Marshall University
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SURVEY
OF 1996/97 GRADUATES

The results of the 1996/97 survey, by question, follow.

Marshall University values the opinions and judgments of students who have completed approved programs or earned degrees, concerning the quality and delivery of academic programs and services. You can influence planning and evaluation by sharing your views about Marshall services, programs, and facilities. The results of this survey are used in accreditation studies and to assist faculty in review and revision of programs. This survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. All replies are anonymous and the Office of Institutional Research and Planning will compile and analyze the results. Please return the survey in the enclosed postage paid envelope as soon as possible. Thank you.

******************************

(1)    In what month did you receive your degree? If you have more than one degree or certificate from Marshall/MUGC, please indicate the month and year of the most recent degree or certificate earned.

59.2%; 135–May 21.9%; 50--December 18.9%; 43--August

(2) In what year did you receive your degree?

74.7%; 168–1997 24.4%; 55--1996 0.9%; 2--1995

(3) Were the majority of your courses taken:

            47.1%; 105--In Cabell County 39.5%; 88--In Kanawha County 13.5%; 30--In Other Counties

(4) Were any of your courses delivered via: (Select as many as apply.)

38.6%; 17--Audio or Video Teleconference 29.5%; 13--Satellite       9.1%; 4--Video
36.4%; 16--Other   (Other Answers: Classroom instruction only ... classroom ... ITV ... No, but I wish more were available. ... regular classroom with professor up front ... TV course--Saturday exams ... off-campus in Milton--Exec MBA ... Public television ... Standard classroom ... off-campus classroom ... independent study ... No, toaster oven only. ... actual classes ... telecourse--TV course ... computers/technology ... most were in classrooms in Woodrow Wilson High School (Beckley))

(5) What was the greatest distance you traveled to take a class?

45.2%; 103--Over 40 miles 43.0%; 98--Less than 20 miles          11.8%; 27--21-40 miles

(6) How many semesters did it take you to complete your degree? (Include summers and time writing thesis as semesters.)

50.7%; 114--5-8 semesters 22.2%; 50--9-14 semesters   17.8%; 40--1-4 semesters
9.3%; 21--More than 14 semesters

(7) As a consequence of having earned a degree, have you:

        54.7%; 98--received a salary increase 35.8%; 64--moved to a different job
        10.6%; 19--been promoted in your job 1.1%; 2--Got a job
        23.5%; 42--Other

(Other Answers: More specialized in the environmental field of cost engineering. ... Still working for a job (full-time). ... Obtained an additional part-time administrative position. ... No career change yet ... Gone on to graduate school ... received a job ... Gotten a chance to be licensed which will help me move up! ... changed jobs ... self-employed ... Have a new job. ... got a job ... Also am able to provide additional services. ... no change ... continued to be a lifelong learner ... Started own business ... Found a job ... Improved value--added to clients ... still unemployed ... In the process of completing an active duty military agreement--will convert to civilian employment 5/98. ... Nothing gained ... Obtained employment in my field of study. ... new job/career ... still looking for employment ... Began teaching as an adjunct for Concord in addition to my high school position. ... moved up in job classification ... acquired a job ... In line for promotion ... have been some consulting work. ... Sought and received a job after degree was earned. ... I hope for a future job change when the opportunity becomes available. ... Kept a teaching position while others were RIF. ... medical school ... received a job. ... no consequence ... Have opportunity to work with small consulting group. ... continuing professional development ... received location (Huntington) of my choice instead of relocating. ... obtained a job as a forensic DNA analyst ... Looking at other employment possibilities. ... teach part-time at Marshall University--ATE Department ... presently interviewing for jobs ... working in a high-tech industry ... I have gotten a part-time position. ... kept full-time job, no raise, got additional part-time job.)

(8) When you were a student, did you attend classes:

49.1%; 112--Part-time 27.2%; 62--Full-time 23.7%; 54--Both

(9) When you were a student, were you employed:

65.6%; 149--Full-time 21.6%; 49--Part-time 8.4%; 19--A Combination
4.4%; 10--Unemployed

(10) Please write in your current age.

