Northeastern Illinois University Survey of 2017 Graduates ... · 25 Sales 0.00% 0 6.38% 6 26 Office and Administration 17.95% 7 10.64% 10 27 Protective Services 0.00% 0 4.26% 4 28

Northeastern Illinois University

Survey of 2017 Graduates (One-Year Out)

By Student Level

employ - Are you currently employed (including self-employed)?

# Question GRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

1 Yes, full time 73.47% 36 63.64% 84

2 Yes, part time 14.29% 7 16.67% 22

3 No, but am seeking employment 8.16% 4 15.15% 20

4 No, but am not seeking employment 4.08% 2 4.55% 6

Total Total 49 Total 132

classify - How would you classify your primary employer?


1 Self-employed or private practice 0.00% 0 4.00% 4

2 Business (industrial, commercial or service) 9.76% 4 34.00% 34

3 Professional firm (e.g., engineering, law) 7.32% 3 10.00% 10

4 College or university 21.95% 9 13.00% 13

5 Elementary/secondary school (including cooperatives) 29.27% 12 15.00% 15

6 Health agency (e.g., hospital, clinic) 0.00% 0 4.00% 4

7 Federal, state, or local government 4.88% 2 6.00% 6

8 Non-profit (non-government) 21.95% 9 9.00% 9

9 Other 4.88% 2 5.00% 5


JobSatisfy - How satisfied are you with your current job?


1 Very satisfied 40.00% 16 30.69% 31

2 Satisfied 35.00% 14 39.60% 40

3 Somewhat satisfied 20.00% 8 16.83% 17

4 Somewhat unsatisfied 5.00% 2 4.95% 5

5 Unsatisfied 0.00% 0 3.96% 4

6 Very unsatisfied 0.00% 0 3.96% 4


JobDegree - How closely related is your current job to your degree from NEIU?


1 Closely related 53.66% 22 32.00% 32

2 Related 34.15% 14 37.00% 37

0 Unrelated 12.20% 5 31.00% 31


Unrelated - You indicated that your current job is unrelated to your NEIU degree. Is this by choice?

# Question GRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE Total

3 Yes 15.79% 3 84.21% 16 19

4 No 11.76% 2 88.24% 15 17

DegreePrepare - In general, how well did your degree prepare you for your present job?


1 Very well 32.50% 13 21.21% 21

2 Well 32.50% 13 30.30% 30

3 Adequately 20.00% 8 37.37% 37

4 Inadequately 7.50% 3 6.06% 6

5 Poorly 2.50% 1 1.01% 1

6 Very poorly 5.00% 2 4.04% 4


OccCode - Please indicate your occupation.


1 Management 12.82% 5 6.38% 6

2 Business Operations 2.56% 1 6.38% 6

3 Financial Specialists 0.00% 0 7.45% 7

4 Computer Specialists 2.56% 1 3.19% 3

5 Mathematical Scientists and Technicians 0.00% 0 0.00% 0

6 Engineers and Related Technicians 0.00% 0 2.13% 2

7 Life and Physical Scientists and Technicians 5.13% 2 0.00% 0

8 Social Scientists 0.00% 0 0.00% 0

9 Health: Doctors 0.00% 0 0.00% 0

10 Health: Registered Nurses 0.00% 0 1.06% 1

11 Health: Therapists 2.56% 1 1.06% 1

12 Health: Other Health ,Support Workers 0.00% 0 6.38% 6

13 Community and Social Service 5.13% 2 9.57% 9

14 Legal: Legal Support Workers 0.00% 0 4.26% 4

15 Education : Early Childhood Teachers 2.56% 1 3.19% 3

16 Education: Elementary School Teachers 2.56% 1 4.26% 4

17 Education: Middle School Teachers 7.69% 3 3.19% 3

18 Education: Secondary School Teachers 12.82% 5 3.19% 3

19 Education: Special Education Teachers 0.00% 0 1.06% 1

20 Education: Other, except Administrators 15.38% 6 6.38% 6

21 Library Occupations 2.56% 1 0.00% 0

22 Arts and Design Workers 2.56% 1 3.19% 3

23 Entertainers, Performers, Sports 0.00% 0 1.06% 1

24 Media and Communication Workers 5.13% 2 0.00% 0

25 Sales 0.00% 0 6.38% 6

26 Office and Administration 17.95% 7 10.64% 10

27 Protective Services 0.00% 0 4.26% 4

28 Food Preparation and Serving 0.00% 0 0.00% 0

29 Personal Care and Services 0.00% 0 1.06% 1

30 Construction and Extractive 0.00% 0 2.13% 2

31 Installation, Maintenance, and Repair 0.00% 0 0.00% 0

32 Production 0.00% 0 0.00% 0

33 Transportation and Material Moving 0.00% 0 2.13% 2


JobStartTime - When did you secure your first job following receipt of your degree?


1 Held the same job while enrolled 50.00% 20 35.35% 35

2 Secured job by time of graduation 17.50% 7 9.09% 9

8 Secured job after graduation 32.50% 13 55.56% 55


AfterGrad - How many months after graduation did you secure employment?


3 Less than 1 month 15.38% 2 14.81% 8

4 Between 1 and 3 months 30.77% 4 24.07% 13



7 More than 9 months 15.38% 2 14.81% 8


Intern - Did you complete an internship during the course of completing your degree requirements?


