2006 ONE-YEAR ALUMNI SURVEY
UNIVERSITY SUMMARY REPORT
Steven Hawks
&
Bryan Kracht
Office of Assessment
Kansas State University
July, 2007
ABOUT THE 2006 ONE-YEAR & FOUR-YEAR ALUMNI SURVEY
•
Surveys were sent electronically to alumni who graduated in December 2004, May 2005, and
August 2005 for the one-year survey and in December 2001, May 2002, and August 2002 for
the four-year survey for whom e-mail addresses were provided by the Alumni Association.
•
The response rate for the One-Year Alumni survey was 33% (474 out of 1429 completed the
survey), and the response rate for the Four-Year Alumni surveys was 42% (467 out of 1114
completed the survey).
1
Table of Contents
Page
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
SELECTION OF KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ................................................................... 3
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCES ............................................................................................... 10
CURRENTLY ATTENDING GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL ................................ 17
2
List of Tables
Page
TABLE 1
Demographic Information............................................................................................1
TABLE 2
Alumni’s Major(s)........................................................................................................2
TABLE 3
Alumni Who Transferred Credits.................................................................................2
TABLE 4
Type of Institution Transferred From & Number of Credits Transferred....................2
TABLE 5
Satisfaction with K-State..............................................................................................3
TABLE 6
Choice of Applying to K-State.....................................................................................3
TABLE 7
Features of Advising ....................................................................................................4
TABLE 8
Contribution of Growth from Experiences at K-State .................................................4
TABLE 9
(What should be the) Most Emphasized Objectives in Undergraduate Programs .......7
TABLE 10
More or Less Emphasis................................................................................................8
TABLE 11
Quality of Life Enhancement .......................................................................................9
TABLE 12
Current Activities .........................................................................................................10
TABLE 13
Primary Reason Not Employed....................................................................................10
TABLE 14
Seeking Employment and Seriousness of Unemployment ..........................................11
TABLE 15
First Job after Graduation.............................................................................................11
TABLE 16
Job Relationship to Major ............................................................................................12
TABLE 17
Job not Related to Major ..............................................................................................12
TABLE 18
Job Search ....................................................................................................................12
TABLE 19
Preparation for Job .......................................................................................................13
TABLE 20
Current Employment....................................................................................................14
TABLE 21
Satisfaction with Present Position................................................................................14
TABLE 22
Requirements for Position............................................................................................15
TABLE 23
Current Job Location....................................................................................................16
TABLE 24
Degree Seeking ............................................................................................................17
TABLE 25
Relationship to Graduate Major ...................................................................................17
TABLE 26
First Choice for Graduate School.................................................................................18
TABLE 27
Financial Assistance.....................................................................................................18
TABLE 28
Preparation for Graduate School..................................................................................18
3
INTRODUCTION
Surveys were sent electronically to
alumni who graduated in December 2004,
May 2005, and August 2005 for the oneyear survey and in December 2001, May
2002, and August 2002 for the four-year
survey for whom e-mail addresses were
provided by the Alumni Association.
The response rate for the One-Year
Alumni survey was 33% (474 out of 1429
completed the survey), and the response rate
for the Four-Year Alumni surveys was 42%
(467 out of 1114 completed the survey).
There were four different content
areas on the Alumni Surveys: demographic
information, their selection of Kansas State
University, employment experiences, and if
they are currently attending
graduate/professional school.
This report is a summary of
responses from the 2006 Alumni Survey.
TABLE 1
Demographic Information
N
Percentage
Gender
Male
Female
178
290
38.0
62.0
Are you a U.S. citizen?
Yes
No
462
6
98.7
1.3
Ethnicity/Race
American Indian/Alaskan Native
Asian or Pacific Islander
Black, Non-Hispanic
Hispanic,/Spanish/Latin American
Mexican/Mexican American
White/Non-Hispanic
Multiracial
Other
No Response
2
1
5
3
3
436
7
1
10
0.4
0.2
1.1
0.6
0.6
93.2
1.5
0.2
2.1
75
182
122
62
11
16.6
40.3
27.0
13.7
2.4
Age
Under 24
24
25
26-30
31 +
4
TABLE 2
Alumni’s Major(s)
What was your undergraduate major?
College of Agriculture
College of Architecture
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Business
College of Education
College of Engineering
College of Human Ecology
College of Technology & Aviation
Total
What was your second major (if applicable)?