6.6%; 15--45         6.1%; 14--26           6.1%; 14--27            5.7%; 13--25
4.8%; 11--29         4.4%; 10--40           3.9%; 9--34             3.9%; 9--36
3.9%; 9--44           3.5%; 8--38            3.5%; 8--43             3.1%; 7--30
3.1%; 7--31           3.1%; 7--33            3.1%; 7--49             2.6%; 6--24
2.6%; 6--37           2.6%; 6--46            2.6%; 6--47             2.6%; 6--48
2.2%; 5--28           2.2%; 5--42            1.8%; 4--23              1.8%; 4--35
1.8%; 4--39           1.8%; 4--50            1.3%; 3--32              1.3%; 3--41
1.3%; 3--51           1.3%; 3--55             0.9%; 2--54            0.9%; 2--56
3.5%; 8--Other Answers: 61 ... 52 ... 22 ... 65 ... 60 ... 59 ... 30+ ... 57

(11) Gender:         67.2%; 154--Female          32.8%; 75--Male

(12) PLEASE SELECT THE AREA IN WHICH YOU EARNED YOUR DEGREE.

15.8%; 36--Counseling                                      12.7%; 29--Business Administration
10.5%; 24--Special Education                             5.7%; 13--Education Leadership
5.7%; 13--Psychology                                         3.9%; 9--Elementary Education
3.9%; 9--Reading Education                                3.9%; 9--Nursing
3.5%; 8--Secondary Education                            3.1%; 7--Safety
2.6%; 6--Industrial Relations                                2.2%; 5--Adult and Technical Education
1.8%; 4--Health Care Admin.                              1.8%; 4--Environmental Science
1.8%; 4--Environmental Eng.                               1.8%; 4--Biological Sciences
1.8%; 4--Communication Disorders                     1.8%; 4--English
1.8%; 4--Health and Physical Ed.                        1.3%; 3--MSM/Public Administration
1.3%; 3--Information Systems                              1.3%; 3--Early Childhood Education
1.3%; 3--Criminal Justice                                     1.3%; 3--Forensic Science
1.3%; 3--Geography                                            1.3%; 3--Journalism
1.3%; 3--Mathematics                                          1.3%; 3--Sociology
0.9%; 2--Humanities                                              0.9%; 2--Teaching (MAT)
0.9%; 2--Chemistry                                               0.9%; 2--Exercise Science
0.9%; 2--Family & Cons Science                           0.9%; 2--History
0.9%; 2--Political Science                                      0.4%; 1--Chemical Engineering
0.4%; 1--Art                                                          0.4%; 1--Music
0.0%; 0--Employee Relations                                 0.0%; 0--Control Systems Engineering
0.0%; 0--Engineering Management                         0.0%; 0--Technology Management
0.0%; 0--Industrial Engineering                               0.0%; 0--Biomedical Sciences
0.0%; 0--Communication Studies                            0.0%; 0--Physical Science

(13) IF YOU EARNED AN EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST DEGREE, please mark the program in which you earned the degree:

61.9%; 13--Education                                           23.8%; 5--Educational Administration
9.5%; 2--Adult and Technical Ed.                           4.8%; 1--School Psychology
0.0%; 0--Curriculum and Instruction

(14) IF YOU COMPLETED A CERTIFICATE PROGRAM, please select the program which you completed.

31.7%; 13--Mental Impairment                              31.7%; 13--Specific Learning Disorders
24.4%; 10--Behavior Disorders                             12.2%; 5--Math Through Algebra I
9.8%; 4--Principal                                                   9.8%; 4--School Counselor
7.3%; 3--Family Nurse Practitioner                          7.3%; 3--Reading Specialist
7.3%; 3--Superintendent                                          4.9%; 2--Dietetics
4.9%; 2--Early Childhood Ed.                                  4.9%; 2--Supervisor of Instructor
2.4%; 1--Middle Childhood Ed.                               2.4%; 1--Gifted Education
0.0%; 0--School Psychology

******************************

Please respond with your general perceptions to the following statements in reference to the particular degree or program which you completed. Check the box which best describes your opinion.

(1) My coursework was valuable in pursuing my chosen career.

39.6%; 90--Strongly Agree 50.7%; 115--Agree 7.5%; 17--Neutral
1.3%; 3--Disagree 0.4%; 1--Strongly Disagree 0.4%; 1--Insufficient Information                                             

(2) My coursework provided in-depth study and understanding of my area of study.

34.8%; 79--Strongly Agree 54.2%; 123--Agree 7.9%; 18--Neutral
1.8%; 4--Disagree 0.9%; 2--Strongly Disagree 0.4%; 1--Insufficient Information

(3) My program provided a broad perspective of my field.

33.9%; 77--Strongly Agree 50.7%; 115--Agree 10.1%; 23--Neutral
4.4%; 10--Disagree 0.4%; 1--Strongly Disagree 0.4%; 1--Insufficient Information                                 

(4) My coursework contained up-to-date information about my field.

