Profile of a Learner: A Look at
Today’s UWSP Students
September, 2011
Shari A. Summers
Associate Institutional Planner
Policy Analysis and Planning Office
Office of the Chancellor
Today’s Presentation
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Beloit Mindset Activity and Video
Who are our UWSP Freshman
Why are students coming to UWSP?
How prepared are student for college?
How does this information affect what you do?
Summary
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Todays Outcomes
• Appreciate the quality and challenges of
teaching new students at UWSP.
• Be able to share ideas and insights about the
new students with other new faculty and staff.
• Articulate one incoming characteristic of UWSP
students that may impact your course or
interactions with students at UWSP.
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1993…
The majority of
new students
heading to
college this fall
were born in
1993.
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According to Beloit College Mindset List
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Video Beloit
Beloit Mindset List Activity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fClXKpgOk2c
http://www.beloit.edu/mindset/webcast/
• Activity - Handout
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Background Characteristics
Who are our new students?
Background Characteristics
 17% were in the Top 10% of
their high school class
 51% were in the Top 25%
 Average HS Rank = 73%
 Average ACT Score = 23.3
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Background Characteristics
• Nearly 8% are from diverse
racial/ethnic backgrounds
• 97% are traditional aged
students
• 99% are full time students
• 18% are undecided on their
major
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Background Characteristics
• 90% are Wisconsin residents
• 23% had graduating HS classes of <100
• Nearly half are first-generation college
students (44%)
• 36% are from small towns (<2,500) or farms
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First-Generation Freshman at UWSP
First-Generation Freshmen at UWSP
58%
51%
54%
48%
53%
49%
44%
46%
44%
45%
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
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Why are they coming to
UWSP?
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New Students Reasons to Attend College
Very Important
Somewhat Important
To prepare for career/vocation
Not Important
94%
Wanted a general education
5%
71%
To increase earning power
26%
57%
To make a difference in the world
34%
43%
To broaden my understanding of people…
To have fun
To discover the meaning in my life
8%
42%
39%
45%
36%
52%
27%
44%
16%
17%
12%
29%
To please parents
14%
42%
45%
For prestige
13%
44%
43%
Thought I would like college work 10%
Was unsure of what else I would do
8%
To do what my friends are doing 3% 17%
44%
28%
3%
46%
64%
80%
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New Students Reasons to attend UWSP
Of the factors influencing new students choice to come to
UWSP these are the top five to be “very influential” in this
decision:
1. For the majors/minors offered
2. Its academic program is better than other
schools
3. Size of the school
4. The campus is beautiful
5. Friendly faculty and staff
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Choice of Major
For what reason would or did you choose your major?
Prospect of
Job market earning a lot of
prospects are
money
good
2%
5%
Someone
persuaded me
<1%
It is an area in
which I have
ability
17%
It represents my
interests
76%
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Academic Habits
How prepared are our students?
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Study Habits
Study Habits & Plans
Hours of Study - Comparison
100%
90%
80%
>10 Hrs, 4%
>30 Hrs, 3%
7-10 Hrs, 8%
21-30 Hrs
17%
4-6 Hrs
24%
70%
60%
10-20 Hrs
48%
50%
40%
1-3 Hrs
45%
30%
20%
10%
4-9 Hrs
29%
None
19%
0-3 Hrs, 3%
0%
Actual Hours Studied in HS
Expected Hours of Study in College
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Experience with Academic Tasks
Students report “extensive” experience:
Percent
Working with a group on a joint project for a
grade
Writing an essay exam
Participating in class discussion based on your
interpretation of a reading
Giving a presentation for class
53%
41%
43%
46%
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Experience with Academic Tasks
Students report “some” experience:
Percent
Reading a textbook to prepare for class
42%
Taking notes from a textbook on your own
44%
Taking notes during a lecture
47%
Writing a research paper with citations
50%
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Experience with Academic Tasks
Students report “little or no” experience:
Percent
Writing a lab report
36%
Utilizing online environments for academic work
31%
Taking notes during a lecture
19%
Writing a research paper with citations
18%
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Students and Work
Are you planning to work for pay during the coming academic year?
Yes, Off Campus
11%
No
14%
0%
Yes, On Campus
36%
Unsure
18%
Combo of On and
Off-Campus
21%
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Technology Habits of New Students
New Freshmen Time Spent per Week Using
Social Networking Sites or Playing Video Games
100%
5%
9%
13%
17%
26%
75%
1%
5%
35%
23%
>8
hours
4-7
hours
50%
40%
54%
78%
51%
25%
14%
0%
Male
<3
hours
None
24%
4%
Female
Social Networking
Male
Female
Video Games
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Thank you!
The illiterate of the 21st century will
not be those who cannot read and
write, but those who cannot learn,
unlearn, and relearn.
~Alvin Toffler
Further Information
UWSP Policy and Planning
http://www.uwsp.edu/Chancellor/policyplanning/Pages/defa
ult.aspx
UWSP Registration and Records
www.uwsp.edu/reg-rec/enrollment_reports.aspx
UW-System Office of Policy Analysis and Research
http://www.uwsa.edu/opar/
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