VICE CHANCELLOR’S REVIEW OF ORIENTATION, 2012
Survey of Current Students
SUMMARY
All students, undergraduate and postgraduate, coursework and research students, who had enrolled at UWA
for the first time in 2012 were emailed an invitation to participate in an online survey in July, 2012, and given
two weeks to respond. Of these approximately 5000 people, 589 students responded, giving a response rate
of 12%. The results of this survey of the new students at UWA are summarised below.
Section A: Questions for all students
Of the survey respondents, 79% had attended orientation programs for new students at UWA. Table 1
Amongst the survey respondents, most (69%) were first year undergraduate students, 14% were
postgraduate coursework students, 9% were postgraduate research students, 5% were undergraduate
students (not first year) and 3% were exchange students. Respondents who did attend orientation activities
were most likely to be either first year undergraduates (75%) or postgraduate coursework students (12%).
Respondents who did not attend orientation activities were most likely to be first year undergraduate students
(46%), postgraduate course work students (25%) or postgraduate research students (23%). Tables 2a and
2b
Approximately three quarters of all respondents (76%) were Australian citizens. This percentage was roughly
the same amongst respondents who had and had not attended orientation (78% and 69% respectively).
Tables 3a and 3b
Over one-half of the respondents (53%) lived off campus with parents or guardians. Fewer lived off campus
alone or with friends/roommates (18%), off campus with a spouse/partner/children (16%) or on campus in a
college (11%). For those respondents who had attended orientation the residential information closely
resembled this same pattern. However amongst respondents who did not attend orientation, there were
fewer were living with parents/guardians (36%) and more living off campus alone or with friends/roommates
(29%) or off campus with a spouse/partner/children (29%). Tables 4a and 4b
Close to one-half of all respondents (45%) indicated that they would be moderately, very or extremely
interested in a virtual, online orientation. The percentage was very similar when respondents were grouped
into those who had attended (44%) or had not attended orientation (50%). Tables 5a and 5b
Respondents were asked how successful they had been in various activities since entering UWA. Threequarters or more of all respondents felt they had been successful in understanding what teachers expected of
them academically (87%), adjusting to academic demands of the University (84%), developing effective study
skills (75%) and/or developing friendships with other students (75%). Slightly fewer respondents felt they had
been successful at adjusting to the social aspects of the University (72%), managing time effectively (71%)
and/or using different student services (71%). Examining differences between the group of respondents who
did attend orientation and did not attend orientation, the greatest difference occurred for adjusting to the
social aspects of this University (76% of respondents who attended orientation thought they had been
successful, compared with 57% of those who did not attend orientation) and developing friendships with other
students (79% of respondents who attended orientation thought they had been successful, compared with
58% of those who did not attend orientation). Also 74% of respondents who had attended orientation thought
they had been successful in using different student services, compared with 61% of the respondents who had
not attended orientation. Tables 6a and 6b
Respondents were asked to describe their transition from school/college/university to UWA. Two-thirds or
more found transition fairly or very easy academically (69%) and/or socially (66%). 68% of respondents who
had attended orientation found the social transition fairly or very easy, compared with only 55% of those who
did not attend orientation. Tables 7a and 7b
Respondents were asked how prepared they were for their first day of classes at UWA. 71% of the
respondents indicated they were moderately or very prepared. There was very little difference between those
who did attend orientation (72%) and those who did not (68%). Tables 8a and 8b
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
1.
Regardless of whether respondents had or had not attended orientation, most respondents indicated they
were having academic difficulty with only 1 unit (63% of all respondents, 62% of respondents who attended
orientation and 66% of respondents who did not attend orientation). Tables 9a and 9b
Respondents were asked if they were a member of at least one club, society or social organisation. 71% of
the respondents replied in the affirmative. There was a difference between the group of respondents who did
attend orientation (78% were members of a club, society or organisation) and did not attend orientation (44%
were members of a club, society or organisation). A similar pattern was seen with regards to sporting clubs
and organised fitness. 23% of all respondents indicated they were members of sporting clubs and/or
organised fitness activities. In the two sub groups, 25% of respondents who attended orientation and 15% of
respondents who did not attend orientation were members of sporting clubs and/or organised fitness
activities. Tables 10a, 10b, 11a and 11b.