35.7%; 81--Strongly Agree 49.3%; 112--Agree 9.7%; 22--Neutral
4.0%; 9--Disagree 0.4%; 1--Strongly Disagree 0.9%; 2--Insufficient Information 

29.2%; 66--Strongly Agree 51.8%; 117--Agree 11.5%; 26--Neutral
5.8%; 13--Disagree 1.8%; 4--Strongly Disagree 0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information 

(6) My advisor had a thorough knowledge of policies and procedures.

57.3%; 130--Strongly Agree 33.0%; 75--Agree 5.3%; 12--Neutral
3.1%; 7--Disagree 0.9%; 2--Strongly Disagree 0.4%; 1--Insufficient Information

(7) My advisor was accessible.

56.6%; 129--Strongly Agree 30.7%; 70--Agree 7.9%; 18--Neutral
3.5%; 8--Disagree 1.3%; 3--Strongly Disagree 0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(8) My advisor was helpful.

58.8%; 133--Strongly Agree 29.2%; 66--Agree 6.2%; 14--Neutral
3.1%; 7--Disagree 2.7%; 6--Strongly Disagree 0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(9) Evening and weekend schedules enabled me to pursue my graduate studies.

64.0%; 144--Strongly Agree   21.3%; 48--Agree 9.8%; 22--Neutral
2.2%; 5--Disagree     0.4%; 1--Strongly Disagree       2.2%; 5--Insufficient Information

(10) Classroom and other physical facilities provided a comfortable learning environment.

27.0%; 61--Strongly Agree 46.9%; 106--Agree     15.0%; 34--Neutral
9.3%; 21--Disagree     1.8%; 4--Strongly Disagree       0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(11) Adequate research facilities were available.

18.4%; 41--Strongly Agree 36.8%; 82--Agree   26.0%; 58--Neutral
14.3%; 32--Disagree 3.1%; 7--Strongly Disagree 1.3%; 3--Insufficient Information

(12) The geographic location of course offerings provided me with access to graduate study.

38.1%; 86--Strongly Agree 43.8%; 99--Agree   10.2%; 23--Neutral
4.4%; 10--Disagree    2.7%; 6--Strongly Disagree      0.9%; 2--Insufficient Information

(13) The use of alternative delivery systems (satellite, teleconference, microwave transmission, etc.) provided me with access to graduate study.

8.7%; 18--Strongly Agree 11.1%; 23--Agree         45.2%; 94--Neutral
7.7%; 16--Disagree       1.9%; 4--Strongly Disagree 25.5%; 53--Insufficient Information

(14) Adequate computer facilities were available.

13.3%; 29--Strongly Agree      30.3%; 66--Agree     35.3%; 77--Neutral
15.1%; 33--Disagree 3.2%; 7--Strongly Disagree      2.8%; 6--Insufficient Information

(15) Library services were accessible.

17.8%; 40--Strongly Agree 50.2%; 113--Agree      20.0%; 45--Neutral
8.4%; 19--Disagree      3.1%; 7--Strongly Disagree 0.4%; 1--Insufficient Information

(16) Registration procedures facilitated my enrollment each semester.

36.9%; 83--Strongly Agree    49.8%; 112--Agree   7.6%; 17--Neutral
2.2%; 5--Disagree      3.6%; 8--Strongly Disagree  0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(17) Tuition and fees were reasonable.

29.0%; 65--Strongly Agree   52.7%; 118--Agree          12.1%; 27--Neutral
6.2%; 14--Disagree        0.0%; 0--Strongly Disagree       0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(18) The catalog and other public information communications helped keep me informed about MU.

26.2%; 59--Strongly Agree    45.3%; 102--Agree           24.0%; 54--Neutral
2.7%; 6--Disagree      0.4%; 1--Strongly Disagree 1.3%; 3--Insufficient Information

(19) Support staff in my program were helpful.

44.0%; 99--Strongly Agree 44.4%;100--Agree        9.8%; 22--Neutral
1.3%; 3--Disagree    0.4%;1--Strongly Disagree       0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(20) Financial assistance enabled me to pursue graduate study.

34.9%; 66--Strongly Agree 25.9%; 49--Agree            19.0%; 36--Neutral
7.9%; 15--Disagree               3.7%; 7--Strongly Disagree      8.5%;16--Insufficient Information

(21) Overall, university services and support systems facilitated my graduate education.

21.0%; 47--Strongly Agree 58.0%; 130--Agree         17.4%; 39--Neutral
2.7%; 6--Disagree       0.4%; 1--Strongly Disagree 0.4%; 1--Insufficient Information

(22) The faculty stimulated productive student-faculty interaction.

