer 2008 |
93 (6%) |
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May 2008 |
1374 (89%) |
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December 2007 |
8 (.5%) |
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Summer 2007 |
2 (.1%) |
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Other |
71 (5%) |
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45. What year did you first enter Virginia Tech? |
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University Frequency (%) |
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2006 or later |
68 (4%) |
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2005 |
138 (9%) |
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2004 |
1049 (68%) |
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2003 |
228 (15%) |
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2002 |
30 (2%) |
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2001 or before |
34 (2%) |
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46. How many times did you change your major? |
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University Frequency (%) |
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0 |
907 (59%) |
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1 |
480 (31%) |
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2 |
116 (8%) |
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3 |
36 (2%) |
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4 or more |
8 (.5%) |
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47. If you changed your major at least once, please
indicate the most important reason why you did so? |
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University Frequency (%) |
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I did not change my major |
670 (43%) |
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Academic difficulties in my
previous major |
44 (3%) |
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Lack of interest in my previous
major |
138 (9%) |
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More interest in subject matter of
my new major |
221 (14%) |
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My new major was easier for me |
7 (.5%) |
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My new major better fit my career
goals |
134 (9%) |
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I can earn more money with a degree in my new major |
8 (.5%) |
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Faculty reputation in my new major |
6 (.4%) |
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48. If it took you longer than 8 semesters (not
including summers) to complete your degree, please indicate which of the
following were factors? (check all that apply) |
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University Frequency (%) |
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I finished my degree in 8
semesters or less |
952 (61%) |
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Changed major |
158 (10%) |
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Repeated courses for better grades |
97 (6%) |
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Internship, practicum, student
teaching, co-op |
76 (5%) |
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Study abroad |
22 (1%) |
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Too few hours to improve my GPA |
20 (1%) |
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Courses not always available |
98 (6%) |
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48. If it took you longer than 8 semesters (not
including summers) to complete your degree, please indicate which of the
following were factors? (check all that apply) (Continued) |
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University Frequency (%) |
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Poor advising |
71 (5%) |
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Lost credits from transfer |
43 (3%) |
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Degree program took longer than 8
semesters |
55 (4%) |
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Academic suspension |
38 (3%) |
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Double major |
65 (4%) |
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Had to work while enrolled |
84 (5%) |
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Family responsibilities |
37 (2%) |
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49. Your current age? |
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University Frequency (%) |
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22 or younger |
1258 (81%) |
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23-24 |
225 (15%) |
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25-27 |
39 (3%) |
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28-30 |
12 (.8%) |
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31-35 |
9 (.6%) |
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36 or older |
3 (.2%) |
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50. What is your racial or ethnic background? |
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University Frequency (%) |
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African American |
36 (2%) |
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Asian/Pacific Islander |
93 (6%) |
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Hispanic/Latino |
20 (1%) |
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Native American |
5 (.3%) |
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White (non-Hispanic) |
1328 (86%) |
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Multi-racial |
43 (3%) |
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None of the above categories |
13 (.8%) |
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51. Your gender? |
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University Frequency (%) |
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Female |
775 (50%) |
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Male |
765 (49%) |
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52. Do you intend to pursue any of the following
degrees in the future? (check all that apply) |
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University Frequency (%) |
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Another bachelor's degree |
59 (4%) |
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Master's degree |
1014 (65%) |
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Professional degree (e.g., Law-JD, Medicine - MD/DO,
Dentistry - DDS, Veterinary Medicine -DVM) |
205 (13%) |
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Doctorate (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D.,
DBA) |
204 (13%) |
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53. If you were to do
it all over again… |
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Definitely no (1) |
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Probably no (2) |
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Probably yes (3) |
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Definitely yes (4) |
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University Mean (SD) |
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would you
attend Virginia Tech again? |
|
19 (1%) |
|
64 (4%) |
|
305 (20%) |
|
1157 (75%) |
|
3.68 (.61) |
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