USF Scores High with Graduates
The USF experience scored high with this year’s graduates, according to results from a May 2002 graduating student survey published last month. Of 915 undergraduate and graduate respondents (out of a total of 1,376 students eligible for graduation), 88.5 percent said they were satisfied with their USF education.
Satisfaction with instructor involvement remains high, with 94.3 percent of respondents agreeing that “my instructors took an active interest in my learning.” Similarly, 92.8 percent felt instructors were “reasonably accessible outside of class.” Over the last five years, student approval of faculty work has never dipped below 91 percent.
General education courses were not as popular with students as their major courses. Overall satisfaction with GEC classes was about 68 percent, while major courses garnered an 86 percent approval rating. An overhauled version of the GEC is slated to be introduced this fall.
Regarding the racial and cultural diversity at USF, 80.9 percent of those who responded said they felt individual ethnic, religious, and other differences were valued “very much” or “somewhat” at USF. Approximately 69 percent said their appreciation of those differences increased while at USF. About 60 percent said USF enhanced their sense of social justice. “The emphasis on social justice and respect for all people is a very positive part of what USF gave me and my classmates,” one student wrote.
“(The survey) is critically important for enhancing our learning community because this is the best window we have in to the attitudes and perceptions of our students regarding the total USF experience,” said Alan Ziajka, special assistant to the president and director of institutional research.
Since the first survey was introduced in 1997, a database of information has been built reflecting students’ feelings about their educational experience, from teacher involvement to internship opportunities. The university has used the results in applying for grants and in preparing for accreditations. Colleges and departments have also used results to identify needed improvements in services. For example, 37 percent of graduates rated USF’s computer services as good in December 1998, while in May 2002 approval shot up to 52 percent.
Other services have enjoyed consistently high ratings. In the past 10 surveys, library services have topped the list, with 59-70 percent of graduates rating the library as excellent or good. Recreational facilities, classrooms, and computer equipment were given high marks (47-56 percent approval).
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