2006 FOUR-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
List of Tables
Page
TABLE 1
Demographic Information..................................................................................... 3
TABLE 2
Alumni Who Transferred Credits ......................................................................... 4
TABLE 3
Type of Institution Transferred From & Number of Credits Transferred............. 4
TABLE 4
Satisfaction with K-State ...................................................................................... 5
TABLE 5
Contribution of Growth from Experiences at K-State .......................................... 5
TABLE 6
(What should be the) Most Emphasized Objectives in
Undergraduate Programs ...................................................................................... 8
TABLE 7
More or Less Emphasis......................................................................................... 9
TABLE 8
Preparation for Graduate School........................................................................... 11
TABLE 9
Non-Degree Educational Programs ...................................................................... 11
TABLE 10
Advanced Degree.................................................................................................. 11
TABLE 11
Supplemental Learning Post K-State .................................................................... 12
TABLE 12
Salary .................................................................................................................... 12
TABLE 13
Location of Employment ...................................................................................... 12
TABLE 14
Job Relationship to Major ..................................................................................... 13
TABLE 15
Job not Related to Major....................................................................................... 13
TABLE 16
Satisfaction with Present Position......................................................................... 14
TABLE 17
Community Involvement ...................................................................................... 15
TABLE 18
Public Participation ............................................................................................... 17
TABLE 19
Public Participation Not Available ....................................................................... 18
TABLE 20
Leisure Activities .................................................................................................. 18
2
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
210
258
44.9
55.1
Are you a U.S. citizen?
Yes
No
465
3
99.4
0.6
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
3
8
10
2
426
6
11
2
0.4
0.6
1.7
2.1
0.4
91.0
1.3
2.4
0.4
Under 26
27-28
29-30
30-35
35 +
7
243
152
35
27
1.5
52.4
32.8
7.5
5.8
Present Residence
Kansas
Missouri
Texas
Other
270
27
31
140
57.7
5.8
6.6
29.9
Age
3
TABLE 2
Alumni Who Transferred Credits
Did you transfer credit to K-State from another college or
university?
Yes
No
Total
N
Percentage
334
134
468
71.4
28.6
100.0
TABLE 3
Type of Institution Transferred From & Number of Credits Transferred
Indicate the type of transfer institution and
the number of semester credit hours applied
to your K-State program
1-20
21-30
31-40
41-60
61 +
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
170
42
18
11
13
30
5
4
5
1
13
8
4
3
0
20
2
1
3
2
27
5
2
2
16
4
TABLE 4
Satisfaction with K-State
If you could start over, would you still choose to:
N
Percentage
Attend K-State?
Definitely No
Probably No
Uncertain
Probably Yes
Definitely Yes
Does Not Apply
1
11
18
81
278
0
0.3
2.8
4.6
20.8
71.5
0.0
Graduate with same first major?
Definitely No
Probably No
Uncertain
Probably Yes
Definitely Yes
Does Not Apply
24
58
56
92
155
4
6.2
14.9
14.4
23.7
39.8
1.0
Graduate with same second major?
Definitely No
Probably No
Uncertain
Probably Yes
Definitely Yes
Does Not Apply
6
9
21
26
25
302
1.5
2.3
5.4
6.7
6.4
77.6
TABLE 5
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?
N
Percentage
Increasing knowledge and understanding in an academic field
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
3
16
144
226
0.8
4.1
37.0
58.1
Gaining knowledge, technical skills and/or competence required for a
job/career
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
3
42
157
187
0.8
10.8
40.4
48.1
5
TABLE 5 (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?
N
Percentage
Developing skills in leading or participating in groups or teams
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
7
36
158
188
1.8
9.3
40.6
48.3
Gaining knowledge that will enrich your daily life or make you a more
complete person
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
3
33
151
202
0.8
8.5
38.8
51.9
Becoming independent, self-reliant, and responsible
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
3
17
120
249
0.8
4.4
30.8
64.0
Developing an understanding and awareness of yourself (interests,
abilities, values, needs, etc.)