1 Yes 50.00% 20 47.96% 47

2 No 50.00% 20 52.04% 51


InternNo - You indicated that you did not complete an internship during the course of completing your degree requirements. Why not?


1 I was familiar with internships but chose not to apply 35.00% 7 54.00% 27

2 I was not sure what an internship was, so I did not apply 0.00% 0 8.00% 4

3 I applied for internships, but was not selected 5.00% 1 10.00% 5

4 Not available for my area of study 60.00% 12 28.00% 14


CareerService - How well did the following offerings from Career Services help prepare you for your job search?

GRADUATE

# Question Very well

1 2 3 4

Not at all well 5

Did not

use Total

1 Web-based resource (used www.neiu.myplan.com, registered for the College

Network Job Site) 7.69% 3 5.13% 2 5.13% 2 0.00% 0 2.56% 1 79.49% 31 39

2 Received assistance with resume and/or cover letter 15.38% 6 7.69% 3 2.56% 1 10.26% 4 2.56% 1 61.54% 24 39

3 Attended Career Days or Career Fairs 7.69% 3 5.13% 2 5.13% 2 7.69% 3 7.69% 3 66.67% 26 39

4 Participated in workshops to prepare for the job search and interviewing 5.26% 2 10.53% 4 2.63% 1 5.26% 2 5.26% 2 71.05% 27 38

5 Private appointment with career counselor 10.26% 4 5.13% 2 2.56% 1 2.56% 1 5.13% 2 74.36% 29 39

UNDERGRADUATE

# Question Very well

1 2 3 4

Not at all well 5

Did not

use Total

1 Web-based resource (used www.neiu.myplan.com, registered for the College

Network Job Site) 12.63% 12 7.37% 7 9.47% 9 2.11% 2 5.26% 5 63.16% 60 95

2 Received assistance with resume and/or cover letter 21.28% 20 8.51% 8 7.45% 7 5.32% 5 4.26% 4 53.19% 50 94

3 Attended Career Days or Career Fairs 16.30% 15 5.43% 5 4.35% 4 6.52% 6 2.17% 2 65.22% 60 92

4 Participated in workshops to prepare for the job search and interviewing 17.20% 16 6.45% 6 6.45% 6 2.15% 2 2.15% 2 65.59% 61 93

5 Private appointment with career counselor 21.28% 20 5.32% 5 5.32% 5 5.32% 5 1.06% 1 61.70% 58 94

FullSections - Did you have to postpone your degree completion because you were unable to register for a required course because all sections were full?


1 Yes 4.44% 2 13.82% 17

2 No 95.56% 43 86.18% 106


Recommend - How likely are you to recommend NEIU to another student?


1 Very likely 60.00% 27 70.73% 87

2 Somewhat likely 33.33% 15 21.14% 26

3 Neutral 2.22% 1 5.69% 7

4 Somewhat unlikely 2.22% 1 1.63% 2

5 Very unlikely 2.22% 1 0.81% 1


Enroll - Have you enrolled in a college or university since earning your degree?


1 Yes, full time 11.11% 5 17.89% 22

2 Yes, part time 15.56% 7 11.38% 14

3 No 73.33% 33 70.73% 87


AddDegree - Are you pursuing (or have you completed) an additional degree since earning your degree at Northeastern?


1 Yes 75.00% 9 86.11% 31

2 No 25.00% 3 13.89% 5


DegreeTypeBranch1 - Indicate which additional degree you are pursuing (or have completed).


1 Second Bachelor's 0.00% 0 3.23% 1

2 Master's, Academic (MA, MS, MEd, etc.) 33.33% 3 70.97% 22

3 Master's, Professional (MBA, MSW, MFA, MPA, etc.) or Education Specialist 11.11% 1 9.68% 3

4 Medicine (MD, DO) 0.00% 0 0.00% 0

5 Health Professional (dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, optometry, etc.) 0.00% 0 9.68% 3

6 Doctorate (PhD, EdD, DA, DBA, etc.) 33.33% 3 0.00% 0

7 Other, please specify: 22.22% 2 6.45% 2


Q32 - Please indicate whether you earned or are pursuing your additional degree at Northeastern Illinois University or at a different college or university.

Question NEIU Other Total

GRADUATE 37.50% 3 62.50% 5 8

UNDERGRADUATE 60.00% 18 40.00% 12 30

Other - UNDERGRADUATE

BSW

Arizona State University

University of Maine at Fort Kent

Concordia University

Pepperdine

Chicago State University

University of St. Francis

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration

Adler University

Rush University- Master’s in Nursing

National Louis University

Other - GRADUATE

ISU

Northern Illinois University

Georgetown University

Governors State University

Loyola University

DegreePrepBranch1 - In general, how well did your NEIU degree prepare you for your additional degree program?


