2014 vs. 2012 Satisfaction Survey Report Non-Program ... us/fvtc facts/fvtc_2014... · satisfaction with services, quality of instruction, facilities, and the college in general

Non-Program Student

Satisfaction Survey Report

2014 vs. 2012

March 2014

Non-Program Student

Satisfaction Survey Report

2014 vs. 2012

March 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Key Findings ............................................................................................................ i

Regional Representation .......................................................................................... i

Summary Information .............................................................................................. i

Key Demographics ................................................................................................. ii

Reasons for Selecting Fox Valley Technical College ........................................... iii

Level of Student Satisfaction ................................................................................. iii

ADDRESSING STUDENTS’ NEEDS

Students’ Needs and Expectations ......................................................................... iii

Purpose and Background ....................................................................................... iv

Conducting the Survey........................................................................................... iv

Using the Results .................................................................................................... iv

Survey Instrument .................................................................................................... v

Definition of Performance Gap ................................................................................ v

Limitations ...............................................................................................................v

Acknowledgement ................................................................................................... v

SURVEY RESULTS Demographic 2014 vs. 2012 ....................................................................................1

Reason for Selecting FVTC 2014 vs. 2012 .............................................................4

Institutional Summary 2014 vs. 2012 ......................................................................6

APPENDIX

Non-Program Student Satisfaction Form ...............................................................10

Non-Program Student Satisfaction Report 2014 i Fox Valley Technical College

Executive Summary

Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) conducted the Non-Program Student Satisfaction Survey

January 27 – February 14, 2014. Students were surveyed in non-program classes in aid code 42

(general courses), 47 (employment related), and 60 (leisure). A total of 1,000 survey forms were

issued with 693 forms completed for a 69% response rate.

The purpose of this survey is to capture reasons that students select FVTC and gauge their

satisfaction with services, quality of instruction, facilities, and the college in general. The results are

distributed to college teams for consideration in continuous improvement of services and offerings.

KEY FINDINGS

This report on non-program student satisfaction identifies key demographics, student satisfaction

with services and facilities, the overall quality of education, and where there is room for

improvement.

Regional Representation

For the purposes of this study, the survey was distributed with the goal of obtaining a high response

rate with comprehensive representation from across the entire Fox Valley Technical College district

of student satisfaction with non-program offerings.

The survey demographic results in Figure 1 demonstrate the regional representation of the entire

Fox Valley Technical College district by the number of respondents.

FIGURE 1

Counties Represented

Appleton 225

Oshkosh 140

Neenah 129

Chilton 102

Waupaca & Wautoma 69

Clintonville 28

Campuses Represented

Non-Program Student Satisfaction Report 2014 ii Fox Valley Technical College

Key Demographics

Main purpose for attending Time of day attending

Distance from FVTC site Age

Gender How courses were found

Reasons for Selecting Fox Valley Technical College and Level of Satisfaction

When students are selecting non-program courses at FVTC, they are responding to the factors of

having a reputable, convenient, community campus that provides them with a wide variety of

courses at a low cost.

Students responded to their level of satisfaction as positive with the top five items rated close to

being very satisfied. The findings indicate the majority of students were either satisfied or very

satisfied. The top five highest ratings for each category are demonstrated below.

47%

24%

23%

self-improvement

other

job-related, certification,…

36%

23%

22%

13%

6%

less than 6 miles

between 6-10 miles

between 11-20 miles

between 21-40 miles

over 40 miles

64%

36%

day

evening

13%

5%

11%

17%

54%

less than 25

between 26-29

between 30-39

between 40-61

over 62

42%

58%

male

female

45%

29%

15%

7%

4%

a friend, relative or teacher

college mailing

employer

internet

newspaper, radio or…

Non-Program Student Satisfaction Report 2014 iii Fox Valley Technical College

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

The overall impression of the quality of education was

rated at a mean of 4.60 which is an increase of .12 from

the 2012 mean of 4.48. This is based on a scale of 1-5

with 1 being very inadequate and 5 being excellent. A

total of 96% responded with a good or excellent rating.

Addressing Students’ Needs and Expectations

Identifying and addressing students’ needs and expectations allows FVTC to review and improve

course offerings to attract and retain students to ensure quality course offerings. The findings from

this research indicate the majority of non-program students were satisfied or very satisfied with the

course selections, the quality of instruction, the low cost, and the convenient location. These

findings demonstrate that FVTC is satisfactorily accommodating the needs of non-program

students.