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
5
36
146
202
1.3
9.3
37.5
51.9
Becoming a more satisfied, responsible family member
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
23
82
163
121
5.9
21.1
41.9
31.1
Becoming more aware of world issues and pressing social, political, and
economic problems
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
14
115
162
98
3.6
29.6
41.6
25.2
Thinking critically, problem-solving
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
5
20
160
204
1.3
5.1
41.1
52.4
6
TABLE 5 (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?
N
Percentage
Identifying a sense of values and priorities in life
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
14
51
172
152
3.6
13.1
44.2
39.1
Developing lasting friendships and personal ties
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
17
32
107
233
4.4
8.2
27.5
59.9
Handling personal/family finances and consumer issues
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
30
81
168
110
7.7
20.8
43.2
28.3
Increasing your intellectual curiosity
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
5
30
164
190
1.3
7.7
42.2
48.8
Caring for your mental/physical health
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
26
98
178
87
6.7
25.2
45.8
22.4
Organizing time effectively
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
6
51
174
158
1.5
13.1
44.7
40.6
Increasing a commitment to public service
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
33
99
157
100
8.5
25.4
40.4
25.7
7
TABLE 5 (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?
N
Percentage
Developing satisfying leisure time activities
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
21
90
171
107
5.4
23.1
44.0
27.5
Becoming more willing to consider opposing points of view
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
11
46
214
118
2.8
11.8
55.0
30.3
Interacting and working effectively with people from different
racial/ethnic backgrounds
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
20
69
164
136
5.1
17.7
42.2
35.0
Locating and evaluating information sources
None
Little
Somewhat
Very Much
10
49
185
145
2.6
12.6
47.6
37.3
TABLE 6
(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
N
Percentage
101
102
26.0
26.2
33
12
8.5
3.1
16
16
4.1
4.1
5
12
1.3
3.1
8
TABLE 6 (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.
N
Percentage
40
7
9
7
5
3
8
2
0
1
11
10.3
1.8
2.3
1.8
1.3
0.8
2.1
0.5
0.0
0.3
2.8
3
0.8
N
Percentage
Written communications skills
Less
Same
More
5
264
120
1.3
67.9
30.8
Oral communications skills
Less
Same
More
5
191
193
1.3
49.1
49.6
Mathematical skills
Less
Same
More
19
311
59
4.9
79.9
15.2
Computer skills
Less
Same
More
3
186
200
0.8
47.8
51.4
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
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
TABLE 7
More or Less Emphasis
Looking back on your college experience, do you believe (less, the
same or more) emphasis should have been placed on:
9
TABLE 7 (cont.)
More or Less Emphasis
How much has your K-State college experience contributed to your
growth in each of the following areas?
N
Percentage
Problem-solving skills
Less
Same
More
2
227
160
0.5
58.4
41.1
Learning to think and reason
Less
Same
More
1
220
168
0.3
56.6
43.2
Understanding and relating to people
Less
Same
More
5
242
142
1.3
62.2
36.5
Background in natural sciences (e.g. chemistry, biology, physics)
Less
Same
More
58
290
41
14.9
74.6
10.5
Background in social sciences (e.g. economics, sociology, psychology)
Less
Same
More
24
284
81
6.2
73.0
20.8
Background in humanities and fine arts (e.g. art, music, history)
Less
Same
More
68
262
59
17.5
67.4
15.2
Theory courses related to my major
Less
Same
More
40
265
84
10.3
68.1
21.6
Application courses related to my major(s)
Less
Same
More
5
178
206
1.3
45.8
53.0
10
TABLE 8
Preparation for Graduate School
How would you rate the quality of your K-State undergraduate
preparation for graduate education?
N
Percentage
Inadequate
Fair
Good
Excellent
2
19
66
63
1.3
12.7
44.0
42.0
N
Percentage
Professional development/updating
No
Yes, One or Two
Yes, More than Two
206
143
104
45.5
31.6
23.0
Personal interest
No
Yes, One or Two
Yes, More than Two
305
120
28
67.3
26.5
6.2
Learning new job skills
No
Yes, One or Two
Yes, More than Two
251
126
76
55.4
27.8
16.8
Others
No
Yes, One or Two
Yes, More than Two
390
42
21
86.1
9.3
4.6
N
Percentage
233
63
87
60.8
16.4
22.7
TABLE 9
Non-degree Educational Programs
Have you been involved in non-degree education programs?
