Graduating Student Survey

Spring 2012

This survey came out of a Pres Staff discussion about what makes students successful.

Input from Deans and Student Development Group

Also addressed the questions of PEM (student goals) and College Affairs Committee (student connections)

Delivered via SurveyMonkey

Response rate 31% (107 graduates responded)

Background

Earn

an

Assoc

iate

s Deg

ree

Earn

a C

ertifi

cate

No sp

ecifi

c go

al, s

elf d

iscov

ery

Other

Caree

r Cha

nge

Gradu

ate

from

HS

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%68%

11% 8% 8%2% 2%

What were your original goals for coming to GCC?

Goals

The majority of graduates came to GCC with the intent of earning an

Associates degree.

Goals

Did your goals change after coming to GCC?

36%

YES

Changed major/found my passion

Influenced by faculty

NO

Pursue further education

“After attending GCC, I realized how important an education really is in today's economy and now I want to further my education and obtain a bachelors degree.”

“The amazing professors here immediately influenced my thinking by the way they taught, small classroom settings, and the ways in which students were encouraged to reflect on the world and integrate it into what we learn in the classroom..”

“GCC allowed me to fluctuate my schedule and 'mess around' for a semester or two for me to really find what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I changed my major 4-5 times to finally figure out my dream..”

I met ALL of my goals

I met MOST of my goals

I met SOME of my goals

I met FEW of my goals

I met NONE of my goals

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

58.9%

33.6%

7.5%

0% 0%

To what extent did you meet your goals at GCC? n = 107

93% of graduates met all or most of their goals at GCC

Goals

Two thirds of graduates plan to continue at a 4-year institution.

Post GCC

Enter the military

Unsure

Pursue a certificate or other credential

Other

Take some time off

Continue in my current job

Continue attending GCC

Advance in my career

Enter the workforce

Pursue a Bachelor’s degree at a 4-year college

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

1%

8%

8%

9%

12%

17%

18%

22%

41%

66%

What are your plans after graduation? n = 106

Technology/computer support

Peer Tutoring

Math Studio

Library support

My advisor

Connection with a particular GCC faculty, staff member, or administrator

Support and friendship of fellow students

Financial aid

Family support

GCC professors

My hard work & investment of time

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

13%

18%

18%

26%

45%

49%

52%

60%

69%

78%

92%

Factors that were VERY IMPORTANT in helping you stay at GCC and be successful.

n = 107

Graduates most frequently cite their own hard work and investment of time as a key

factor in their success.

Success factors

Additional success factors (cited by <10% of grads)

Participation in New Student Orientation

Vet Net

Participation in a Learning Community

Counseling & Disability Services

The Advising Center

Student clubs or activities on campus

Women’s Resource Center

Participation in a college success course like GCC101 or HUD 114

Other (please specify)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

3%

4%

6%

7%

7%

7%

8%

9%

9%

Factors that were VERY IMPORTANT in helping you stay at GCC and be successful.

“…I have 2 kids and a full course load - so just really not enough time…”

Were you involved in activities/clubs/events on campus?

NO

YES

“I just work full-time and go to school full-time, so I don't have any more time to give.”

“I just chose not to participate because of my schedule. But I appreciated that these things existed at GCC.”

“I made a lot of friends and helped the community.”

“Strong sense of pride and leadership. A sense of belonging”

“Some fun, and good conversations…I attend all events for free food, and appreciate this..”

24%

76%

Difficult transition, numerous challenges.

How would you describe your transition to GCC and your first semester?

Smooth transition, no real problems.

Average transition, a few problems.

61%

26%

13%

Transition challenges

“I had a problem with advisors they did not seem to get to know me and understand my goals and help me set up a schedule that worked for me, they did not seem to put their heart into their jobs…”

Personal Challenges3Advising6 Academic Workload5

“the work and classes were harder than I thought they would be.”

“I had a horrible mindset. I almost quit after the 1st semester..”

Overall satisfaction

Would you recommend GCC to a friend or family member?

96%

Course availability and scheduling

The College's communication with students

Sense of community on campus

Academic rigor of courses

0 1 2 3

2.14

2.16

2.23

2.37

Poor Fair Good Excellent

Satisfaction continued…

What was the best part of attending GCC?

The professorsStaff, students & people

Feeling of communitySmall classes

Small campus

Location

Low cost

Source: survey comments

What would you change to improve the GCC experience?

Nothing, it was all goodNursing program

Course offerings & scheduleActivities

Advising

Communication

Source: survey comments

What advice would you give to a new student coming to GCC?

Work hardAsk questions/seek help

Use resourcesSet & follow goals

GCC is a great place

Enjoy yourself

Source: survey comments

Sharing results?

Next steps