5 - Very Satisfied

1 - Major Reason

Attitude of the teaching

staff toward students4.61

Offered the courses I wanted 1.29Overall impression of

the quality of education4.6

Low cost of attending 1.58

Quality of instruction 4.59

Convenient location 1.63

This college in general 4.48

Wanted to be with

friends/social atmosphere1.96 Course Content 4.47

2 - Minor Reason 4 - Satisfied

Good academic reputation 2.1 3 - Neutral

3 - Not a Reason 2 - Very Dissatisfied

1 - Does not apply/not used

Level of SatisfactionReasons for Selecting Fox Valley Technical College

5 - Excellent

4.60 4.48

4 - Good

3 - Average

2 - Below Average

1 - Very Inadequate

2012 MEAN2014 MEAN

92% offered the

courses I wanted 92% offered the

courses I wanted

82% low cost

of attending

80% convenient

location

89% quality of

instruction

Non-Program Student Satisfaction Report 2014 iv Fox Valley Technical College

The results and data from this report can be used to further identify and meet the needs and

expectations of non-program students to help improve course offerings and determine what is

important to students. As FVTC works with increased challenges of constrained budgets, and

changing demographics and skill needs, the importance of student feedback is integral in delivering

quality courses necessary for our district’s needs.

The characteristics of non-program students can be used to assist in marketing and promoting the

wide variety of non-program offerings across the district.

70% Reported self-improvement, work- or skill-related reasons for enrolling at FVTC

54% Worked less than 20 hours per week

54% Were 62 or older

81% Were less than 20 miles from a campus

59% Listed their class location as being other than Appleton or Oshkosh

40% Learned of FVTC courses through a friend

29% Learned of FVTC courses through a college mailing

Purpose and Background

The intent of this survey data is for use as one of the multiple elements considered in evaluation of

non-program student satisfaction with college services and facilities. Teams are encouraged to

consider these results along with other sources of feedback to improve services.

Conducting the Survey

The College Effectiveness Department conducted the survey with students in a sample of core

non-program courses at all FVTC locations. Students in these classes were asked to complete the

survey during the class period.

Using the Results

FVTC continues to deliver high quality services that students expect and report a high level of

satisfaction. The information from this report will be further analyzed, specific strengths and

challenges will be studied for their implications on the college, and detailed information will be

shared with all divisions. The information from this satisfaction data will provide:

Guidance in strategic planning efforts

Input as part of continuous quality improvement efforts

Present positive information for marketing efforts

Allow for data-driven decision making

Non-Program Student Satisfaction Report 2014 v Fox Valley Technical College

Definition of Performance Gap

The performance gap is simply the 2014 mean score minus the 2012 mean score. The larger the

gap, the greater the discrepancy between what students answered in 2014 and what they answered

in 2012. The smaller the performance gap, the better the college is doing at consistently increasing

student satisfaction.

Limitations

The survey was administered during class time. The effects of various administration modes (e.g.,

directions given to students) on results are unknown. The survey could be slightly biased due to

stacking of courses, specialty courses that only meet once or early dismissal of courses. The

emphasis of this report is based on a sample and not necessarily representative of all of the courses

taught at this level.

Acknowledgement

College staff personnel from all campuses were instrumental in conducting this survey. The

College Effectiveness Department acknowledges the assistance of Colleen Schnell, Marie Thull,

Paul Shrode and Melissa Kohn as key coordinators in conducting the survey and the resultant

large response rate across the district campuses.

Survey Instrument

The non-program survey instrument requested a variety of demographic information including

age, marital status, distance from the college and other pertinent information.

Students also rated a total of thirty-three items on a five-point scale ranging from Very Satisfied

to Very Dissatisfied on six different areas:

1. College services including career planning, library, food, childcare, cultural programs,

computer services, and parking.

2. Academic satisfaction questions including course content, quality of instruction, availability

of instructors, attitude of instructors, variety of courses, testing/grading system and class size.

3. Questions regarding the accuracy of information provided through staff assistance and

College publications.

4. Facilities including safety, classrooms, labs, study areas, bookstore and general appearance

of the college.

