Out-of-class Experience
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.
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.
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.
How involved are students in out-of-class programs,
clubs and organizations?
In 2008, 21% of U of S students participated in student life programs
(e.g. residence or campus activities), which is 9% lower than our peer
institutions (see Appendix B). However, U of S participants were
slightly more satisfied than their peers (89% vs. 84%).
Use of the facilities for student associations, clubs, etc. by U of S
students increased from 32% to 41% between 2002 and 2008,
bringing it in line with our peers. However, their satisfaction
decreased from 86% to 77%, taking us below our peers.
Almost half of students did not participate in any co-curricular
activities (organizations, campus publications, student government,
intercollegiate or intramural sports, etc.), while 34% spent up to five
hours on such activities per week.
How involved are students in campus events and
activities?
While there has been substantial improvement over the past decade,
first-year students continued to have difficulty becoming involved in
campus activities, with only 54% indicating they had very much or
some success in 2010.
On average, in 2006 and 2008, U of S students, especially first-year
students, were more likely to feel that the university placed very little
or only some emphasis on attending campus events and activities
(special speakers, cultural performances, athletic events, etc.), as
compared to students at our peer institutions.
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
Out-of-class Experience
How satisfied are students with facilities for athletic/recreational activities?
Between 2002 and 2008, student use of athletic facilities at the U of S increased significantly from 56% to
81%. Satisfaction with athletic facilities also improved from 77% to 95%, surpassing our peer institutions
(88%).
Use of other recreational facilities was substantially higher among U of S students than at our peer
institutions (61% vs. 46%).
What is the social experience of students?
Over the past few years, participation in university-based social activities at the U of S has been consistent at
around 50%. Overall, students who participated were satisfied or very satisfied (87-89%).
Only 14% of U of S students lived on-campus, compared to 26% at our peer institutions in 2008.
About half of U of S students spent 10 hours per week or less relaxing and socializing (watching TV, partying,
etc.).
How are the interpersonal relationships of students?
Compared to students at our peer institutions, U of S students were less likely to have had serious
conversations with students of a different race, ethnicity, or religion, and students with different political
opinions or personal values.
In 2006 and 2008, U of S students consistently rated their relationships with other students, faculty
members, and administrative personnel and offices higher than students at our peer institutions.
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