College of Agriculture
College of Architecture
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Business
College of Education
College of Engineering
College of Human Ecology
College of Technology & Aviation
Total
N
Percentage
39
45
141
73
41
56
65
10
470
8.3
9.6
30.0
15.5
8.7
11.9
13.8
2.1
100.0
2
1
22
8
4
5
7
4
53
3.8
1.9
41.5
15.1
7.6
9.4
13.2
7.6
100.0
N
340
128
468
Percentage
72.6
27.4
100.0
TABLE 3
Alumni Who Transferred Credits
Did you transfer credit to K-State from another college or university?
Yes
No
Total
TABLE 4
Type of Institution Transferred From & Number of Credits Transferred
A two year college
Another Kansas 4 year public university
An out-of-state 4 year public university
A private 4 year college or university
Other
1-20
174
37
16
17
27
21-30
33
6
2
7
5
31-40
10
2
3
3
3
41-60
15
1
8
2
0
61 +
15
2
6
3
1
2
SELCTION OF KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
TABLE 5
Satisfaction with K-State
If you could start over, would you still choose to:
Attend K-State?
Definitely No
Probably No
Uncertain
Probably Yes
Definitely Yes
Does Not Apply
N
Percentage
4
4
16
88
348
1
0.9
0.9
3.5
19.1
75.5
0.2
Graduate with same first major?
Definitely No
Probably No
Uncertain
Probably Yes
Definitely Yes
Does Not Apply
15
61
54
105
221
5
3.3
13.2
11.7
22.8
47.9
1.1
Graduate with same second major?
Definitely No
Probably No
Uncertain
Probably Yes
Definitely Yes
Does Not Apply
4
8
22
23
37
367
0.9
1.7
4.8
5.0
8.0
79.6
N
402
41
11
7
Percentage
87.2
8.9
2.4
1.5
TABLE 6
Choice of Applying to K-State
When you applied to K-State, it was your:
First Choice
Second Choice
Third Choice
Not one of top three choices
3
TABLE 7
Features of Advising
After having a year to reflect, how satisfied are you with the following
features of advising provided to you at K-State:
Access to academic advising
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
N
Percentage
18
48
104
181
110
3.9
10.4
22.6
39.3
23.9
Assistance in course selection/developing a program of study
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
18
56
117
160
110
3.9
12.1
25.4
34.7
23.9
Information provided about career/graduate school opportunities
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
48
89
114
142
68
10.4
19.3
24.7
30.8
14.8
TABLE 8
Contribution of Growth from Experiences at K-State
How much has your K-State college experience contributed to your
growth in each of the following areas?
Increasing knowledge and understanding in an academic field
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
N
Percentage
0
19
149
265
0.0
4.4
34.4
61.2
Gaining knowledge, technical skills and/or competence required
for a job/career
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
2
44
161
226
0.5
10.2
37.2
52.2
Developing skills in leading or participating in groups or teams
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
3
42
176
212
0.7
9.7
40.6
49.0
4
TABLE 8 (cont.)
Contribution of Growth from Experiences at K-State
How much has your K-State college experience contributed to your
growth in each of the following areas?
Gaining knowledge that will enrich your daily life or make you a more
complete person
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
N
Percentage
4
48
171
210
0.9
11.1
39.5
48.5
Becoming independent, self-reliant, and responsible
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
6
34
137
256
1.4
7.9
31.6
59.1
Developing an understanding and awareness of yourself (interests, abilities,
values, needs, etc.)
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
7
45
171
210
1.6
10.4
39.5
48.5
Becoming a more satisfied, responsible family member
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
29
87
163
154
6.7
20.1
37.6
35.6
Becoming more aware of world issues and pressing social, political, and
economic problems
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
29
100
174
130
6.7
23.1
40.2
30.0
Thinking critically, problem-solving
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
0
36
183
214
0.0
8.3
42.3
49.4
Identifying a sense of values and priorities in life
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
14
60
193
166
3.2
13.9
44.6
38.3
5
TABLE 8 (cont.)
Contribution of Growth from Experiences at K-State
How much has your K-State college experience contributed to your
growth in each of the following areas?
Developing lasting friendships and personal ties
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
N
Percentage
14
60
193
166
3.2
13.9
44.6
38.3
Handling personal/family finances and consumer issues
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
28
115
176
114
6.5
26.6
40.6
26.3
Increasing your intellectual curiosity
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
3
32
192
206
0.7
7.4
44.3
47.6
Caring for your mental/physical health
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
3
32
192
206
0.7
7.4
44.3
47.6
Organizing time effectively
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
11
44
195
183
2.5
10.2
45.0
42.3
Increasing a commitment to public service
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
34
117
160
122
7.9
27.0
37.0
28.2
Developing satisfying leisure time activities
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
28
88
167
150
6.5
20.3
38.6
34.6
6
TABLE 8 (cont.)