Respondents were asked to mention anything which could have eased their transition to UWA. The most
common response was to reply with positive feedback or indicate no further help was needed (29%). Other
most common themes discussed were clarification of academic expectations (14%) and the helpers/mentors
(12%) and/or access to and help with the use of resources (12%). Table 12
Section B: Questions only for students who did not attend orientation
Respondents who did not attend orientation were asked what had prevented them from doing so. The most
common responses were that they didn’t know about orientation (33%), they did not think it would be
worthwhile (24%), they had to work and could not attend (21%) and/or they did not have the time (20%).
Table 13
Section C: Questions only for students who did attend orientation
Respondents who did attend orientation were asked to name the events they attended. The vast majority
indicated they had attended the Semester 1 Main Orientation (86%). Other popular events included Guild or
Faculty camps (attended by 13% of respondents), faculty-based postgraduate coursework student
orientations (12%), residential college orientations (8%) and UniSkills Flying Start (7%). Respondents who
had attended a college orientation indicated these were held in Trinity (29%), Currie Hall (21%), St
Catherine’s College (21%), St George’s College (16%) or St Thomas More College (13%). Tables 14 and 15
When asked to rate the UniStart orientation information website, 77% of respondents said it was good or
excellent. When asked to rate the length of orientation, 72% of respondents indicated it was just right in
length, 22% thought it was too long and 6% thought it was too short. Tables 16 and 17
Over one-half (57%) of respondents had met with an academic advisor, student adviser or research adviser
as part of their orientation. Of these respondents, 85% indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the
advising experience. Tables 18 and 19
Feedback regarding staff at orientation was positive. The vast majority of respondents indicated that staff
were moderately, considerably or a great deal courteous (97%), knowledgeable (92%) and/or available
(90%). Table 20
Respondents were given a number of positive statements regarding orientation and asked to indicate their
level of agreement. Over three-quarters agreed or strongly agreed that at orientation they learned about
different clubs and societies they could join (87%), orientation was an enjoyable experience (84%), attending
orientation was a good use of their time (83%), they learned about the different resources on campus to help
regarding academic concerns (83%), they found where all the important buildings were located (81%), they
learned about where to find resources to help if they had problems adjusting to university life (77%) and/or
that orientation helped them to know what to expect socially at university (76%). More than one-half of the
respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they knew at least one staff member at UWA that they could turn
to if they had questions or concerns (67%), all their questions were answered at orientation (66%), orientation
helped them know what to expect academically at UWA (64%), they had met people at orientation that they
were still friends with (60%), orientation helped them to understand how to use and navigate the campus
technology tools (60%) and/or orientation gave them a clear understanding of how to register online for
classes (57%). Table 21
Similarly, respondents were asked to indicate the level of usefulness of information received at orientation.
Over three-quarters of respondents indicated that information regarding the following had been moderately or
very useful: guild clubs and societies (81%); technology resources on campus (78%); academic requirements
(77%); different rules, regulations and policies at UWA (76%); and/or safety and security on campus (76%).
More than one-half of respondents indicated that information regarding the following had been moderately or
very useful: University transition programs, activities and support services (73%); how to understand the
class timetable (73%); campus support services to keep physically and mentally fit (67%); UWA Sports’
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
2.
programs (66%); how academic advising works (66%); residential college programs, activities and support
services (58%); and/or how to manage time effectively (58%). Table 22
80% of respondents indicated that the orientation program had helped them feel connected with UWA and, in
rating the overall orientation experience, 66% of respondents said it was good or excellent. Tables 23 and 24
Respondents were asked, in thinking about orientation, if there were questions they wished had been
answered. 86% of respondents indicated “No”. Of the respondents who did have unanswered questions,
most were related to IT matters (27%). Tables 25 and 26
When asked to indicate the most useful parts of orientation common responses were the tours (mentioned by
38% of respondents), meeting new friends (19%) and the people involved in orientation (academic
advisors/mentors/staff) (19%). Table 27
Finally respondents were asked, now that they had completed Semester One, did they think that orientation
had been useful. 82% of respondents replied in the affirmative and left comments with positive feedback
(95%) or named specific elements which had helped them (56%). Of the 19% of respondents who indicated
that orientation had not helped them in Semester One, the most common comments indicated that they did
not learn what they needed to know for their university experience or thought what they had learned was
unnecessary (67%) and/or they had difficulties with their mentor (11%). Tables 28, 29 and 30
A copy of the survey is included at the end of this report.
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
3.
RESULTS
Section A: Questions for all students
Table 1. Did you attend any type of orientation or program for new students at UWA?
Number
Percentage
Yes ..............................................................................................................................................
466
79.4
No ................................................................................................................................................