TABLE 10
Advanced Degree
Have you received an advanced degree since graduating from KSU?
No, I have not attended/graduated professional school
No, but I'm currently in graduate school
Yes
11
TABLE 11
Supplemental Learning Post K-State
Have you participated in special learning opportunities in order to
compensate for something that should have been provided in your
KSU undergraduate program?
No
Yes
N
Percentage
297
54
84.6
15.4
TABLE 12
Salary
Salary
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
First Position
N
Percentage
38
9.9
146
38.1
99
25.8
62
16.2
27
7.0
6
1.6
3
0.8
0
0.0
2
0.5
Current Position
N
Percentage
28
7.4
40
10.6
97
25.6
77
20.3
50
13.2
42
11.1
21
5.5
13
3.4
11
2.9
TABLE 13
Location of Employment
Location of employment
Kansas
Missouri
Texas
Other
First Position
N
Percentage
162
49.9
32
9.8
19
5.8
112
34.5
Current Position
N
Percentage
157
47.4
36
10.9
26
7.9
106
33.8
12
TABLE 14
Job Relationship to Major
How closely is your job related to your undergraduate field of
study?
N
Percentage
Major 1
Not Related
Somewhat Related
Directly Related
75
93
216
19.5
24.2
56.3
Major 2
Not Related
Somewhat Related
Directly Related
26
21
16
41.3
33.3
25.4
If you indicated that your job is not related or only somewhat
related to your major, what is the principle reason?
N
Percentage
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 interest 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
Others
24
18
14.4
10.8
20
2
12.0
1.2
49
13
5
36
0
29.3
7.8
3.0
21.6
0.0
TABLE 15
Job Not Related to Major
13
TABLE 16
Satisfaction with Present Position
Indicate your satisfaction with the following aspects of your present
job:
N
Percentage
Salary/benefits
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
17
58
91
144
78
4.4
14.9
23.5
37.1
20.1
Location
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
9
26
64
136
153
2.3
6.7
16.5
35.1
39.4
Opportunity to use your qualifications
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
10
27
73
152
126
2.6
7.0
18.8
39.2
32.5
Opportunity to advance
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
11
57
86
131
103
2.8
14.7
22.2
33.8
26.5
Prestige/recognition
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
14
52
117
128
77
3.6
13.4
30.2
33.0
19.8
Interest/challenge of work
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
11
30
57
155
135
2.8
7.7
14.7
39.9
34.8
Working conditions
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
4
23
79
152
130
1.0
5.9
20.4
39.2
33.5
14
TABLE 16 (cont.)
Satisfaction with Present Position
Indicate your satisfaction with the following aspects of your present
job:
N
Percentage
7
18
65
150
148
1.8
4.6
16.8
38.7
38.1
N
Percentage
What percentage of your gross income goes to charitable
organizations (including religious groups)?
Little or None
1-5%
6-10%
Over 10%
104
205
50
28
26.9
53.0
12.9
7.2
How often do you vote in local, state or national elections?
Never
Rarely
Occasionally
Usually
Always
19
25
56
150
137
4.9
6.5
14.5
38.8
35.4
Have you contributed time or money to support a political candidate
or issue?
No
Yes, once or twice
Yes, three or more times
308
57
22
79.6
14.7
5.7
To what degree did your undergraduate experiences contribute to
your interest and motivation to become?
Not at all
Slightly
Quite a bit
Very Much
92
175
99
21
23.8
45.2
25.6
5.4
Opportunity to learn
Very Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neutral
Satisfied
Very Satisfied
TABLE 17
Community Involvement
15
TABLE 17 (cont.)
Community Involvement
N
Percentage
To what degree did your KSU undergraduate experiences contribute
to your current leisure interests?
Not at all
Slightly
Quite a bit
Very Much
84
178
107
14
21.9
46.5
27.9
3.7
Have you been a member of a volunteer group devoted to serving
members of the community (e.g., scouts, League of Women Voters,
hospice, 4-H, religious organizations, hospital volunteer, volunteer
coach?)