1 Very well 55.56% 5 41.94% 13

2 Well 11.11% 1 45.16% 14

3 Adequately 33.33% 3 12.90% 4

4 Poorly 0.00% 0 0.00% 0


StudActivities - Please indicate the activities in which you participated. (Check all that apply.):


1 Student organization activities (SGA, Greek organizations, cultural organizations) 11.94% 8 13.37% 27

2 Academic related clubs (Philosophy club, social work club, honor societies) 8.96% 6 14.85% 30

3 On-campus employment 13.43% 9 12.38% 25

4 Research project with a faculty member 14.93% 10 7.92% 16

5 Tutor or Peer Advisor to other students 16.42% 11 12.38% 25

6 Study Abroad program(s) 0.00% 0 1.49% 3

7 Practicum or field experience in an area of interest 22.39% 15 10.89% 22

8 Community based project (i.e. Service Learning) 4.48% 3 8.42% 17

9 Campus Recreational programs 2.99% 2 11.39% 23

10 Intramural sports 1.49% 1 1.98% 4

11 Other (please specify) 2.99% 2 4.95% 10


StudActivitiesRateR1 - You just indicated that you participated in Student organization activities (SGA, Greek organizations, cultural organizations). Now

rate how helpful these activities were in preparing you for the workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 62.50% 5 55.56% 15

4 2 12.50% 1 14.81% 4

3 3 12.50% 1 14.81% 4

2 4 12.50% 1 3.70% 1

1 Not at all helpful 5 0.00% 0 11.11% 3


StudActivitiesRateR2 - You just indicated that you participated in Academic related clubs (Philosophy club, social work club, honor societies). Now rate

how helpful these activities were in preparing you for the workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 50.00% 3 36.67% 11

4 2 16.67% 1 23.33% 7

3 3 33.33% 2 13.33% 4

2 4 0.00% 0 16.67% 5



StudActivitiesRateR3 - You just indicated that you participated in On-campus employment. Now rate how helpful this activity was in preparing you for

the workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 88.89% 8 72.00% 18

4 2 0.00% 0 28.00% 7

3 3 0.00% 0 0.00% 0

2 4 11.11% 1 0.00% 0



StudActivitiesRateR4 - You just indicated that you participated in a Research project with a faculty member. Now rate how helpful this activity was in

preparing you for the workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 70.00% 7 75.00% 12

4 2 10.00% 1 12.50% 2

3 3 0.00% 0 6.25% 1

2 4 0.00% 0 0.00% 0



StudActivitiesRateR5 - You just indicated that you participated in acting as a Tutor or Peer Advisor to other students. Now rate how helpful this activity

was in preparing you for the workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 72.73% 8 72.00% 18

4 2 0.00% 0 20.00% 5

3 3 27.27% 3 8.00% 2

2 4 0.00% 0 0.00% 0


StudActivitiesRateR6 - You just indicated that you participated in a Study Abroad program(s). Now rate how helpful this activity was in preparing you for

the workplace.

# Question UNDERGRADUATE

5 Very helpful 1 66.67% 2

4 2 33.33% 1

Total Total 3

StudActivitiesRateR7 - You just indicated that you participated in a Practicum of field experience in an area of interest. Now rate how helpful this activity



5 Very helpful 1 80.00% 12 59.09% 13

4 2 13.33% 2 31.82% 7

3 3 6.67% 1 9.09% 2


StudActivitiesRateR8 - You just indicated that you participated in a Community based project (i.e. Service Learning). Now rate how helpful this activity




2 4 0.00% 0 5.88% 1

3 3 0.00% 0 11.76% 2

4 2 33.33% 1 23.53% 4

5 Very helpful 1 66.67% 2 58.82% 10


StudActivitiesRateR9 - You just indicated that you participated in Campus Recreational programs. Now rate how helpful these activities were in

preparing you for the workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 0.00% 0 47.83% 11

4 2 50.00% 1 26.09% 6

3 3 50.00% 1 8.70% 2

2 4 0.00% 0 8.70% 2



StudActivitiesRate10 - You just indicated that you participated in Intramural sports. Now rate how helpful this activity was in preparing you for the

workplace.



3 3 0.00% 0 25.00% 1

4 2 100.00% 1 25.00% 1

5 Very helpful 1 0.00% 0 25.00% 1


StudActivitiesRate11 - You just indicated that you participated in Other activity. Now rate how helpful this activity was in preparing you for the

workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 100.00% 2 60.00% 6

4 2 0.00% 0 20.00% 2

3 3 0.00% 0 10.00% 1

2 4 0.00% 0 0.00% 0



StudEvents - Please indicate which of the following events you attended. (Check all that apply.):


1 Art Exhibits 16.87% 14 19.92% 50

2 Theatre Performances 15.66% 13 17.53% 44

3 Musical Performances 10.84% 9 14.74% 37

4 Dance Performances 7.23% 6 8.37% 21

5 Ethnic Heritage Events 12.05% 10 14.34% 36

6 Scholarly Presentations 34.94% 29 22.71% 57

7 Other 2.41% 2 2.39% 6


StudEventsRateR1 - You just indicated that you attended Art Exhibits. Now rate how helpful these activities were in preparing you for the workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 21.43% 3 30.00% 15

4 2 0.00% 0 10.00% 5

3 3 50.00% 7 20.00% 10

2 4 14.29% 2 10.00% 5



StudEventsRateR2 - You just indicated that you attended Theatre Performances. Now rate how helpful these activities were in preparing you for the

workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 30.77% 4 31.82% 14

4 2 7.69% 1 13.64% 6

3 3 23.08% 3 20.45% 9

2 4 15.38% 2 9.09% 4



StudEventsRateR3 - You just indicated that you attended Musical Performances. Now rate how helpful these activities were in preparing you for the

workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 22.22% 2 27.03% 10

4 2 0.00% 0 16.22% 6

3 3 33.33% 3 18.92% 7

2 4 22.22% 2 8.11% 3



StudEventsRateR4 - You just indicated that you attended Dance Performances. Now rate how helpful these activities were in preparing you for the

workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 33.33% 2 30.00% 6

4 2 16.67% 1 20.00% 4

3 3 33.33% 2 20.00% 4

2 4 0.00% 0 10.00% 2



StudEventsRateR5 - You just indicated that you attended Ethnic Heritage Events. Now rate how helpful these activities were in preparing you for the

workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 50.00% 5 57.14% 20

4 2 30.00% 3 8.57% 3

3 3 10.00% 1 11.43% 4

2 4 0.00% 0 8.57% 3



StudEventsRateR6 - You just indicated that you attended Scholarly Presentations. Now rate how helpful these activities were in preparing you for the

workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 44.83% 13 40.35% 23

4 2 34.48% 10 31.58% 18

3 3 10.34% 3 19.30% 11

2 4 6.90% 2 5.26% 3



StudEventsRateR7 - You just indicated that you attended Other event. Now rate how helpful these activities were in preparing you for the workplace.


5 Very helpful 1 50.00% 1 50.00% 3

4 2 0.00% 0 0.00% 0

3 3 0.00% 0 16.67% 1

2 4 0.00% 0 16.67% 1



PresentAttitude - Please rate the following.

GRADUATE

# Question Strongly positive

Positive Somewhat

positive

Somewhat negative

Negative Strongly negative

Total

1 What is your present attitude towards Northeastern

Illinois University? 39.53% 17 37.21% 16 18.60% 8 2.33% 1 2.33% 1 0.00% 0 43

2 What is your present attitude towards your degree

major? 44.19% 19 37.21% 16 9.30% 4 9.30% 4 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 43

UNDERGRADUATE

# Question Strongly positive

Positive Somewhat

positive

Somewhat negative

Negative Strongly negative

Total

1 What is your present attitude towards Northeastern

Illinois University? 41.18% 49 46.22% 55 10.08% 12 0.84% 1 0.00% 0 1.68% 2 119

2 What is your present attitude towards your degree

major? 47.06% 56 32.77% 39 17.65% 21 0.84% 1 0.84% 1 0.84% 1 119

AcadGuidance - How helpful were the following people for academic guidance while at NEIU?

GRADUATE

# Question Very helpful 1 2 3 4 Very unhelpful 5 Did not use Total

1 Academic major adviser 51.16% 22 18.60% 8 11.63% 5 6.98% 3 2.33% 1 9.30% 4 43

2 Special programs adviser 21.43% 9 14.29% 6 9.52% 4 2.38% 1 0.00% 0 52.38% 22 42

3 Academic Advising Center staff 11.90% 5 7.14% 3 11.90% 5 7.14% 3 0.00% 0 61.90% 26 42

UNDERGRADUATE

# Question Very helpful 1 2 3 4 Very unhelpful 5 Did not use Total

1 Academic major adviser 52.10% 62 21.01% 25 13.45% 16 5.04% 6 4.20% 5 4.20% 5 119

2 Special programs adviser 33.05% 39 16.10% 19 12.71% 15 4.24% 5 3.39% 4 30.51% 36 118

3 Academic Advising Center staff 36.97% 44 11.76% 14 14.29% 17 5.04% 6 5.04% 6 26.89% 32 119

EdEffectiveness - The questions below will provide feedback to help the University improve its programs. Please respond to each question by evaluating

your program as a whole.

GRADUATE

# Question Very

often Often Sometimes Infrequently Never Total

1 I felt professors made themselves accessible outside of class. 63.64% 28 27.27% 12 4.55% 2 4.55% 2 0.00% 0 44

2 I was expected or required to work cooperatively with other students on activities such as in-

class and out-of-class projects and homework assignments. 52.27% 23 29.55% 13 13.64% 6 4.55% 2 0.00% 0 44

3 Professors encouraged me to challenge my own ideas, the ideas of other students, and those

presented in readings and other course materials. 54.55% 24 27.27% 12 9.09% 4 9.09% 4 0.00% 0 44

4 Professors used appropriate teaching activities to help me learn. 50.00% 22 34.09% 15 9.09% 4 6.82% 3 0.00% 0 44

5 Professors' expectations for the quality of student work were high. 39.53% 17 41.86% 18 9.30% 4 9.30% 4 0.00% 0 43

6 Professors provided me with timely feedback on my performance. 53.49% 23 34.88% 15 6.98% 3 4.65% 2 0.00% 0 43

7 Professors emphasized that studying and planning were important to my academic success. 47.73% 21 34.09% 15 13.64% 6 4.55% 2 0.00% 0 44

UNDERGRADUATE

# Question Very

often Often Sometimes Infrequently Never Total

1 I felt professors made themselves accessible outside of class. 62.18% 74 30.25% 36 5.88% 7 1.68% 2 0.00% 0 119

2 I was expected or required to work cooperatively with other students on activities such as in-

class and out-of-class projects and homework assignments. 54.17% 65 29.17% 35 16.67% 20 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 120

3 Professors encouraged me to challenge my own ideas, the ideas of other students, and those

presented in readings and other course materials. 60.17% 71 24.58% 29 11.86% 14 2.54% 3 0.85% 1 118

4 Professors used appropriate teaching activities to help me learn. 65.55% 78 26.89% 32 5.04% 6 1.68% 2 0.84% 1 119

5 Professors' expectations for the quality of student work were high. 57.98% 69 33.61% 40 7.56% 9 0.84% 1 0.00% 0 119

6 Professors provided me with timely feedback on my performance. 62.18% 74 29.41% 35 7.56% 9 0.84% 1 0.00% 0 119

7 Professors emphasized that studying and planning were important to my academic success. 67.52% 79 26.50% 31 5.13% 6 0.85% 1 0.00% 0 117

Social_Networking - The information you provide in this section will be shared with the Office of Alumni Relations in order to better serve you. How

interested would you be in finding former NEIU classmates through social networking?