121
20.6
Total
587
100.0
Table 2a. Which best describes your status at UWA? – all respondents
Number
Percentage
First-year undergraduate student ........................................................................
407
69.1
Other year undergraduate student ......................................................................
30
5.1
Postgraduate coursework student .......................................................................
85
14.4
Postgraduate research student ...........................................................................
52
8.8
Student exchange student ..................................................................................
15
2.5
Total
589
100.0
Table 2b. Which best describes your status at UWA? – respondents divided into those who did and did not attend orientation
Attended orientation
Did not attend orientation
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
First-year undergraduate student ........................................................................
349
74.9
56
46.3
Other year undergraduate student ......................................................................
24
5.2
6
5.0
Postgraduate coursework student .......................................................................
55
11.8
30
24.8
Postgraduate research student ...........................................................................
24
5.2
28
23.1
Student exchange student ..................................................................................
14
3.0
1
0.8
Total1
466
100.0
121
100.0
1Totals
do not sum to total of Table 2a. as not all respondents answered all questions
Table 3a. Which of the following statements best describes you? – all respondents
Number
Australian citizen, permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand ........................
449
International student ...........................................................................................
140
Total
589
Percentage
76.2
23.8
100.0
Table 3b. Which of the following statements best describes you? – respondents divided into those who did and did not attend orientation
Attended orientation
Number
Percentage
Australian citizen, permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand ........................
363
77.9
International student............................................................................................
103
22.1
Total1
466
100.0
1Totals
Did not attend orientation
Number Percentage
84
69.4
37
30.6
121
100.0
do not sum to total of Table 3a. as not all respondents answered all questions
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
4.
Table 4a. Where do you currently live? – all respondents
Number
Off campus, with my parent(s)/guardian(s)..........................................................313
Off campus, alone or with friends/roommates .....................................................108
Off campus, with my spouse/partner/children...................................................... 91
On campus (i.e. in one of the residential colleges) .............................................. 64
Off campus (other) 1 ............................................................................................ 5
Homestay1 .......................................................................................................... 2
Overseas1 ........................................................................................................... 2
UWA owned residence1 ...................................................................................... 2
Total
587
1
Percentage
53.3
18.4
15.5
10.9
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
100.0
These were specified as ‘Other’ options
Table 4b. Where do you currently live? – respondents divided into those who did and did not attend orientation
Attended orientation
Number
Percentage
Off campus, with my parent(s)/guardian(s) ..........................................................268
57.8
Off campus, alone or with friends/roommates ..................................................... 73
15.7
Off campus, with my spouse/partner/children ...................................................... 56
12.1
On campus (i.e. in one of the residential colleges) .............................................. 60
12.9
0.4
Off campus (other) 1 ............................................................................................ 2
0.4
Homestay1........................................................................................................... 2
0.4
Overseas1 ........................................................................................................... 2
0.2
UWA owned residence1....................................................................................... 1
Total2
464
100.0
2Totals
Did not attend orientation
Number
Percentage
43
35.5
35
28.9
35
28.9
4
3.3
3
2.5
0
0.0
0
0.0
1
0.8
121
100.0
1 These were specified as ‘Other’ options
do not sum to total of Table 4a. as not all respondents answered all questions
Table 5a. How interested would you be in a virtual online orientation? – all respondents
Number
Not at all
n
Percentage
%
Slightly
Moderately
Very
Extremely Not at all Slightly
Moderately
Very
Extremely
Total
interested interested interested interested
interested interested interested interested interested1
Level of interest in virtual
online orientation. .......................................
537
125
169
132
1 Percentage
91
20
23.3
31.5
24.6
16.9
3.7
45.3
Moderately, Very and Extremely interested summed
Table 5b. How interested would you be in a virtual online orientation? – respondents divided into those who did and did not attend orientation
Number
Percentage
%
Level of interest in
Not at all Slightly
Moderately
Very
Extremely Not at all Slightly
Moderately
Very
Extremely
Total
virtual online
n*
interested interested interested interested
interested interested interested interested interested1
orientation –
Attended orientation. .......................................
421 105
131
108
65
12
24.9
31.1
25.7
15.4
2.9
43.9
Did not attend orientation ................................
115
20
38
24
25
8
17.4
33.0
20.9
21.7
7.0
49.6
1 Percentage Moderately, Very and Extremely interested summed
* Totals do not sum to total of Table 5a. as not all respondents answered all questions
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
5.