No
Yes
186
166
52.8
47.2
Have you been a member of a community service group?
No
Yes
303
44
87.3
12.7
Have you been appointed to serve on a city, county, state, or federal
committee or commission?
No
Yes
335
13
96.3
3.7
Have you been elected to any city, county, state, or federal office(s)?
No
Yes
346
1
99.7
0.3
Have you participated in special learning activities related to any of
the activities listed above?
No
Yes
324
21
93.9
6.1
16
TABLE 18
Public Participation
In the past twelve months, how often have you participated in the
following activities?
N
Percentage
Attended plays/dramas
None
1-2 times
3-5 times
6-10 times
10 or more times
150
169
42
17
5
39.2
44.1
11.0
4.4
1.3
Attended concerts/recitals
None
1-2 times
3-5 times
6-10 times
10 or more times
109
155
78
20
21
28.5
40.5
20.4
5.2
5.5
Attended athletic events
None
1-2 times
3-5 times
6-10 times
10 or more times
34
65
66
71
147
8.9
17.0
17.2
18.5
38.4
Visited museums, galleries, zoos
None
1-2 times
3-5 times
6-10 times
10 or more times
57
159
108
43
16
14.9
41.5
28.2
11.2
4.2
Attended lectures
None
1-2 times
3-5 times
6-10 times
10 or more times
162
108
63
23
27
42.3
28.2
16.4
6.0
7.0
Performed: music, drama, art
None
1-2 times
3-5 times
6-10 times
10 or more times
300
39
21
7
16
78.3
10.2
5.5
1.8
4.2
Traveled to new places
None
1-2 times
3-5 times
6-10 times
10 or more times
27
122
126
50
58
7.0
31.9
32.9
13.1
15.1
17
TABLE 18 (cont.)
Public Participation
In the past twelve months, how often have you participated in the
following activities?
N
Percentage
19
82
107
69
106
5.0
21.4
27.9
18.0
27.7
Referring back to the previous question, please mark activities that
are rarely or never available in your community
N
Percentage
Plays/dramas
Concerts/recitals
Athletic events
Museums, galleries, zoos
Lectures
Music, drama, art
Opportunities to travel to new places
Movies
50
36
7
47
72
47
32
10
16.6
12.0
2.3
15.6
23.9
15.6
10.6
3.3
N
Percentage
Reading for general information
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
1
46
148
188
0.3
12.0
38.6
49.1
Reading for pleasure
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
11
88
120
164
2.9
23.0
31.3
42.8
Gone to the movies
None
1-2 times
3-5 times
6-10 times
10 or more times
TABLE 19
Public Participation Not Available
TABLE 20
Leisure Activities
How often do you participate in the following activities for leisure
18
TABLE 20 (cont.)
Leisure Activities
How often do you participate in the following activities for leisure
N
Percentage
Watching public television
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
50
141
100
92
13.1
36.8
26.1
24.0
Watching other television
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
9
48
120
206
2.3
12.5
31.3
53.8
Participating in a study or group discussion
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
122
151
55
55
31.9
39.4
14.4
14.4
Creative hobbies (arts, woodworking, pottery, etc.)
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
88
125
102
68
23.0
32.6
26.6
17.8
Sports/fitness activities
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
14
62
125
182
3.7
16.2
32.6
47.5
Using library resources
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
89
150
93
51
23.2
39.2
24.3
13.3
Participation in family activities
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
10
43
98
232
2.6
11.2
25.6
60.6
Outdoor recreation (gardening, camping, lawn care, etc.)
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
26
67
136
154
6.8
17.5
35.5
40.2
19
TABLE 20 (cont.)
Leisure Activities
How often do you participate in the following activities for leisure
N
Percentage
Watching movies
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
7
70
149
157
1.8
18.3
38.9
41.0
Using the Internet
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
0
6
38
339
0.0
1.6
9.9
88.5
Computer and video games
Never
Seldom
Occasionally
Often
151
133
55
44
39.4
34.7
14.4
11.5
20