1 Very interested 15.91% 7 22.50% 27

2 Interested 22.73% 10 20.83% 25

3 Neutral 43.18% 19 39.17% 47

4 Uninterested 11.36% 5 10.00% 12

5 Very uninterested 6.82% 3 7.50% 9


AlumEvents - Please indicate which types of events would bring you back to visit NEIU. (Check all that apply):


1 Cultural programs 25.37% 17 74.63% 50 67

2 Theatre performances 24.53% 13 75.47% 40 53

3 Music performances 23.73% 14 76.27% 45 59

4 Dance performances 21.88% 7 78.13% 25 32

5 Art gallery openings 14.63% 6 85.37% 35 41

6 Career Development activities 25.00% 20 75.00% 60 80

7 Faculty retirement parties 32.35% 11 67.65% 23 34

8 Sports 16.67% 5 83.33% 25 30

9 Other 33.33% 4 66.67% 8 12

AlumniEvents - As an alum, I would most likely participate in alumni events that were organized to bring together others who were in my (Check all that

apply):


1 Academic Department or Major 30.00% 33 70.00% 77 110

2 Academic College 25.64% 10 74.36% 29 39

3 Graduating Class 14.06% 9 85.94% 55 64

4 Student Organization(s) 22.22% 8 77.78% 28 36

5 Cultural or Ethnic background 21.15% 11 78.85% 41 52

6 General Alumni Event 18.37% 9 81.63% 40 49

7 Other 50.00% 2 50.00% 2 4

8 I have no interest in participating in Alumni Events 31.25% 5 68.75% 11 16

GetInvolved - How would you like to get involved with NEIU? (Check all that apply.):


1 Mentor students 30.00% 18 70.00% 42 60

2 Speak to current NEIU students to share your work/career/professional experiences 30.16% 19 69.84% 44 63

3 Fundraise for NEIU or your NEIU program/department 16.00% 4 84.00% 21 25

4 Participate in social action/lobbying 26.67% 8 73.33% 22 30

5 Recruit students to NEIU 31.58% 12 68.42% 26 38

6 Provide internships for NEIU students through your employer 30.77% 8 69.23% 18 26

7 Other 28.57% 2 71.43% 5 7

AlumniResources - As a member of the Northeastern Illinois University Alumni Association, what benefits and resources would you find most helpful?

(Check all that apply.):


1 Travel programs 21.92% 16 78.08% 57 73

2 Discounts to local entertainment/theatre 23.46% 19 76.54% 62 81

3 Regional activities 23.26% 10 76.74% 33 43

4 Career services 23.66% 22 76.34% 71 93

5 Continued educational programs 23.53% 20 76.47% 65 85

6 Other 50.00% 5 50.00% 5 10

Q47 - What is the single most important experience you had at NEIU?

UNDERGRADUATE

What is the single most important experience you had at NEIU?

Leadership. Opportunity to go above and beyond what's taught in the class.

Meeting lifelong friends

The ability to transfer my community college credits to obtain a bachelor’s degree with minimal student loan debt

The ability to grow professionally and academically at NEIU El Centro and Main Campus.

Getting my degree.

The guidance I received from my professors in the Communication, Media, and Theatre degree program was exceptional. I am grateful for their open availability and willingness to help and to see their students succeed. It is because of the great experience that I had at NEIU in my classes that I decided to continue on to a Masters in Communication and now have plans to pursue a PhD in the field. Had it not been for the positive energy and teaching styles of my professors, I wouldn't have had such a great time learning. The program was easy to follow, meaning that I knew which classes I had to take to graduate, and I felt that there were no barriers and red tape like I had experienced at other universities. Class times were available that fit my schedule and sometimes I took a night class or online courses. The professors truly care and are passionate about teaching and helping their students, which made my experience very memorable. I will be forever grateful for their guidance.

Developing my cultural club was the most important experience while at NEIU.

Working at Trio Department for the five years at Northeastern.

Being the president of URO, student organization.

How much investment and dedication each professor put in ensuring the success of students.

Participating in very stimulating discussions in Dr. Kim's lectures.

Finishing my degree and being able to continue and complete my education

N/A

The relationships with professors

Learning, I guess.

My professors were very competent and continually challenged me to do my best. The discussions we had helped me to clarify my position on many issues. I feel I've experienced a lot of growth as a human.

It really helped me discover my strengths & Weaknesses.

Having professors that care for my education

Guidance from my professors

I don't recall a specific one; although, I remember the stress free zone during finals as a nice experience.

Graduation

Spending time with friends and building relationships

Connection with peers

Meeting people in Acting class with Professor Gallagher

Meeting my new friends

That no matter how much you wanted to quit and the teachers saw that you were trying hard in class, they would help you.

Being involved in Student Organizations

Developing friendships and similar interests with classmates, discovering common goals, having a professor who encouraged us to push boundaries and think outside the box (or outside of my comfort zone (Dr. Yunlu Dilek).

Being able to work on campus and staff becoming a second family.