Table 6a. Since entering UWA, how successful or unsuccessful have you been at: - all respondents
Number
n
Percentage
Very
Fairly
Fairly
Very
Very
unsuccessful unsuccessful successful successful unsuccessful
Understanding what
your teachers expect
of you academically. ...................................
540
9
Developing effective
study skills ..................................................
541
15
Adjusting to the
academic demands
of this university ..........................................
538
15
Managing your time
effectively ....................................................
538
22
Adjusting to the social
aspects of this
university.....................................................
535
38
Developing friendships
with other students ......................................
536
36
Using different student
services ......................................................
541
20
Fairly
Fairly
Very
unsuccessful successful successful
%
Total
successful1
59
390
82
1.7
10.9
72.2
15.2
87.4
123
338
65
2.8
22.7
62.5
12.0
74.5
70
368
85
2.8
13.0
68.4
15.8
84.2
133
320
63
4.1
24.7
59.5
11.7
71.2
113
293
91
7.1
21.1
54.8
17.0
71.8
100
259
141
6.7
18.7
48.3
26.3
74.6
319
66
3.7
25.1
59.0
12.2
71.2
136
1 Percentage
Fairly and Very successful summed
Table 6b. Since entering UWA, how successful or unsuccessful have you been at:
- respondents divided into those who did and did not attend orientation
Number
n*
Percentage
Very
Fairly
Fairly
Very
Very
unsuccessful unsuccessful successful successful unsuccessful
Fairly
Fairly
Very
unsuccessful successful successful
%
Total
successful1
Understanding what
your teachers expect
of you academically ..................................
Attended orientation ........................................
424
5
Did not attend orientation ................................
115
4
54
5
310
79
55
27
1.2
3.5
12.7
4.3
73.1
68.7
13.0
23.5
86.1
92.2
Developing effective
study skills
Attended orientation ........................................
425
12
Did not attend orientation ................................
115
3
105
18
262
75
46
19
2.8
2.6
24.7
15.7
61.6
65.2
10.8
16.5
72.5
81.7
Adjusting to the
academic demands of
this university
Attended orientation ........................................
422
9
Did not attend orientation ................................
115
6
60
10
289
78
64
21
2.1
5.2
14.2
8.7
68.5
67.8
15.2
18.3
83.6
86.1
Managing your time
effectively
Attended orientation ........................................
422
18
Did not attend orientation ................................
115
4
109
24
249
70
46
17
4.3
3.5
25.8
20.9
59.0
60.9
10.9
14.8
69.9
75.7
Adjusting to the social
aspects of this
university
Attended orientation ........................................
422
28
Did not attend orientation ................................
112
9
74
39
243
50
77
14
6.6
8.0
17.5
34.8
57.6
44.6
18.2
12.5
75.8
57.1
Developing friendships
with other students
Attended orientation ........................................
422
20
Did not attend orientation ................................
113
16
68
32
212
46
122
19
4.7
14.2
16.1
28.3
50.2
40.7
28.9
16.8
79.1
57.5
Using different student
services
Attended orientation ........................................
425
8
Did not attend orientation ................................
115
12
103
33
258
60
56
10
1.9
10.4
24.2
28.7
60.7
52.2
13.2
8.7
73.9
60.9
1 Percentage Fairly and Very successful summed
* Totals do not sum to total of Table 6a. as not all respondents answered all questions
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
6.
Table 7a. How would you describe your transition from your previous school/college/university to UWA?: - all respondents
Number
n
Very
difficult
Academically ...................................................
536
25
Socially ............................................................
534
38
Fairly
difficult
Fairly
easy
Very
easy
Very
difficult
Fairly
difficult
Fairly
easy
Very
easy
140
145
274
253
97
98
4.7
7.1
26.1
27.2
51.1
47.4
18.1
18.4
%
Total
easy1
69.2
65.7
1 Percentage
Percentage
Fairly and Very easy summed
Table 7b. How would you describe your transition from your previous school/college/university to UWA?:
- respondents divided into those who did and did not attend orientation
Number
Percentage
Fairly
difficult
Fairly
easy
Very
easy
Academically
Attended orientation ........................................
423
22
Did not attend orientation.................................
112
3
108
32
219
54
74
23
Socially
Attended orientation ........................................
424
25
Did not attend orientation.................................