5. Questions regarding the academic calendar, registration process, availability of courses and

billing practices.

6. College-wide questions regarding concern for the students, attitude of the nonteaching staff,

racial harmony, student rules, and the college in general.

Non-Program Student Satisfaction Report 2014 1 Fox Valley Technical College

2014 REPORT RESULTS

DEMOGRAPHIC 2014 VS 2012

1. What was the main purpose for enrolling at FVTC?

2014 2012

N Percent N Percent

I didn't have a definite purpose in mind 41 6% 51 5%

To take a few courses for self-improvement 324 47% 457 42%

To take a few job-related or job-required courses 26 4% 104 14%

To obtain or maintain certification 116 17% 75 16%

To eventually pursue a degree 11 2% 16 2%

Other 168 24% 199 20%

Total 686 100% 902 100%

No Answer 7 23

2. How far from this FVTC site do you live?

2014 2012

N Percent N Percent

Less than 1 mile 38 5% 60 6%

1-5 miles 210 31% 257 22%

6-10 miles 155 23% 204 19%

11-20 miles 151 22% 197 26%

21-40 miles 86 13% 108 16%

over 40 miles 41 6% 96 11%

Total 681 100% 922 100%

No Answer 12 3

3. Location of your current FVTC class(es)

2014 2012

N Percent N Percent

Appleton 169 25% 213 24%

Oshkosh 108 16% 132 15%

Other 401 59% 559 61%

Total 678 100% 904 100%

No Answer 15 21


4. Time of day you normally attend FVTC?

2014 2012

N Percent N Percent

Day 405 64% 542 67%

Evening 228 36% 267 33%

Total 633 100% 809 100%

No Answer 60 116

5. Number of hours worked per week?

2014 2012

N Percent N Percent

0 to occasional 253 38% 385 43%

1 to 10 71 11% 95 11%

11-20 34 5% 50 6%

21-30 32 5% 55 6%

31-39 31 5% 44 5%

40 or more 239 36% 261 29%

Total 660 100% 890 100%

No Answer 39 35

6. Age

2014 2012

N Percent N Percent

18 or under 7 1% 8 1%

19 11 2% 3 1%

20 14 2% 5 1%

21 8 1% 13 1%

22 9 2% 11 1%

23-25 34 5% 40 4%

26-29 36 5% 41 5%

30-39 74 11% 74 8%

40-61 115 17% 238 26%

62 or older 355 54% 473 52%

Total 663 100% 906 100%

No Answer 30 19


7. Gender 2014 2012

N Percent N Percent

Male 288 42% 303 34%

Female 392 58% 592 66%

Total 680 100% 895 100%

No Answer 13 30

8. Number of Dependent Children 2014 2012

N Percent N Percent

None 513 77% 708 77%

1 61 9% 68 7%

2 54 8% 87 10%

3 29 4% 29 3%

4 or more 12 2% 23 3%

Total 669 100% 915 100%

No Answer 24 10

9. How did you find out about this course? 2014 2012

N Percent N Percent

A friend 234 40% 344 41%

A relative 21 4% 51 6%

A high school teacher 4 1% 2 0%

My employer 87 15% 78 9%

A college mailing 168 29% 237 29%

Radio 1 0% 0 0%

Television 2 0% 6 1%

Newspaper 26 4% 40 5%

Internet 38 7% 76 9%

Total 581 100% 834 100%

No Answer 112 91

10. Ethnicity/Race 2014 2012

N Percent N Percent

African American 2 0% 0 0%

Native American 16 2% 17 2%

White 626 93% 845 93%

Mexican-American 1 0% 2 0%

Asian-American 6 1% 5 1%

Latino or Hispanic 1 0% 4 0%

Other 7 1% 5 1%

Prefer not to respond 18 3% 23 3%

Total 677 100% 901 100%

No Answer 16 24


Performance Gap The performance gap is defined as the 2014 mean score minus the 2012 mean score. The larger

the gap, the greater the discrepancy between what students answered in 2014, and what they

answered in 2012. The smaller the performance gap, the better the college is doing at

consistently meeting student expectations.

QUESTION ORDER

(Ascending Question Order)

Indicate whether each of the following was a major reason, a minor reason, or not a

reason, that you selected FVTC.