Contribution of Growth from Experiences at K-State
How much has your K-State college experience contributed to your
growth in each of the following areas?
Becoming more willing to consider opposing points of view
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
N
Percentage
10
64
205
154
2.3
14.8
47.3
35.6
Interacting and working effectively with people from different racial/ethnic
backgrounds
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
22
75
163
173
5.1
17.3
37.6
40.0
Locating and evaluating information sources
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
5
61
196
171
1.2
14.1
45.3
39.5
TABLE 9
(What should be the) Most Emphasized Objectives in Undergraduate Programs
Of the 20 objectives listed in Table 8, please identify the (top three) associated
with the objectives that you believe should be most emphasized in K-State
undergraduate programs.
Increasing knowledge and understanding in an academic field
Gaining knowledge, technical skills and/or competence required for a
job/career
Developing skills in leading or participating in groups or teams
Gaining knowledge that will enrich your daily life or make you a more
complete person
Becoming independent, self-reliant, and responsible
Developing an understanding and awareness of yourself (interests, abilities,
values, needs, etc.)
Becoming a more satisfied, responsible family member
Becoming more aware of world issues and pressing social, political, and
economic problems
Thinking critically, problem-solving
Identifying a sense of values and priorities in life
Developing lasting friendships and personal ties
Handling personal/family finances and consumer issues
Increasing your intellectual curiosity
Caring for your mental/physical health
Organizing time effectively
Increasing a commitment to public service
Developing satisfying leisure time activities
N
Percentage
98
123
22.6
28.4
26
23
6.0
5.3
19
14
4.4
3.2
2
15
0.5
3.5
39
8
17
8
12
3
5
2
1
9.0
1.8
3.9
1.8
2.8
0.7
1.2
0.5
0.2
7
TABLE 9 (cont.)
(What should be the) Most Emphasized Objectives in Undergraduate Programs
Of the 20 objectives listed in Table 8, please identify the (top three) associated
with the objectives that you believe should be most emphasized in K-State
undergraduate programs.
Becoming more willing to consider opposing points of view
Interacting and working effectively with people from different racial/ethnic
backgrounds
Locating and evaluating information sources
N
Percentage
9
7
2.1
1.6
2
0.5
TABLE 10
More or Less Emphasis
Looking back on your college experience, do you believe (less, the same or
more) emphasis should have been placed on:
Written communications skills
Less
Same
More
N
Percentage
8
286
137
1.9
66.4
31.8
Oral communications skills
Less
Same
More
4
230
197
0.9
53.4
45.7
Mathematical skills
Less
Same
More
23
325
83
5.3
75.4
19.3
Computer skills
Less
Same
More
5
214
212
1.2
49.7
49.2
Problem-solving skills
Less
Same
More
2
270
159
0.5
62.6
36.9
Learning to think and reason
Less
Same
More
3
254
174
0.7
58.9
40.4
Understanding and relating to people
Less
Same
More
9
248
174
2.1
57.5
40.4
8
TABLE 10 (cont.)
More or Less Emphasis
Looking back on your college experience, do you believe (less, the same or
more) emphasis should have been placed on:
Background in natural sciences (e.g. chemistry, biology, physics)
Less
Same
More
N
Percentage
57
334
40
13.2
77.5
9.3
Background in social sciences (e.g. economics, sociology, psychology)
Less
Same
More
25
321
85
5.8
74.5
19.7
Background in humanities and fine arts (e.g. art, music, history)
Less
Same
More
53
295
83
12.3
68.4
19.3
Theory courses related to my major
Less
Same
More
44
290
97
10.2
67.3
22.5
Application courses related to my major(s)
Less
Same
More
6
183
242
1.4
42.5
56.1
N
Percentage
2
13
145
271
0.5
3.0
33.6
62.9
TABLE 11
Quality of Life Enhancement
How much has your overall quality of life been enhanced by your K-State
undergraduate experience?