109
13
109
36
207
45
83
15
n*
Very
difficult
Fairly
difficult
Fairly
easy
Very
easy
%
Total
easy1
5.2
2.7
25.5
28.6
51.8
48.2
17.5
20.5
69.3
68.8
5.9
11.9
25.7
33.0
48.8
41.3
19.6
13.8
68.4
55.0
Very
difficult
1 Percentage Fairly and Very easy summed
* Totals do not sum to total of Table 7a. as not all respondents answered all questions
Table 8a. How prepared were you for your first day of classes at UWA? – all respondents
Number
Not at all
prepared
n
Preparedness ..................................................
532
37
Slightly
prepared
Moderately
prepared
Very
prepared
Not at all
prepared
Slightly
prepared
Moderately
prepared
Very
prepared
270
109
7.0
21.8
50.8
20.5
%
Total
prepared1
71.2
116
1 Percentage
Percentage
Moderately and Very prepared summed
Table 8b. How prepared were you for your first day of classes at UWA?
- respondents divided into those who did and did not attend orientation
Number
n*
Not at all
prepared
Preparedness
Attended orientation ........................................
424
25
Did not attend orientation.................................
107
12
Slightly
prepared
Moderately
prepared
Very
prepared
Not at all
prepared
Slightly
prepared
Percentage
Moderately
prepared
Very
prepared
%
Total
prepared1
94
22
221
49
84
24
5.9
11.2
22.2
20.6
52.1
45.8
19.8
22.4
71.9
68.2
1 Percentage Moderately and Very prepared summed
*Totals do not sum to total of Table 8a. as not all respondents answered all questions
Table 9a. Please indicate the number of units in which you are experiencing academic difficulty: - all respondents
Number
Percentage
1 .........................................................................................................................
287
62.9
2 .........................................................................................................................
120
26.3
3 .........................................................................................................................
28
6.1
4 .........................................................................................................................
17
3.7
5 or more ............................................................................................................
4
0.9
Total
456
100.0
Table 9b. Please indicate the number of units in which you are experiencing academic difficulty:
- respondents divided into those who did and did not attend orientation
Attended orientation
Did not attend orientation
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
1 ..........................................................................................................................
231
62.3
56
65.9
2 ..........................................................................................................................
102
27.5
18
21.2
3 ..........................................................................................................................
19
5.1
9
10.6
4 ..........................................................................................................................
15
4.0
2
2.4
5 or more.............................................................................................................
4
1.1
0
0.0
Total
371
100.0
85
100.0
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
7.
Table 10a. Are you a member of at least one student club, society, or other UWA social organisation this year? – all respondents
Number
Percentage
Yes ..............................................................................................................................................
380
71.2
No ................................................................................................................................................
154
28.8
Total
534
100.0
Table 10b. Are you a member of at least one student club, society, or other UWA social organisation this year?
- respondents divided into those who did and did not attend orientation
Attended orientation
Did not attend orientation
Number
Percentage
Number Percentage
Yes ..............................................................................................................................................
330
78.2
49
44.1
No ...............................................................................................................................................
92
21.8
62
55.9
Total1
422
100.0
111
100.0
1Totals
do not sum to total of Table 10a. as not all respondents answered all questions
Table 11a. Are you a member of at least one sports club or organised fitness activity on campus this year? – all respondents
Number
Percentage
Yes ..............................................................................................................................................
121
22.6
No ................................................................................................................................................
414
77.4
Total
535
100.0
Table 11b. Are you a member of at least one sports club or organised fitness activity on campus this year?
- respondents divided into those who did and did not attend orientation
Attended orientation
Did not attend orientation
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
Yes ..............................................................................................................................................
104
24.6
17
15.3
No ................................................................................................................................................
319
75.4
94
84.7
1
Total
423
100.0
111
100.0
1Totals
do not sum to total of Table 11a. as not all respondents answered all questions
Table 12. Is there anything that could have helped with your transition to UWA that you would like us to know about? – Summarised
Number
No further help needed/Positive feedback/General comments ............... 45
Assessment details/Academic expectations ........................................... 21
More helpers/Focused helpers/Mature helpers ....................................... 19
More information on resources/more resources ...................................... 19
Other (single case issues) ...................................................................... 12
More social opportunities ........................................................................ 11
Timing issues (disseminating of information) .......................................... 11
More enrolment/unit selection help ......................................................... 7
Computer-based help (e.g. LMS and OLCR) .......................................... 6
Help for International students ................................................................ 5
Help for mature age students ................................................................. 3
Help for postgraduates ........................................................................... 2
Number of responses1
Number of respondents
% of Respondents
(n = 156)
28.8
13.5
12.2
12.2
7.7
7.1
7.1
4.5
3.8
3.2
1.9
1.3
161
156
1
Multiple response question
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
8.
