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
- “increased my understanding of my field” (97%)
- “required me to think critically” (96%)
- “was intellectually challenging” (96%)
- “helped me synthesize information from different sources” (93%)
- “applied concepts learned in class to new situations” (92%)
The faculty in my department
- “set high standards for my learning” (95%)
- “were accessible outside of class” (94%)
- “were concerned about student learning & development” (93%)
- “encouraged active learning” (92%)
- “knew me as a person” (72%)
Participation
- Internship, field experience, co-op, or practicum (67%)
- Community service or volunteer work outside of any course requirements (64%)
- Attended a professional or scholarly meeting or conference (49%)
- Community service or volunteer work as part of a course (28%)
- Research project with a faculty member as part of a course/program requirements (26%)
- Gave a talk or exhibited work at a professional, scholarly, cultural, or artistic conference or meeting (21%)
- Research project with a faculty member outside of course/program requirements (19%)
- Study abroad (19%)
Demographic characteristics
- 65% intend to pursue a Master’s degree; 13%, a professional degree; and 13% a doctorate.
- 59% did not change their major; 31% changed their major once; 8%, twice.
- When students needed academic advising, they often used multiple sources, most often using their official academic advisor (63%), other students (59%), and/or a faculty member in their major department (44%)
- 81% were 22 years old or younger; 83% were white (non-Hispanic); 50% were female.
- 95% indicated that, if they were to do it all over again, they would attend Virginia Tech.
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.