The relationship that my education cohort had and the relationship with the professors.

walking across the stage

The interaction with various groups of people.

The graduation itself, 22 years after I first started college and after numerous delays...

Diversity.

The multiple communication classes because they are used in everyday life. Especially, conflict communication and nonverbal communication

My internship and final class that went along with it. Mr. Dragan Milovanovic was EXTREMELY helpful and really made us think outside the box.

Visiting the United Nations for the Convention Against Torture (CAT) in Switzerland with Dr. Toffolo and the late Patricia Hill.

Capstone project/Research Lab.

Working in the writing center. I worked for two semesters as a WIP Peer Tutor and a Writing Fellowship. This experience was so rewarding. My fellow tutor offered the most open and honest exchange of ideas and opinions. We came from all different backgrounds and different majors, but we talked openly about what it meant to be a student, a peer tutor, and a mentor. We discussed everything from politics to sports, and never did we stop anyone from expressing their opinions.. It would have been wonderful if the administration and student body could have

been as open and honest as we were in the writing center. Also as a WIP Tutor, I had the opportunity to work with my fellow students. I got to offer ideas and ways to improve their writing, well at the same time learning ways to improve my own writing and understanding of the world around me. The Creative Writing Center truly enriched my time at NEIU.

Establishing connections with those inside my major and within the Honors Program, since we had shared experiences.

My last year at NEIU I met a particular professor who really made me believe in my abilities when I was starting to doubt myself a lot. Having a teacher like that is indescribable and I’ll carry those kind thoughts with me forever.

Building connections

Teachers were very helpful and informative

The single most important experience I had at NEIU was walking across the stage and receiving my diploma for my UG after all the hard work and dedication. The blood, sweat, and tears I gave working so many odd jobs and finishing late night homework assignments was worth it completely. I have only the best things to say about NEIU.

Learning about NDP, I never knew I had this option, and how to get to grad school quicker.

Senior capstone research

Learning to write essays and dissertations in proper format.

I enjoyed tutoring at the Center for Academic Writing. It was challenging and I made a lot of friends.

Right now, Dr. Snow's K-5 Elementary Music Ed class! Also, my clinical and student teaching semesters in the northwest suburbs and College of Ed classes (EDFN?) 306, 307, 309, & 311.

having some of the professors encouragement and support

Being involved in extracurricular activities

Researching with Dr. Graciela Perera for the SCSE

NEIU has the best professors.

As an adult student, I felt that I was able to share some career and financial sector insights to both my classmates and professors. In the business world, sometimes there is a disconnect between what is taught and what one experiences. I hope that I was able to provide an insight, however brief, to my classmates who haven't yet experienced "the real world."

Completing the WIP class successfully!

The professors

Meeting professors who have changed my views on how I see the world.

Taking a class with Jon Hageman. Led me to Belize over spring break, Italy for a year of study, and changing my major on return to NEIU. Subsequent enrollment into University of Chicago scholarship program.

Diverse student body and excellent professors within my department

I didn't have just one. I learned a lot and had a great time doing it. I gained amazing friendships and feel I accomplished so much in my degree in graphic design.

Having a close relationship with my professors and peers. It was like a family.

Building a positive a supportive professional relationship with my professor. This experience led me to research inside Chicago communities and fostered informational resistance within myself. As an outreach worker, this resistance is vital to communities I serve here in Chicago, as I hold hope for others while building a larger sphere of justice to under-served populations. Northeastern was the tool necessary for my own personal development in challenging oppressive systems our communities experience as they navigate and develop social policy for essential resources needed to uplift Chicagoans. I am proud of the faculty at NEIU, particularly the history and social work departments. I am proud how our campus represents the diversity, not only seen throughout Chicago, but across America. I'm proud to be a Golden Eagle.

I believe the field experience in my major of Psychology. I learned a lot of skills.

Observing different teaching styles of teachers and their attitude

The most important experience at NEIU was having professors who were very knowledgeable professors who knew what they were talking about. Professors who would not give wrong information and were not afraid to admit they did not know the answer or the correct information and made every effort to find out and get back to me with an honest answer. Also, my internship was awesome--it really prepared me for my current job.

Study abroad in Limerick, Ireland!

Meeting professors and fellow students

The single most important experience I had at NEIU is taking Professor Roebuck's Algebra class (CCICS). I didn't like math but his methods were invigorating and the tutor he assigned was great; therefore, it was that class that helped me believe I could obtain my degree.

CMT and any Chicago film society events

The lounge in the business center really helped make connections with fellow classmates within the business department.

Graduation. Or rallying up my classmates for grueling study sessions.

Attending a trip to Selma with Professor Pat Hill. It was educational and awe inspiring.

Good professors

Very knowledgeable professors

Peers. Professors. Curriculum

Honor ceremony

Being the Editor in Chief of Que Ondee Sola magazine and the President of the Union for Puerto Rican Students

There wasn’t only one single most important. During my time there, the HRD professors were always challenging us and pushing us to learn from each other and not just the material. They gave us real world expectations and experiences.

My summer internship that I got with the help of NEIU Science Center. They helped me with all the steps.

Education

Due to all my experience and help at NEIU, TRIO was there for me and helped me through all the Challenges I faced here at NEIU. I was able pass some of the toughest courses by getting the help I need and by doing that I was able to get my degree on time.

