Spring 2012



This survey came out of a Pres Staff discussion
about what makes students successful.
Input from Deans and Student Development Group
Also addressed the questions of PEM (student
goals) and College Affairs Committee (student
connections)

Delivered via SurveyMonkey

Response rate 31% (107 graduates responded)
Goals
80%
70%
68%
What were your original goals for coming to GCC?
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
11%
10%
8%
8%
2%
2%
0%
Earn an
Earn a
No specific
Associates
Certificate
goal, self
Degree
Other
Career Change Graduate from
HS
discovery
The majority of graduates came to GCC
with the intent of earning an Associates
degree.
Goals
Did your goals change after coming to GCC?
36%
YES
NO
Influenced by faculty
“The amazing professors here
immediately influenced my
thinking by the way they taught,
small classroom settings, and the
ways in which students were
encouraged to reflect on the world
and integrate it into what we learn
in the classroom..”
Changed major/found my passion
“GCC allowed me to fluctuate my schedule
and 'mess around' for a semester or two for
me to really find what I wanted to do for the
rest of my life. I changed my major 4-5 times
to finally figure out my dream..”
Pursue further education
“After attending GCC, I realized
how important an education
really is in today's economy and
now I want to further my
education and obtain a
bachelors degree.”
Goals
To what extent did you meet your goals at GCC?
n = 107
80%
60%
58.9%
40%
33.6%
20%
7.5%
0%
0%
I met ALL of my I met MOST of
goals
my goals
0%
I met SOME of I met FEW of my I met NONE of
my goals
goals
my goals
93% of graduates met all or most of
their goals at GCC
Post GCC
n = 106
What are your plans after graduation?
Pursue a Bachelor’s degree at a 4-year…
66%
Enter the workforce
41%
Advance in my career
22%
Continue attending GCC
18%
Continue in my current job
17%
Take some time off
12%
Other
9%
Pursue a certificate or other credential
8%
Unsure
8%
Enter the military
1%
0%
20%
40%
60%
Two thirds of graduates plan to
continue at a 4-year institution.
80%
Success factors
Factors that were VERY IMPORTANT in helping you stay at GCC
and be successful.
My hard work & investment of time
92%
GCC professors
78%
Family support
69%
Financial aid
60%
Support and friendship of fellow students
52%
Connection with a particular GCC faculty,…
49%
My advisor
45%
Library support
26%
Math Studio
18%
Peer Tutoring
18%
Technology/computer support
n = 107
13%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Graduates most frequently cite their own
hard work and investment of time as a key
factor in their success.
Additional success factors
(cited by <10% of grads)
Factors that were VERY IMPORTANT in helping you
stay at GCC and be successful.
9%
Other (please specify)
9%
Participation in a college success course like…
Women’s Resource Center
8%
Student clubs or activities on campus
7%
The Advising Center
7%
Counseling & Disability Services
7%
Participation in a Learning Community
6%
Vet Net
4%
Participation in New Student Orientation
3%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Were you involved in activities/clubs/events
on campus?
24%
YES
NO
76%
“I just work full-time and go to
school full-time, so I don't
have any more time to give.”
“I just chose not to participate
because of my schedule. But I
appreciated that these things
existed at GCC.”
“…I have 2 kids and a full
course load - so just really not
enough time…”
“Strong sense of pride and
leadership. A sense of
belonging”
“I made a lot of friends
and helped the
community.”
“Some fun, and good
conversations…I attend all
events for free food, and
appreciate this..”
How would you describe your transition to
GCC and your first semester?
Difficult transition,
numerous challenges.
Smooth transition,
no real problems.
13%
26%
61%
Average transition,
a few problems.
Transition challenges
6
Advising
“I had a problem with
advisors they did not
seem to get to know me
and understand my
goals and help me set
up a schedule that
worked for me, they did
not seem to put their
heart into their jobs…”
5
Academic Workload
“the work and classes were
harder than I thought they
would be.”
3
Personal Challenges
“I had a horrible mindset. I
almost quit after the 1st
semester..”
Overall satisfaction
Would you recommend GCC to a friend or family member?
Satisfaction continued…
Academic rigor of courses
2.37
Sense of community on campus
2.23
The College's communication with
2.16
students
Course availability and scheduling
2.14
0
Poor
1
Fair
2
Good
3
Excellent
What was the best part of attending GCC?
The professors
Staff, students & people
Feeling of community
Small classes
Small campus
Location
Low cost
Source: survey comments
What would you change to improve the
GCC experience?
Nothing, it was all good
Nursing program
Course offerings & schedule
Activities
Advising
Communication
Source: survey comments
What advice would you give to a new
student coming to GCC?
Work hard
Ask questions/seek help
Use resources
Set & follow goals
Enjoy yourself
GCC is a great place
Source: survey comments
Sharing results?