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
9
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCES
TABLE 12
Current Activities
Please fill in the one statement that best describes your current activities
Not engaged in paid employment
Enrolled in graduate or professional school
Both employed (other than graduate assistant) and continuing my education
Employed 35 hours per week or more
Self-employed
N
8
81
51
283
8
Percentage
1.9
18.8
11.8
65.7
1.9
(Base for Questions 17-20: Those who are currently not employed)
TABLE 13
Primary Reason Not Employed
Indicate the primary reason you are not employed
I have chosen not to be employed
I was laid off by my employer
I quit a job to seek other employment
I chose to confine my job search to a specific city or region
My job search was limited due to a need to find career opportunities in the
same geographic region with someone else
I have not limited my job search in any way, but have been unable to find a
satisfactory job since graduation
Having/Expecting a child changed my employment plans
Other
N
2
1
0
0
0
Percentage
25.0
12.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
2
25.0
2
1
25.0
12.5
10
TABLE 14
Seeking Employment and Seriousness of Unemployment
N
Percentage
Have you sought job placement assistance from K-State's Office of Career
and Employment Services?
Yes, it has been helpful
Yes, it has not been helpful
No, I didn't register with the office
No, I registered with the office but didn't seek further assistance
1
1
4
2
12.5
12.5
50.0
25.0
Do you plan to seek paid employment
Yes, within 12 months
Yes, in 1 to 5 years
Yes, in more than 5 years
No
4
1
1
2
50.0
12.5
12.5
25.0
How would you describe your current status of not being employed?
Serious problem
Minor problem
No problem, my choice
2
1
5
25.0
12.5
62.5
(Base for Questions 27-42: Those who are currently employed)
Table 15
First Job after Graduation
N
Percentage
Is this your first job after graduation?
Yes
No
212
128
62.4
37.6
How did you learn of this job?
Job lead from professor or advisor
Job lead from relative or friend
Job lead from college internship
Government employment listing
Employment agency
Job listing on the internet
Newspaper
Worked previously for employer
Applied for job without knowledge of opening
K-State's Career and Employment Services
25
55
35
4
9
75
23
45
23
50
7.3
16.0
10.2
1.2
2.6
21.8
6.7
13.1
6.7
14.5
11
TABLE 16
Job Relationship to Major
How closely is your job related to your undergraduate field of study?
Major 1
Not Related
Somewhat Related
Directly Related
N
Percentage
48
71
219
14.2
21.0
64.8
Major 2
Not Related
Somewhat Related
Directly Related
17
16
13
37.0
34.8
28.3
N
Percentage
25
27
30
6
16.2
17.5
19.5
3.9
22
14
4
26
14.3
9.1
2.6
16.9
N
Percentage
54
42
91
74
26
21
13
19
15.9
12.4
26.8
21.8
7.6
6.2
3.8
5.6
TABLE 17
Job not Related to Major
If you indicated that your job is not related or only somewhat related to
your major, what is the principle reason? (Multiple responses. Base:
Among those whose job is not related or only somewhat related to major).
I looked, but could not find a job closely related to my major
My major had no direct connection with specific employment opportunities
I confined my job search to a specific city or region
My job search was limited due to a need to match my career interests with
someone else’s
I developed new career interests after leaving college
The jobs in my field did not pay well
The jobs in my field did not offer opportunities for advancement
I found an exceptional opportunity in an unrelated field
TABLE 18
Job Search
When did you initiate your job search for a career position?
More than one year prior to graduation
Nine months to one year prior to graduation
Six to eight months prior to graduation
Three to five months prior to graduation
One to two months prior to graduation
At graduation time
One month after graduation
More than one month after graduation
12
TABLE 18 (cont.)
Job Search
N
Percentage
How long did it take you to obtain your current full-time job after
graduation?
Had job at graduation
Less than 1 month
1 to 3 months
4 to 6 months
7 or more months
147
47
72
32
42
43.2
13.8
21.2
9.4
12.4
How difficult was it for you to find employment?
Very difficult
Fairly Difficult
Somewhat Easy
Very Easy
20
83
147
90
5.9
24.4
43.2
26.5
Approximately how many job interviews did you have before accepting
your current position?
0-1
2-5
6-9
10-14
15-19
20+
85
183
49
16
3
4
25.0
53.8
14.4
4.7
0.9
1.2
How close is your job to the type of job you desired prior to graduation?
Very Close
Fairly Close
Not Very Close
Far Apart
Had no clear expectations
147
103
50
27
13
43.2
30.3
14.7
7.9
3.8
TABLE 19
Preparation for Job
N
Percentage
How do you feel that K-State prepared you for your present job?
Inadequately
Fairly Well
Well
Excellently
18
104
148
70
5.3
30.6
43.5
20.6
Compared to new employees from other colleges/universities, do you feel
that your K-State academic preparation gave you an:
Advantage
Disadvantage
Neither
217
1
122
63.8
0.3
35.9
13
TABLE 20
Current Employment
What is your current annual salary, before taxes?
