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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