Before the students in your major graduate, please gather information from them about their perceptions of the department. The purpose of the senior survey is so that you, as a department, can ascertain student perceptions of their experience in the major, and so that you can make changes to improve the curriculum and/or pedagogy accordingly. The survey can be administered by Institutional Research with your custom questions added to the existing set, or your department may administer it separately.
Suggestions for Raising Response Rate
Students usually complete a survey if you give them ten minutes at the end of class to complete; consider offering them time to fill the survey in capstones in which you have contact with a high number of seniors.
Many students will appreciate complete anonymity, if that’s possible for your department.
Questions on the existing college survey
I intended to major in this subject when I came to Ursinus
I took an influential course in this topic area
I enjoyed working with faculty in this department
A relative encouraged me to major in this subject
A personal mentor (for example, a coach) encouraged me to major in this subject
I thought this major would give me the best opportunity to find a job
Other __________________________________________________
My major improved my ability to understand, compare, contrast, analyze, evaluate, and develop complex ideas
My major improved my ability to communicate effectively through writing
My major improved my ability to communicate effectively through speaking
My major improved my ability to gather, evaluate, and use information
My major improved my ability to evaluate complex situations and understand alternative perspectives
My major improved my ability to bring together ideas and act in innovative, imaginative ways
My major improved my ability to recognition and understanding of the diverse experiences of others
My major prepared me for the workforce, graduate or professional school, service/volunteer work, or simply lifelong learning
My major improved my ability to develop new ideas or projects that include the possibility of failure
Yes/No
My major advisor gave me accurate information about course requirements
My major advisor was easy to get in touch with
My major advisor considered my personal abilities, talents, and interests when advising me
My major advisor helped me understand why required courses are important for my professional development and future plans
There were a suitable number of full-time faculty in my department
Course material in my major was challenging
Course instruction in my major was engaging
The Faculty in my department were knowledgeable
The Faculty in my department were quality teachers
I believe the evaluation methods used in my major courses were appropriate
Technology was woven into course instruction at an appropriate level
Overall, a sufficient variety of courses required for my major was available
Overall, a sufficient variety of elective courses within my department were available
I feel there was a reasonable amount of flexibility in the course scheduling process
The overall program of study in my major provided sufficient depth
The overall program of study in my major provided sufficient rigor
There were ample opportunities in my major department to participate in internships or field work
There were ample opportunities in my major department to participate in independent research
There were ample opportunities in my major department to participate in honors work
Extremely important
Very important
Moderately important
Slightly important
Not at all important
The research/lab/studio facilities available to me were adequate
The classrooms where I took courses for my major were conducive to learning
The library had ample resources for me to complete assignments for my major
The computer facilities available to me were adequate to complete assignments
Overall, I was able to access and use the technology needed to complete coursework for my major
