Student Surveys Planning Group

Student Surveys Planning Group Meeting Notes Monday, April 24, 2006 Members attending: Bill Banis, Debbie Crimmins, Michael Dacey, Mary Desler, Kari Disch, Susan Dun, Steve Fisher, Simon Greenwold, Susan Johnston, Jim Kaczkowski, Marilyn McCoy, Michael Mills, Darla Ward, Eric Johnson

Executive Committee  Membership of Executive Committee for next year – The group agreed that Steve Fisher’s replacement, Ronald Braeutigam would serve on the Executive Committee and that the other three members would continue.

 Schedule for approval of ad-hoc requests to survey students – Ad-hoc requests should be received at the latest by the 3rd or 4th week of the quarter previous to the planned administration. This policy should be stated on the web-site.

 Statement of confidentiality and appropriate use of student data (for research and coursework at Northwestern) – The statement should be considered adopted.

Other Updates  Survey list/schedule for SSPG web-site – Eric Johnson An inventory of surveys was created from past SSPG meeting agendas and notes to serve as planning/scheduling reference. The index is incomplete and Eric is seeking input from the group. Corrections, updates, etc. can be emailed to [email protected].

 COFHE update – Michael Mills Michael attended the April COFHE assembly meeting. There was discussion on Secretary Spelling’s report from the Commission on the Future of Higher Education which is due out at end of summer. It will focus on creating accountability standards. There was discussion on the role of surveys in accountability and assessment. About half of the COFHE schools (including Northwestern) will be participating in the piloting of the on-line CIRP. COFHE is working on the Success Stories Project: “Take a Closer Look” to emphasize the contributions to society from students and alumni from COFHE institutions. A brochure will be distributed that will use the COFHE name. There was also discussion about projected population growth in areas not currently represented by COFHE institutions.

 NRC update – Simon Greenwold Simon reported that the NRC is still refining their methodology and considering the role of quantitative measures versus reputational rankings. NU has paid our $20,000 fee and Andrew Wachtel will be the official contact. Richard Tucker, who will be starting in May as the Associate Director for Research and Analysis, will handle the administrative work. The NRC’s goal is to “be ready to think about” administration in August 2006 with the preliminary report due in November 2007. The NRC is only planning to survey students from English, Economics, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, and Physics.

Analyses/Presentations  Graduate Student Admitted Student Survey – Simon Greenwold The basic analysis of the survey has been completed, but the Graduate School is hoping to conduct an in-depth analysis before next fall. Simon gave the examples of how the graduate school would use the results, such as increasing the flexibility of financial packages, improving programs for visiting admitted students, and assessing the reputation of programs among prospective students. They will focus on the items that are possible for the graduate school to improve. Michael Dacey pointed out that in some instances results from the survey can conflict with advice from external reviewers  Analysis of CIRP 2001 and Senior 2005 survey data, satisfaction and first choice school – Eric Johnson Respondents of both CIRP 2001 and Senior 2005 surveys were matched using student id allowing longitudinal analysis. Results displayed lack of “sour grapes” mentality as students who indicated NU was not their first choice were not less satisfied with their undergraduate experience than those that did indicate NU was their first choice. Eric plans further analysis next year because 2006 is “on year” for COFHE Senior survey.

 Study of mixed race students by Evelyn Tsai – Eric Johnson Evelyn Tsai is a student in the NU higher education program. She is examining students’ ethnicity in relation to self-identity and how undergraduate experiences can influence/alter self-identity. She explored CIRP, Undergraduate Enrolled and Senior survey data.

 Graduate school attendance trends using Senior and First Destinations Survey data - Kemi Abiona – Not present

 Alumni Survey COFHE reports – Debbie Crimmins Debbie has summarized the six recently issued COFHE working papers and highlighted the main points of NU and COFHE differences. The papers are quite detailed and fairly lengthy – copies can be requested from Debbie ([email protected])

Review of Student Survey Projects ( AS TIME PERMITS)  College Board Admitted Student Questionnaire (ASQ) Michael Mills distributed the new survey tool via email which replaces an in-house admitted student survey. The internal instrument was not capturing crossover accurately but the ASQ and data from the National Student Clearinghouse will better accomplish this. Michael welcomes input on the phrasing of local questions.

 COFHE Senior Survey, Class of 2006 The 2006 Senior survey launched and response rate is down. A third reminder may be sent. Concerns were raised about reminders being sent to students that have already completed the survey. Bill Banis will provide Debbie with list of returned emails/invalid addresses. (Debbie checked with COFHE and their policy is to send reminders only to students who have not started the survey or who have only completed a few pages. After the meeting the Executive Committee approved a third reminder which will be sent from Henry Bienen on 5/1/06.)

 National Research Consortium of College and University Counseling Centers in Higher Education Survey on Suicide – Experienced low return rate, waiting on analysis.

 Spirituality Survey – The Chaplain’s office and Lois Trautvetter from SESP are conducting an analysis of the data.

 Leadership Study – Experienced high return rate, summary should be available in fall.

 Recreation Impact - Summary should be available in fall.

 Internet Study – Being administered in the fall.

 Other surveys Simon Greenwold announced that the Graduate Student Satisfaction survey went live and was sent to all graduate students except for ones in their first year. Closing  Action items  Topics for next meeting  Schedule for meetings next year (Fall, Winter and Spring terms, dates TBD)