Section B: Questions only for students who did not attend orientation
Table 13. Respondents who did not attend any type of orientation or program for new students at UWA
What prevented you from attending orientation?
Number
Did not know about orientation .............................................................. 37
Did not think it would be worthwhile ....................................................... 27
Had to work ........................................................................................... 24
Did not have enough time ...................................................................... 23
Scheduling conflict/Personal obligation .................................................. 21
Other (single case issues) 1 ................................................................... 7
Distance - too far way1........................................................................... 5
Arrived later in year (yet to do orientation) 1 ........................................... 4
Visa issues - arrived too late1 ................................................................ 4
On holiday1 ............................................................................................ 3
Didn't seem appropriate (age-related) 1.................................................. 2
Number of responses2
Number of respondents
1
% of Respondents
(n = 114)
32.5
23.7
21.1
20.2
18.4
6.1
4.4
3.5
3.5
2.6
1.8
157
114
These entries were specified as ‘Other’ options by respondents
2 Multiple response question
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
9.
Section C: Questions only for students who did attend orientation
Table 14. Which best describe the Orientation events that you attended?
% of Respondents
(n = 459)
85.8
13.3
12.0
8.3
6.5
3.3
3.1
1.5
0.7
0.7
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
Number
Semester 1 Main Orientation .................................................................. 394
Guild and/or Faculty/Society Camp ........................................................ 61
Faculty-based postgraduate coursework students’ orientation ................ 55
Residential college students’ orientation ................................................. 38
UniSkills Flying Start ............................................................................... 30
BPhil Residential .................................................................................... 15
Graduate Research School research students’ orientation ..................... 14
Semester 2 Main Orientation ..................................................................
7
Online virtual orientation .........................................................................
3
Only O Day1 ...........................................................................................
3
Aboriginal Orientation1 ............................................................................
2
International Student Orientation1 ...........................................................
2
Introductory Academic Program 1 ............................................................
2
Mature Aged Students Orientation1 ........................................................
2
Display stalls1 .........................................................................................
1
EndNote1 ................................................................................................
1
FSA Camp1 ............................................................................................
1
GEMP1 ...................................................................................................
1
IMU1 .......................................................................................................
1
SmartStart1 .............................................................................................
1
Number of responses2
Number of respondents
1
634
459
These entries were specified as ‘Other’ options by respondents
2 Multiple response question
Table 15. Respondents who attended a Residential College Students’ Orientation Which residential college students’ orientation did you attend?
Number
Percentage
Trinity .................................................................................................................
11
28.9
Currie Hall ..........................................................................................................
8
21.1
St Catherine’s College .......................................................................................
8
21.1
St George’s College ...........................................................................................
6
15.8
St Thomas More College ...................................................................................
5
13.2
Total
38
100.0
Table 16. How would you rate the UniStart orientation information website?
Percentage1
Number
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
Not applicable/
Don’t remember
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
UniStart was ....................................................
458
11
75
222
69
81
2.9
19.9
58.9
18.3
n
1
% Total
Good/
Excellent2
77.2
Not applicable / Don't remember excluded from percentage calculations
2 Percentage Good and Excellent summed
Table 17. How would you rate the length of orientation?
Percentage1
Number
Too short
Just right
Too long
Not applicable/
Don’t remember
92
37
n
Orientation length was .....................................
457
27
301
1
Too short Just right Too long
6.4
71.7
21.9
Not applicable / Don't remember excluded from percentage calculations
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
10.
Table 18. Did you meet with an academic adviser, student adviser or research adviser as part of your orientation?
Number
Percentage
Yes ..............................................................................................................................................
260
56.9
No ................................................................................................................................................
197
43.1
Total
457
100.0
Table 19. How satisfied were you with your advising experience?
Number
n
Very
dissatisfied
Level of satisfaction .........................................
254
4
Dissatisfied
Percentage
Satisfied
Very
satisfied
Very
dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
Very
satisfied
174
41
1.6
13.8
68.5
16.1
35
1 Percentage
%
Total
satisfied1
84.6
Satisfied and Very satisfied summed
Table 20. Thinking back on the orientation that you attended at UWA, to what extent were the orientation staff…
Number
Not at all
Slightly
n
Available. ........................................................
452
5
39
Knowledgeable................................................
450
6
32
Courteous. ......................................................
