Faculty of Arts
Alumni Survey
2013
Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013
Surveys were sent to all WLU Arts Alumni
for whom we had an email address.
Total Surveys Sent:
Total Responses:
10,810
1,169
(10.8%)
Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013
Question: My Laurier Arts Degree helped
me become (Please check all that apply):
Number of Responses: 1138 (97%)
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Total
Well
Rounded
Open
Minded
Adaptive
Collaborative
867
833
622
490
Disciplined Methodical
thinker
Problem
Solver
586
424
Effective
Writer
Articulate
Speaker
Informed
Citizen
786
459
529
Involved
Community
Member
301
Life-long
Learner
741
Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013
Question: Rank the top three skills developed by
your Arts degree.
All Ranked Attributes – Cumulative
Number of Responses: 1138 (97%)
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Well
Rounded
Open
Minded
Adaptive
Collaborative
Disciplined Methodical
thinker
Problem
Solver
98
64
Third
89
117
110
70
Second
136
130
93
74
113
First
303
190
67
21
130
Effective
Writer
Articulate
Speaker
Informed
Citizen
Life-long
Learner
99
Involved
Community
Member
57
152
55
86
203
71
71
30
116
48
164
21
39
13
137
197
Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013
Question 4
Rate your level of satisfaction (from 1 to 5)
with the way in which your Laurier Arts
degree has influenced your career:
All Respondents: Level of Satisfaction
Total Responses: 1154 (99%)
600
500
400
Level of Satisfaction
%
Entirely Dissatisfied 4%
Generally Dissatisfied 6%
Neutral 12%
Generally Satisfied 44%
Entirely Satisfied 34%
300
200
100
0
Total
Entirely Dissatisfied
45
Generally Dissatisfied
67
Neutral
134
Generally Satisfied
512
Entirely Satisfied
396
Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013
Question 7: What would you say to a high school grad
entering Laurier Arts this coming September?
“You are going to have a great educational experience.”
Paul Heinbecker (BA ’65 – English and History) Retired Diplomat
“The content of the arts program is intended to give a broad exposure and understanding of the
Humanities, to prepare an individual to think critically on many subjects and approach life's big
questions with an open mind.”
Thomas Turner Kitchen (BA ‘69 - Philosophy and Political Science) Retired Certified Financial Planner
“The earlier you improve your communication skills, the better your university experience will be on
every level.”
Peter Hyne (BA ’72 – Philosophy and English) Former CEO of a financial systems company
“Education as in all life experiences is what YOU make of it. Pursue all your life goals with passion,
commitment and vigor. Through my Arts Degree I was able to explore topics and issues that I felt
deeply about. I tried to make personal connections to all that I studied.”
Brent Kaulback, (BA ’74 - History and Political Science) Assistant Superintendent of Education
Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013
Question 7: What would you say to a high school grad
entering Laurier Arts this coming September?
Respondents who agreed to
be identified: 356 (40%)
“Being able to think logically and research alternatives is a skill that is needed in any job. The ability to
write concisely and clearly is in demand. The lack of that ability in business has kept me employed as a
writer and editor. Knowing how to find information and disseminate it, and then explain it concisely is
a much valued skill.”
Lisa MacColl (BA ’85 – Political Science and French) Writer and Editor
“You are going to LOVE IT!!! I would also say -- get involved in campus activities related to arts.”
Lori Landry (BA ’85 – English and Communications Studies) Chief Marketing Officer
“Craft the skills that will make you exceptional in the world - leadership, communications, critical
thinking, problem solving and collaboration. Don't think this is the end of your learning, it's only the
beginning.”
Cynthia Sundberg (BA ’94 – Sociology and Psychology) Vice-President, Operations and Administration
“Open yourself to as many learning opportunities you can and then pursue the area about which you
are most passionate.”
Jeff Bowden (BA ’94 – Political Science and English) Marketing & Communications Consultant
Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013
Question 7: What would you say to a high school grad
entering Laurier Arts this coming September?
Respondents who agreed to
be identified: 356 (40%)
“Though what you learn in the classroom is important, it's the process of learning how to learn that's
more important in terms of post-university life and employment.”
Jason Shim (BA ’07 – Religion & Culture) Digital Media Manager
“Take courses in plenty of different disciplines before settling on a major. I was incredibly surprised
that Political Science fascinated me and I ended up doing a double major.”
Jessie Overton (BA’09 – Global Studies and Political Science) Teacher
“It can be tricky trying to nail out the '"what am I going to do for the rest of my life'" dilemma, but fear
not…. Ultimately, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree gives you a wealth of knowledge that can
be applied to many different career paths.”
Emily Evans (BA ’12 – Communications Studies) Advertising Copywriter
“Follow your heart and interests when it comes to picking elective courses. DO the readings and find
topics that really interest you…. The skills I learned when I loved my work were much more valuable
than when I chose the easiest things in my first 2 years.”
Michelle Billings (BA ’12 – Environmental Studies) Cancer Research Assistant in a university hospital
Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013
Number of Responses: 1162 (99%)
Respondents: By Area of Study
Major
Anthropology
Archaeology
Communication Studies
Economics
English & Film Studies
Fine Arts
Geography
Global Studies
History
Languages
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Religion & Culture
Sociology
Women & Gender Studies
35
40
126
9
186
9
175
22
172
59
24
114
17
34
139
1
Joint
Major
5
7
8
10
46
2
29
12
48
18
9
42
38
19
31
5
Minor
14
14
11
21
70
4
52
4
54
36
22
21
88
52
21
15
Total
54
61
145
40
302
15
256
38
274
113
55
177
143
105
191
21
Major
%
Joint
Major
Minor
3%
3%
7%
2%
15%
1%
13%
2%
14%
6%
3%
9%
7%
5%
10%
1%
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
0
1948
1954
1957
1958
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Laurier Arts Alumni Survey 2013
Respondents: By Year of Graduation
Number of Responses: 1078 (92%)
60
50
40
30
20
10