31.4%; 70--Strongly Agree 52.5%; 117--Agree      11.2%; 25--Neutral
4.0%; 9--Disagree   0.9%; 2--Strongly Disagree     0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(23) The faculty stimulated an intellectual climate.

33.6%; 76--Strongly Agree   54.9%; 124--Agree 7.5%; 17--Neutral
2.7%; 6--Disagree         1.3%; 3--Strongly Disagree      0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(24) The faculty provided frank feedback of my graduate work.

32.3%; 73--Strongly Agree 54.9%; 124--Agree       8.4%; 19--Neutral
4.0%; 9--Disagree             0.4%;1--Strongly Disagree 0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(25) Assignments were relevant to advancing my knowledge in the field.

35.3%; 79--Strongly Agree     53.1%; 119--Agree      8.0%; 18--Neutral
3.6%; 8--Disagree         0.0%; 0--Strongly Disagree    0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(26) I was satisfied with the teaching by full-time faculty.

41.6%; 94--Strongly Agree    47.8%; 108--Agree      4.0%; 9--Neutral
5.8%; 13--Disagree       0.9%; 2--Strongly Disagree      0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(27) I was satisfied with the teaching by part-time faculty.

26.8%; 60--Strongly Agree        40.2%; 90--Agree         17.4%; 39--Neutral
6.2%; 14--Disagree           0.4%; 1--Strongly Disagree        8.9%; 20--Insufficient Information

(28) I had opportunities to voice my opinions about my program of study.

29.6%; 67--Strongly Agree         48.7%; 110--Agree      12.8%; 29--Neutral
7.1%; 16--Disagree         1.3%; 3--Strongly Disagree          0.4%; 1--Insufficient Information

(29) All factors considered, I was satisfied with my graduate program.

37.2%; 84--Strongly Agree        54.0%; 122--Agree         4.9%; 11--Neutral
3.5%; 8--Disagree           0.4%; 1--Strongly Disagree       0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

******************************

Questions 30-37 are specific to students who earned a degree in or completed a professional education program which included a clinical or field-based experience. All other respondents should continue on to question 38.

(30) The field experience was clearly defined and structured.

28.6%; 32--Strongly Agree         45.5%; 51--Agree          8.0%; 9--Neutral
15.2%; 17--Disagree         2.7%; 3--Strongly Disagree       0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(31) The field experience requirements were relevant to my job function.

39.3%; 44--Strongly Agree        52.7%; 59--Agree           4.5%; 5--Neutral
2.7%; 3--Disagree           0.9%; 1--Strongly Disagree       0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(32) My field experiences were well-organized and provided a basis for me to improve my professional skills.

37.5%; 42--Strongly Agree        41.1%; 46--Agree             7.1%; 8--Neutral
10.7%; 12--Disagree        3.6%; 4--Strongly Disagree         0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(33) The sequencing of clinical courses was arranged to provide a smooth transition into the job requirements of my profession.

29.7%; 33--Strongly Agree           47.7%; 53--Agree             11.7%; 13--Neutral
3.6%; 4--Disagree            2.7%; 3--Strongly Disagree        4.5%; 5--Insufficient Information

(34) The field experience requirements were valuable in preparation for job functioning.

32.1%; 36--Strongly Agree         52.7%; 59--Agree          7.1%; 8--Neutral
5.4%; 6--Disagree        1.8%; 2--Strongly Disagree           0.9%; 1--Insufficient Information

(35) My field experience supervisor was aware of my professional strengths and weaknesses and helped me to improve my professional skills.

40.2%; 45--Strongly Agree       39.3%; 44--Agree          10.7%; 12--Neutral
6.2%; 7--Disagree         3.6%; 4--Strongly Disagree        0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(36) My field experience supervision sessions were structured in such a way that I knew what was expected of me in the sessions.

35.3%; 42--Strongly Agree         47.1%; 56--Agree           10.1%; 12--Neutral
6.7%; 8--Disagree         0.8%; 1--Strongly Disagree        0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

(37) My supervisor helped me define precise goals and develop criteria which I used to appraise my progress in achieving my goals.

31.9%; 38--Strongly Agree         43.7%; 52--Agree        16.0%; 19--Neutral
7.6%; 9--Disagree          0.8%; 1--Strongly Disagree        0.0%; 0--Insufficient Information

The following three questions also appear on the survey and many written responses are received; however, due to the volume and nature of some of the comments, they are not included on this web site. Written responses are provided to the deans of the schools.

(38) What three things do you think should be kept in your MU/MUGC graduate program?

(39) What three things do you think should be changed in your MU/MUGC graduate program?

(40) Add any other comments you want to share about your graduate experience at MU/MUGC.