Less than $19,999
$20,000-$29,999
$30,000-$39,999
$40,000-$49,000
$50,000-$59,000
$60,000-$69,000
$70,000-$79,000
$80,000-$99,000
$100,000 or more
Which statement best describes your current job?
Employment with definite long-term potential
Employment with possible long-term potential
Employment primarily to earn money with little or no other satisfaction or
disadvantages
Temporary employment while I look for something more suitable
Temporary position that will last only for a limited time
N
Percentage
24
46
130
63
51
7
1
4
0
7.4
14.1
39.9
19.3
15.6
2.1
0.3
1.2
0.0
179
106
24
52.6
31.2
7.1
25
6
7.4
1.8
TABLE 21
Satisfaction with Present Position
Indicate your satisfaction with the following aspects of your present job:
Salary/Benefits
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
N
Percentage
12
49
63
142
74
3.5
14.4
18.5
41.8
21.8
Location
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
8
30
46
134
122
2.4
8.8
13.5
39.4
35.9
Opportunity to use your qualifications
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
12
32
57
137
102
3.5
9.4
16.8
40.3
30.0
14
TABLE 21 (cont.)
Satisfaction with Present Position
Indicate your satisfaction with the following aspects of your present job:
Opportunity to advance
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
N
Percentage
12
39
93
107
89
3.5
11.5
27.4
31.5
26.2
Prestige/Recognition
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
16
49
98
114
63
4.7
14.4
28.8
33.5
18.5
Interest/Challenge of work
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
12
34
59
132
103
3.5
10.0
17.4
38.8
30.3
Working conditions
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
8
30
47
146
109
2.4
8.8
13.8
42.9
32.1
Opportunity to learn
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
8
21
43
122
146
2.4
6.2
12.6
35.9
42.9
TABLE 22
Requirements for Position
N
Percentage
Is your position challenging?
Yes
No
286
54
84.1
15.9
Is a B.A./B.S. degree required for your current job?
Yes
No, but helpful
No, irrelevant
251
71
18
73.8
20.9
5.3
15
TABLE 23
Current Job Location
Current job location:
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Outside U.S.
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Washington, D.C.
Wisconsin
Wyoming
N
7
1
5
10
5
3
6
1
2
178
1
1
1
1
2
27
2
5
1
2
1
1
1
3
1
1
24
2
1
3
2
1
Percentage
2.3
0.3
1.7
3.3
1.7
1.0
2.0
0.3
0.7
58.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.7
8.9
0.7
1.7
0.3
0.7
0.3
0.3
1.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
7.9
0.7
0.3
1.0
0.7
0.3
16
CURRENTLY ATTENDING GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL
(Base for Questions 21-26: Those who are currently attending graduate/professional school)
TABLE 24
Degree Seeking
N
Percentage
What degree are you currently seeking?
M.A./M.S.
M.B.A.
M.D.
Ph.D.
D.V.M.
Other
75
7
3
7
3
37
56.8
5.3
2.3
5.3
2.3
28.0
What is the highest degree you are planning to complete?
M.A./M.S.
M.B.A.
M.D.
Ph.D.
Ed.D
D.V.M.
Other
49
5
4
35
6
3
30
37.1
3.8
3.0
26.5
4.5
2.3
22.7
TABLE 25
Relationship to Graduate Major
How closely was your undergraduate major related to your graduate
major?
Major 1
Not Related
Somewhat Related
Directly Related
N
Percentage
12
43
74
9.3
33.3
57.4
Major 2
Not Related
Somewhat Related
Directly Related
7
9
9
28.0
36.0
36.0
17
TABLE 26
First Choice for Graduate School
Was this graduate/professional program your first choice?
Yes
No, I was accepted but couldn't afford to attend my first choice
No, I did not apply to first choice
No, I was not accepted by first choice
No, I did not attend because I need to match my plans with someone else
Others
N
98
9
5
9
5
6
Percentage
74.2
6.8
3.8
6.8
3.8
4.5
N
Percentage
43
26
13
30
25
67
21.1
12.7
6.4
14.7
12.3
32.8
N
Percentage
5
21
57
49
3.8
15.9
43.2
37.1
TABLE 27
Financial Assistance
What sources of financial assistance have supported your graduate study?
(Respondents were asked to “check all that apply”)
Departmental graduate assistance
Institutional fellowship/scholarship
Non-institutional fellowship/scholarship
Full-time employment
Part-time employment
Loan(s)
TABLE 28
Preparation for Graduate School
How would you rate the quality of your K-State undergraduate
preparation for graduate/professional education?
Inadequate
Fair
Good
Excellent
18