First-year Transition
The 2010 survey synthesis represents a
decade of student opinion about the teaching
and learning environment and overall student
experience at the University of Saskatchewan.
These summarized findings are meant to
ensure that the student voice is included in
the university planning process at all levels to
address the emerging priority needs to
support undergraduate and graduate
students.
Are first-year students satisfied overall?
In 2010, 90% of first-year students indicated the U of S met or
exceeded their expectations, as compared to 82% in 2004. The U of S
placed first among our peers (see Appendix B) in 2007 and 2010.
The vast majority of first-year students (92-95%) were very satisfied
or satisfied with their decision to attend the U of S. Among our peers,
the U of S placed second in 2007 and fourth in 2010.
In 2010, more U of S international students (96%) were satisfied with
the concern shown by the university for them as individuals than
students from Saskatchewan (67%) and out-of-province (69%).
This is one of the 10 fact sheets included in the
launch of the 2010 survey synthesis. Each fact
sheet focuses on a specific theme or aspect of
the student experience as reported by
University of Saskatchewan survey
participants between 2001 and 2010.
These surveys include the Canadian University
Survey Consortium (CUSC) and the National
Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), among
others.
In 2010, 83% of first-year students reported they intended to return
to the U of S to continue their studies, while 13% were undecided and
4% did not intend to return.
How do first-year students adjust to campus life?
Participation in the orientation program increased from 56% in 2001
to 74% in 2010, and more than 90% of participants agreed that it
made them feel welcome at the university.
First-year students had difficulty becoming involved in campus
activities. However, the proportion of students with at least some
success improved from 37% in 2001 to 54% in 2010.
For the complete list of surveys used in the
2010 survey synthesis, please see Appendix A
of this package.
For more information about specific surveys
at the University of Saskatchewan, please
contact the office of Institutional Planning
and Assessment (IPA) at:
ipa_assessment@usask.ca.
International students were more likely to have difficulty making new
friends and less likely to feel a sense of belonging at the U of S.
On average, a smaller proportion of U of S first-year students (7984%) used the library, than students at our peer institutions (90%).
In 2008, compared to our peers, U of S first-year students felt they
received less support in meeting their need to thrive socially and
coping with their non-academic responsibilities (work, family, etc.).
Complete List of Fact Sheets in Initial Launch Package
Pre-university ° First-year Transition ° Graduate Students ° Post-graduation Trends ° Teaching and Learning ° Student Finances
Out-of-class Experience ° Major Facilities and Services ° Aboriginal Students ° Overall Satisfaction
www.usask.ca/ip
First-year Transition
How do first-year students adjust to university learning?
In 2008, U of S first-year students were more likely to ask questions in class or contribute to class discussions
and work with other students on projects during class than students in our peer institutions.
However, compared to those in our peer institutions, U of S students were less likely to indicate their
coursework required them to analyze the basic elements of an idea, experience, or theory; synthesize ideas,
information, or experiences; make judgments about the value of information, arguments, or methods; or
apply theories or concepts.
From first-year to their graduating year, undergraduate students’ overall level of engagement at the U of S
improved, more than for students at our peer institutions.
From 2001 to 2010, first-year students reported having difficulty finding useful information and resources on
careers and occupations, getting academic advice and performing adequately in courses requiring math
skills.
Overall, the learning skills first-year students needed the most help with were managing workloads, taking
notes and study skills.
How is the academic performance of first-year students?
In 2010, 70% of U of S students registered in a full course load during their first year. However, international
students were less likely to do so (50%).
On average, U of S students expected their end-of-first-year grades to be approximately 30% lower than
their high school grades, compared to approximately 20% at our peer institutions.
In 2010, those students who expected to maintain their high school grades at the end of the first year were
more likely to indicate their experience at the U of S exceeded their expectations than those who expected a
drop in their grades (38% and 23%, respectively).
Of those students who expected the most significant drop in their grades, 65% agreed that professors treat
students as individuals, not just numbers, compared to 87% who did not expect a drop in grades.
In 2006 and 2008, 58% of first-year students who studied 20 or more hours per week, compared to 40% of
those who studied 10 or fewer hours per week, had an average grade of B or higher.
Complete List of Fact Sheets in Initial Launch Package
Pre-university ° First-year Transition ° Graduate Students ° Post-graduation Trends ° Teaching and Learning ° Student Finances
Out-of-class Experience ° Major Facilities and Services ° Aboriginal Students ° Overall Satisfaction
www.usask.ca/ip