Scale 1=Major reason, 2=Minor, 3=Not a reason 2014

Mean

2012

Mean Gap

11. Convenient location 1.63 1.65 -0.02

12. Offered the courses I wanted 1.29 1.18 0.11

13. Low cost of attending 1.58 1.65 -0.07

14. Could work while attending 2.28 2.44 -0.16

15. Good career/technical reputation 2.16 2.31 -0.15

16. Good academic reputation 2.10 2.30 -0.20

17. Liked the size of the college 2.36 2.52 -0.16

18. Good chance of personal success 2.18 2.20 -0.02

19. Advice of parents or relatives 2.81 2.84 -0.03

20. Advice of high school staff 2.87 2.95 -0.08

21. Advice of employer 2.71 2.78 -0.07

22. Wanted to be with friends/social atmosphere 1.96 2.04 -0.08

-Indicates a decline in the mean rating

SCALE ORDER

(2014 Ascending Scale Order)




Mean

2012

Mean Gap















GAP ORDER

(Gap Ascending Scale Order)




Mean

2012

Mean Gap















INSTITUTIONAL SUMMARY 2014 VS 2012

QUESTION ORDER

Level of Satisfaction Scale:

0 Does not apply/not used

1 Very Dissatisfied

2 Dissatisfied

3 Neutral

4 Satisfied

5 Very Satisfied 2014

Mean

2012

Mean Gap

23. Overall impression of the quality of education 4.60 4.48 0.12

24. Academic guidance/career planning services 3.99 4.06 -0.07

25. Library/learning resources center 3.88 3.82 0.06

26. Cafeteria/food services 3.83 3.97 -0.14

27. Evening or weekend child care 3.18 3.55 -0.37

28. Cultural programs and activities 4.03 3.82 0.21

29. Computer services 4.04 4.09 -0.05

30. Parking facilities and services 4.20 4.22 -0.02

31. Testing/grading system 4.12 3.95 0.17

32. Course content 4.47 4.45 0.02

33. Quality of instruction 4.59 4.58 0.01

34. Out-of-class availability of your instructors 4.31 4.32 -0.01

35. Attitude of the teaching staff toward students 4.61 4.61 0.00

36. Variety of courses offered 4.35 4.29 0.06

37. Class size relative to the type of course 4.43 4.44 -0.01

38. Accuracy of college information you received prior to enrolling 4.30 4.29 0.01

39. Assistance provided by staff when you entered FVTC 4.35 4.41 -0.06

40. College publications 4.12 3.98 0.14

41. Personal security/safety at this college 4.31 4.27 0.04

42. Classroom facilities 4.31 4.33 -0.02

43. Lab facilities 4.22 4.30 -0.08

44. Study areas 4.06 4.14 -0.08

45. College bookstore 3.88 3.81 0.07

46. General condition and appearance of the buildings and grounds 4.31 4.28 0.03

47. General registration procedures 4.31 4.26 0.05

48. Availability of courses you want at the times you can take them 4.22 4.23 -0.01

49. Academic calendar at this college 4.14 4.09 0.05

50. Billing and fee payment procedures 4.27 4.16 0.11

51. Concern for you as an individual 4.28 4.30 -0.02

52. Attitude of the college nonteaching staff towards students 4.28 4.31 -0.03

53. Racial harmony at this college 4.20 4.14 0.06

54. Rules governing student conduct at this college 4.20 4.10 0.10

55. This college in general 4.48 4.44 0.04



SCALE ORDER



1 Very Dissatisfied

2 Dissatisfied

3 Neutral

4 Satisfied


Mean

2012

Mean Gap








44. Study areas 4.06 4.14 -0.08







43. Lab facilities 4.22 4.30 -0.08














32. Course content 4.47 4.45 0.02







GAP ORDER



1 Very Dissatisfied

2 Dissatisfied

3 Neutral

4 Satisfied


Mean

2012

Mean Gap



44. Study areas 4.06 4.14 -0.08

43. Lab facilities 4.22 4.30 -0.08














32. Course content 4.47 4.45 0.02


















APPENDIX

Non-Program

Student Satisfaction Survey Instrument

Documents

2014 vs. 2012 Satisfaction Survey Report Non-Program ... us/fvtc facts/fvtc_2014... · satisfaction with services, quality of instruction, facilities, and the college in general