Affordable yet having a great college experience. Learning new things and networking

Inner City Studies building activities

Internships and research

Jen Blair was an exceptional advisor and linguistics professor Richard Hallett

meeting people I never thought I would and making life-lasting connections

The educators and staff cared about me being successful.

GRADUATE

What is the single most important experience you had at NEIU?

Connecting with faculty who looked like me.

Getting to interact with the brilliant faculty in the linguistics department and being able to take advantage of opportunities they provided me.

My graduation Project at NEIU

Working on my master's thesis was incredible. I had a great adviser and a great committee. I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to complete a large body of work and hope to continue researching my thesis topic in the near future.

small classes

student teaching

Relationships

One of the single most important experiences I had at NEIU was working as an SGA Senator, as I was given an opportunity to make a positive impact with a wonder group of student leaders. In our brief time together we passed a Student Rights Bill that later was adopted into the student handbook.

Student teaching

I was able to take weekend classes while working a full-time job. It truly was a blessing to be able to finish my Master’s program.

Being able to create with Dr. Tsonchev and other undergraduate students, an electrochemical etching machine applied for the use of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (Physical Chemistry Labs) which the future generations of students can use as a research project. (This was part of my thesis dissertation for the M.Sc. Chemistry)

Having a cohort... having the same classmates throughout the entire time helped me to persevere

The single most important experience was working as a graduate assistant, helping students improve their academic writing.

Excellent linguistics professors; challenging, interesting courses

Practicum/Internship

Writing and completing my thesis paper.

Having classmates from different cultural backgrounds

no single one, all experiences were important in one way or another

The people that I got to work with while in my program.

Working one-on-one with faculty advisor in designing a research plan.

Thesis process

I taught college for many years but had never attended graduate school. I was impressed with the extremely high quality of the teaching. The overall experience at NEIU would be my answer, and the exposure to the graduate seminars I am sure will prove invaluable over time.

Administrative Internship and Mock Interviews

Working for the anthropology department doing research

Graduation

Student teaching

Academic enrichment

I was able to create a new class for NEIU while I was working as a graduate research student. I am now teaching that class.

Internship year

Gaining useful knowledge and meeting people that expanded my mind.

Not many really. I found my classes to be uninspiring, irrelevant at times, and lacking cultural relevancy.

Q48 - What was the one most challenging aspect of completing your degree at NEIU?

UNDERGRADUATE

What was the one most challenging aspect of completing your degree at NEIU?

Frequently changing graduation requirements.

Not knowing the schools future due to budget issues

Working while attending classes

My family’s situation.

Not having a hands on capstone professor. He didn't seem to care.

I had no challenges.

My academic advisor at the time was horrible. She provided no guidance, no assistance and she is the reason I prolonged my education.

Having some professors work with me because I had learning disabilities. Being respected.

Working a full time plus a part job while attending school full time.

The lack of availability of certain classes at certain semester. Also, government policies and the creation of disruption of the school year due to furloughs.

Time management.

Not enough classes available

Balancing work, life, and school.

Capstone project and honors requirements. They were challenging in a wonderful way.

Working a full time job and attending school full time.

Balancing it with work and taking care of my family.

Improving my computer skills

The writing process of research papers

Balancing work and Home life

Having two jobs while completing my degree was definitely challenging.

Time

Studying for exams and coursework

Commuting to school with The school work load and having an internship at the same time

Getting through work and classes

Working at an mandatory internship site without a stipend

Balancing work / school time.

Being on probation my first year due to not seeking counseling

The lack of communication between advisors and departments.

Navigating the program by myself

Staying the course. Not a lot of people are?/ Were majoring in the subject I was majoring in.

Making time in my life (work, other commitments) to actually finish papers and wrap up my last couple of classes.

The course levels of your major.

Certain classes weren't available during my time.

Getting the classes I wanted. I was saddened that I couldn't minor in CAST due to the timing of the classes.

Being a returning student over 40, working days and going to school at night and on weekends.

My capstone class was incredible my challenging in the aspect of completing my degree, but when it comes to overall challenge the biggest one was not knowing that internships were even accessible at our school. There was no news of that to me. I feel like I could have gained so much knowledge/ experience had I known that we offered that and that there was an office dedicated to connecting students with those internships.

I didn't really find anything to challenging, what I did find is that NEIU is a very left wing university. There is absolutely no debate of ideas. To get out of this school you need to tow the extremely left wing agenda. NEIU is also hardly the open and welcoming university as there is a very clear dislike of older students. I myself was the victim of ageism, as I also heard from other older students I who experienced the same bias. It insulting that I have to pay to join the alumni association! It’s extremely insulting that I would have to pay to join, since when I went to pick up my tickets at that awful salute to graduates, I was yelled at by an alumni employee because I didn't vote for Clinton. I would have to say the most challenging aspect of this university is the constant request for cash!!!

Completing the Honors Program, particularly my Honors Thesis.

Like most students at NEIU I worked full time. Learning to balance a full time course load and work made me believe I could do anything with enough dedication.

Getting proper guidance

The requirements for the education department were not clarified at the beginning therefore became rushed and too overwhelming at the end.

Nothing out of the ordinary realm of working full time and going to school full time. But again I emphasize its importance to my wellbeing and it demonstrates my incredible work ethic.

Times of classes. Sometimes there were at awkward times.

Time management and believing in myself that I could be successful.

Time management between work, class schedules, homework, personal leisure and family.

The most challenging course was my psychology lab course. This class involved combining everything I had learned into a single research project.