451
3
9
Percentage
Moderately Considerably
120
100
76
1 Percentage
210
200
211
A great
deal
Not at all
Slightly
78
112
152
1.1
1.3
0.7
8.6
7.1
2.0
Moderately Considerably
26.5
22.2
16.9
46.5
44.4
46.8
A great
deal
17.3
24.9
33.7
%
Positive
Total 1
90.3
91.6
97.3
Moderately, Considerably and A great deal summed
Table 21. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements:
Number
n
Percentage
%
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
Agree
14
146
256
30
3.1
32.7
57.4
6.7
64.1
11
96
290
50
2.5
21.5
64.9
11.2
76.1
41
136
187
83
9.2
30.4
41.8
18.6
60.4
10
50
273
111
2.3
11.3
61.5
25.0
86.5
9
69
299
68
2.0
15.5
67.2
15.3
82.5
8
9
95
64
287
295
56
79
1.8
2.0
21.3
14.3
64.3
66.0
12.6
17.7
76.9
83.7
42
146
210
45
9.5
33.0
47.4
10.2
57.6
37
141
237
32
8.3
31.5
53.0
7.2
60.2
10
20
76
132
294
265
65
28
2.2
4.5
17.1
29.7
66.1
59.6
14.6
6.3
80.7
65.8
43
17
106
58
217
309
81
64
9.6
3.8
23.7
12.9
48.5
69.0
18.1
14.3
66.7
83.3
Orientation helped me to know what to expect
academically at UWA ................................................446
Orientation helped me to know what to expect
socially at UWA .........................................................447
I met people at orientation that I am still friends
with ...........................................................................447
At orientation I learned about the different clubs and
societies that I could join ...........................................444
At orientation, I learned about the different resources
on campus that could help me if I am having
academic concerns ...................................................445
At orientation, I learned about the different resources
on campus that could help me if I am having
problems adjusting to this university ..........................446
Orientation was an enjoyable experience .......................447
Orientation helped me gain a clear understanding of
how to register on-line for classes at UWA ................443
Orientation helped me gain an understanding of how
to use and navigate campus technology tools
such as my UWA email, learning management
system, askUWA and StudentConnect .....................447
I know where all the important buildings are on
campus .....................................................................445
I got all of my questions answered during orientation .....445
I know at least one staff member at UWA that I can
turn to if I have questions or concerns .......................447
Attending orientation was a good use of my time ...........448
1 Percentage
Strongly Total
agree agree1
Agree and Strongly agree summed
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
11.
Table 22. Thinking back to your orientation experience, how useful was the information you received on:
Percentage1
Number
n
Not at all
useful
Academic requirements ..................................
435
23
How academic advising works ........................
435
37
How to understand the class
timetable ....................................................
435
34
Campus support services to keep
you physically and mentally fit ....................
429
45
University transition programs,
activities and student support
services ......................................................
432
34
Guild clubs, societies and student
support services .........................................
432
16
UWA Sports programs ....................................
432
45
Residential college programs,
activities and support services ....................
434
60
Different rules, regulations and
policies at UWA ..........................................
433
28
Safety and security on campus .......................
435
30
Technology resources on campus ..................
432
19
How to manage your time
effectively....................................................
434
52
1
73
102
210
199
116
69
13
28
5.5
9.1
17.3
25.1
49.8
48.9
27.5
17.0
%
Total
Useful2
77.3
65.8
76
158
136
31
8.4
18.8
39.1
33.7
72.8
86
172
98
28
11.2
21.4
42.9
24.4
67.3
75
200
93
30
8.5
18.7
49.8
23.1
72.9
65
88
178
164
157
97
16
38
3.8
11.4
15.6
22.3
42.8
41.6
37.7
24.6
80.5
66.2
74
106
75
119
19.0
23.5
33.7
23.8
57.5
71
71
75
190
181
190
130
140
139
14
13
9
6.7
7.1
4.5
16.9
16.8
17.7
45.3
42.9
44.9
31.0
33.2
32.9
76.4
76.1
77.8
119
161
79
23
12.7
29.0
39.2
19.2
58.4
Slightly
useful
Moderately
useful
Very
useful
Not
Not at all
applicable useful
Slightly
useful
Moderately
useful
Very
useful
Not applicable excluded from percentage calculations
2 Moderately and Very useful summed
Table 23. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement:
Number
n
Orientation helped me feel connected to UWA ..............
425
Percentage
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
Agree
Strongly
agree
16
70
279
60
3.8
16.5
65.6
14.1
1 Percentage
%
Total
agree1
79.8
Agree and Strongly agree summed
Table 24. Overall, how would you rate the orientation program?
