Assessment of Student Services
The primary assessment tool used to measure the level of student satisfaction with
programs and services is the American College Testing (ACT) Student Opinion
Survey. The ACT Student Opinion Survey measures levels of satisfaction with 23
different services and 42 different factors of the college environment. The survey was
administered on campus in 1995, 1997 and again in 2000. The survey is administered at
the same time each year to students of all class levels. Local campus results are
compared with national norms and scores are tracked from previous administrations of
the survey. Results are distributed and discussed with all members of the student affairs
staff and the campus Executive Team.
In addition to the ACT Student Opinion Poll, the various service areas and departments
use a variety of assessment techniques to determine the effectiveness of programs and to
make continual improvements in services. The following is a listing of those efforts:
Summer Orientation – All students and all parents participating in the summer
orientation/registration program complete a questionnaire. Participants are asked to rate
each presentation and to give feedback on the program format.
Kathryn Center Ropes Course – As part of the new student orientation program, all
new freshmen take part in an outdoor adventure learning challenge course. Students are
asked each year to evaluate the experience through the use of formal assessments.
Living to Learn/Learning to Live Class – At the conclusion of the course, students are
asked to evaluate the learning experience and give recommendations for improvement.
Food Service – Food service provider, Sodexho/Marriott, conducts a customer
satisfaction survey twice a year. In addition they also survey the university
administration once a year and they use a comment card/suggestion box system in the
cafeteria and in the retail dining area.
Withdrawing Students – Every student that officially withdraws from classes meets
with the Director of Student Academic Services and completes a written exit interview.
Students are asked to indicate reasons for leaving and to provide information on strengths
and weakness of the university.
Non-returning Students – The Office of Student Academic Services conducts mail
surveys of non-returning students to determine reasons for leaving and to comply with
federal reporting requirements.
Residence Halls - A comprehensive survey of residence hall programs and services is
administered approximately every 2-3 years. The survey was administered in 1999 and
again in the spring of 2001. Students rate and give feedback on everything from building
conditions and cleanliness to performance of residence hall staff.
Substance Abuse – In 1994 VCSU participated in a statewide survey of college student
use of alcohol and drug use. The same survey (Core Alcohol and Drug Survey) was
administered again in 1999 to determine progress made with educational and awareness
activities.
Alcohol Violators Class – All students found responsible for a violation of a university
alcohol policy are required to participate in a 4-hour workshop. At the conclusion of the
workshop, students are asked to rate the effectiveness of the workshop and to make
recommendations for the campus in area of drug and alcohol prevention.
Prospective Students/Campus Visitors – Every prospective student that makes a
campus visit is mailed a follow-up Campus Visit Questionnaire. Visitors are asked to
evaluate the campus visit experience and give suggestions for improvement.
Tutoring Program- A review of the tutoring program is done by evaluating the tutoring
service provided and from the viewpoint of the tutor.
Academic Advising – Is evaluated by use of the ACT Student Opinion Poll and a
feedback instrument used in the Living To Learn Classes.
Graduates – The Career Services Office conducts several surveys of graduates. An
initial survey is conducted of all graduates within 6 months of graduation to confirm
placement location, type of employment, salary and benefits. At approximately 9 months
after graduation, a survey is conducted of graduates and employers. Graduates are asked
to self assess their preparedness for the job and employers are asked to rate the level of
skill and training of the graduate.
Comment Card System – Comment Cards are place throughout the campus and in all
student service areas. Comment Cards encourage students to give praise, indicate a
problem, make a suggestion or raise a question. Comment Cards may be deposited in
any one of three receptacles located on campus. The Office of the Vice President for
Student Affairs responds to all cards received or forwards them on the appropriate office.
A record of all comment cards is kept on file.