Completing all of the required concert attendances; I was so involved in electives and performance groups that it was hard for me to make time to attend other performances. I feel that it's ridiculous that we were not allowed to count performances that we participated in ourselves. This held me back from graduating by a semester. Dr. Owen's Vocal Method's class - which I had to repeat - (Sr. yr) was also grossly overwhelming.

the hard work of getting to the end

Financial Aid

Cryptography Class

Managing school, family, and work.

Balancing work and school. And I had it easy, in my opinion. I give my full respect and credit to those who have more life responsibilities than I do and are able to complete their studies.

Working full time and attending class full time.

The lack of professionalism by some of the other students on campus. The library is used as a social setting and a place to eat.

Not being able to live the "college" life, aka. Dorm.

Attending constant protests/ marches/ demonstrations while struggling to finish quickly due to fear of Rauner completely depleting our University’s funds causing NEIU to close losing our accreditation like Chicago State.

Commuting

I was a mother of two little girls and working on the side and finishing school was very tough but NEIU and the Art Department teachers were very helpful and I am grateful to my teachers.

Time management

Balancing academic workloads with work and life responsibilities. It was also difficult wondering if the college would remain open during the budget crisis. This crisis saw a vacuum of faculty leave, students felt for their professors and campus staff worrying about their jobs. On the bright side, this experience of financial instability brought a sense of togetherness, and helped to shape positive activism on campus.

Balancing classes, meeting deadlines

Juggling work, family, home, internship, and assignments.

GIS course.

Funding

The most challenging aspect of completing my degree at NEIU was making myself take classes regularly. I stopped too many times and didn't take advantage of summer classes.

Commuting. Busses are terrible on night classes. Work with the city on making that less of a challenge. Also parking is expensive. We are already going to be in debt for the REST of our lives. Parking was an expensive hurdle.

Class schedules for my major had large gaps between classes, though it did force students to become more social in the business lounge.

Practical exams

Trying to balance working full-time, attending classes and completing an internship at the same time.

Capstone class

Financing my education. Most scholarships are awarded solely to extremely high achieving students while students like myself who worked 3 jobs to pay for school suffered academically and financially.

None

Completing all credits new and old.

Day classes only rather than night classes

I had a really challenging semester in my life that caused me to fail all of my classes. I lost my financial aid but decided to push forward and finish my classes. However, I now owe a lot back and it is keeping me from getting my transcripts and may even cause me to lose my job if I am not able to pay it back by July. I struggle financially with being a mother and teacher so I'm not able to take on a second job to make an extra income.

Working 50+ hours a week and trying to complete a degree at the same time.

The most challenging was balancing work and school but I feel like that experience helped me overall to become better at managing time.

Working and going to school.

The most challenging was math

Financial problems.

Time constraints

Advisors at CICCS were not helpful

Taking coursework in the allocated time when courses weren't always offered.

Class timing

balancing time between school, multiple jobs, internships, and personal relationships

GRADUATE

What was the one most challenging aspect of completing your degree at NEIU?

The travel component--location was not ideal.

The most challenging aspect of completing my degree was stopping enrollment in linguistics classes!

MY CS 404 SUBJECT

Financial aid was difficult. Master's students don't have a lot of options when it comes to financial aid before they start their education. It was hard to find ways to pay for the first few semesters. Thankfully I was offered a scholarship and a graduate assistantship which helped cover a lot of the cost.

adequate studying time because I was working full time as a grad student

completing a new program with an often absent advisor

Expectations of completing a Master’s degree while teaching full time

One of the most challenging aspects of completing my degree at NEIU was balancing school, work and commitments as a student leader. While having a difficult time finding leads in the career field I wanted.

Balancing school with parenthood.

The most challenging aspect of completing my degree at NEIU was the uncertainty of graduating.

The only challenge was the economic factor such that being able to pay for my classes. But a miracle occurred and I was blessed to be given the opportunity as a Research Graduate assistant for the Physical Chemistry Lab, also became one of the Chemistry tutors (SCSE and the LSC). This enabled me the opportunity to inspire the branch and tools of chemistry to all students within all majors; thus prepare the next generation of students to aid humanity.

The amount of reading and papers was challenging for someone who had been out of school for a long time.

It was challenging to study for my degree while working as a self-employed freelance writer.

having enough time for homework while working

Family health issues / life balance

Not having a stable income while in graduate school.

Group projects!

getting myself motivated to work harder

Communicating with my advisor was difficult and made it hard to understand the courses that were outlined for me to take. At times I was unaware of certain requirements and luckily was able to overcome these things by taking matters into my own hands.

none.

Time management- the offering of required classes only every other semester made coordinating class changes difficult-

Initially, the reading and writing workload seem almost undoable. But over time I adjusted with the assistance and counsel of several instructors.

The amount of course work in addition to a full time job.

Lack of class variation.

Waiting for supplies and instrumentation availability

Finances

developing research skills

During my MA program, my husband suffered a stroke.

Completing internship hours

Working more than 40 hours a week, burned out but I still managed to graduate.

Showing up to classes was painful and a waste of time in most cases. I found that I graduated from my MA program without new insight or knowledge

Documents

Northeastern Illinois University Survey of 2017 Graduates ... · 25 Sales 0.00% 0 6.38% 6 26 Office and Administration 17.95% 7 10.64% 10 27 Protective Services 0.00% 0 4.26% 4 28