Number
Poor
Percentage
Fair
Good
Excellent
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
125
217
62
5.2
29.3
50.9
14.6
n
Orientation was ...............................................
426
22
1 Percentage
%
Total
good1
65.5
Good and Excellent summed
Table 25. In thinking back on your orientation experience, are there questions that you wish had been answered?
Number
Percentage
No ................................................................................................................................................
359
85.5
Yes ..............................................................................................................................................
61
14.5
Total
420
100.0
Table 26. In thinking back on your orientation experience, are there questions that you wish had been answered? Comments – Summarised
Number
IT related (e.g. LMS) ............................................................................... 13
General/Others (Single case issues) ...................................................... 12
Majors/Units related ................................................................................ 7
Specific course information..................................................................... 7
Staff related ............................................................................................ 6
Timetabling related ................................................................................. 6
Assignments/Exams/Academic requirements ......................................... 5
Using facilities/resources ........................................................................ 5
Locations of places on campus .............................................................. 4
Number of responses1
Number of respondents
% of Respondents
(n = 49)
26.5
24.5
14.3
14.3
12.2
12.2
10.2
10.2
8.2
65
49
1
Multiple response question
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
12.
Table 27. What were the most useful parts of orientation? – Summarised
Number
Tours ...................................................................................................... 104
Meeting peers/Making friends ................................................................. 53
People involved - Academic advisors/Mentors/Staff ............................... 51
General/Others (Single case response) .................................................. 27
Overview of Faculty/courses/degrees ..................................................... 24
Discovering/Joining clubs/societies ........................................................ 23
Overview of academic requirements ....................................................... 21
Learning about/Using resources (including IT) ........................................ 17
Enrolment and timetabling help .............................................................. 14
O Day festival ......................................................................................... 11
O Camp .................................................................................................. 8
BPhil residence ...................................................................................... 6
All of the orientation ................................................................................ 5
Security/Safety talks ............................................................................... 5
Guild activities ........................................................................................ 4
None/Nothing.......................................................................................... 4
College orientation .................................................................................. 3
Feeling accepted .................................................................................... 3
Free things ............................................................................................. 2
Number of responses1
Number of respondents
% of Respondents
(n = 274)
38.0
19.3
18.6
9.9
8.8
8.4
7.7
6.2
5.1
4.0
2.9
2.2
1.8
1.8
1.5
1.5
1.1
1.1
0.7
385
274
1
Multiple response question
Table 28. Now that Semester One is over, do you think your orientation was helpful?
Number
Percentage
Yes ..............................................................................................................................................
334
81.5
No ................................................................................................................................................
76
18.5
Total
410
100.0
Table 29. Now that Semester One is over, do you think your orientation was helpful? Please elaborate – “Yes” responses - Summarised
Number
Positive feedback ................................................................................... 203
Specific element of orientation named as helpful .................................... 120
Comment included "Helped" ................................................................... 76
Suggestions for change .......................................................................... 21
Comment included "Good" ..................................................................... 12
Comment included "Great" ..................................................................... 9
Other (single case responses) ................................................................ 7
Number of responses1
Number of respondents
% of Respondents
(n = 214)
94.9
56.1
35.5
9.8
5.6
4.2
3.3
448
214
1
Multiple response question
Table 30. Now that Semester One is over, do you think your orientation was helpful? Please elaborate – “No” responses – Summarised
Number
Didn't learn what I needed to know/Unnecessary .................................... 37
Other (Single case responses) ............................................................... 8
Incorrect mentor/Unengaged mentor ...................................................... 6
Juvenile activities/Passport game not helpful ......................................... 5
Not enough locational help ..................................................................... 4
Not enough information on IT matters .................................................... 3
Too long ................................................................................................. 3
Not enough information on expectations ................................................. 2
Not enough information on timetabling ................................................... 2
Not enough information on units ............................................................. 2
Organisation issues ................................................................................ 2
Number of responses1
Number of respondents
% of Respondents
(n = 55)
67.3
14.5
10.9
9.1
7.3
5.5
5.5
3.6
3.6
3.6
3.6
74
55
1
Multiple response question
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
13.
SURVEY
Please note that this survey is branched in nature. Questions may have appeared to respondents in a different order to the display below.
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
14.
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
15.
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
16.
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
17.
Report No. 12/24 - Vice Chancellor’s Review of Orientation, 2012 – Survey of Current Students
Institutional Research Unit, The University of Western Australia, July 2012
18.