USCA Alumni Survey: 1996-1998 Graduates

**Part Two: USCA Experiences and Education**
15. Indicate your rating of USCA at the time you applied for admission
	Number	Percent
1. It was my first choice.	154	80.6%
2. It was my second choice.	30	15.7%
3. It was my third choice.	4	2.1%
4. It was my fourth choice or lower.	3	1.6%
Mean:	1.25
Total Responses:	191

16. How would you compare the quality of education provided at USCA with that of other colleges?
1. Better	79	41.1%
2. About the Same	71	37.0%
3. Worse	4	2.1%
4. Unable to Judge	38	19.8%
Mean:	2.01
Total Responses:	192

17. If you could start college over, would you choose to attend USCA?
1. Definitely Yes	86	45.0%
2. Probably Yes	73	38.2%
3. Uncertain	20	10.5%
4. Probably No	11	5.8%
5. Definitely No	1	0.5%
Mean:	1.79
Total Responses:	191

18. If you could start college over, would you choose to graduate with the same major?
1. Definitely Yes	80	41.9%
2. Probably Yes	46	24.1%
3. Uncertain	22	11.5%
4. Probably No	30	15.7%
5. Definitely No	13	6.8%
Mean:	2.21
Total Responses:	191

19. Regardless of the financial benefits, has your USCA education improved the quality of your life?
1. Definitely Yes	138	72.3%
2. Probably Yes	40	20.9%
3. Uncertain	8	4.2%
4. Probably No	5	2.6%
5. Definitely No	0	0.0%
Mean:	1.37
Total Responses:	191

20. Indicate your PRIMARY reason for attending USCA (Mark only ONE circle.)
1. Academic Reputation	8	4.3%
2. Admissions Standards	1	0.5%
3. Advice of High School Personnel	0	0.0%
4. Advice of Parents or Relatives	7	3.8%
5. Availability of Scholarship or Financial Aid	12	6.5%
6. Cost	9	4.9%
7. Location	98	53.0%
8. Size	12	6.5%
9. Social Atmosphere	0	0.0%
10. To be with Friends	3	1.6%
11. Type of Programs Available	22	11.9%
12. Other	13	7.0%
Total Responses:	185

Indicate the extent to which each of the following was a source of funds for your college education.

21. Educational Grants (Pell Grants, SEOG, Need Based Grant, etc.)
1. Major Source	32	18.8%
2. Minor Source	26	15.3%
3. Not a Source	112	65.9%
Mean:	2.47
Total Responses:	170

22. Employment at College
1. Major Source	7	4.3%
2. Minor Source	38	23.2%
3. Not a Source	119	72.6%
Mean:	2.68
Total Responses:	164

23. Parents or Relatives
1. Major Source	56	33.3%
2. Minor Source	33	19.6%
3. Not a Source	79	47.0%
Mean:	2.14
Total Responses:	168

24. Personal Savings
1. Major Source	34	20.1%
2. Minor Source	50	29.6%
3. Not a Source	85	50.3%
Mean:	2.30
Total Responses:	169

25. Scholarships (Life, Palmetto Fellows, etc.)
1. Major Source	26	15.6%
2. Minor Source	39	23.4%
3. Not a Source	102	61.1%
Mean:	2.46
Total Responses:	167

26. Social Security Benefits
1. Major Source	2	1.2%
2. Minor Source	1	0.6%
3. Not a Source	159	98.1%
Mean:	2.97
Total Responses:	162

27. Spouse
1. Major Source	16	9.9%
2. Minor Source	22	13.7%
3. Not a Source	123	76.4%
Mean:	2.66
Total Responses:	161

28. Student Loans (NDSL/Perkins, GSL/Stafford, etc.)
1. Major Source	84	47.5%
2. Minor Source	17	9.6%
3. Not a Source	76	42.9%
Mean:	1.95
Total Responses:	177

29. Summer Employment
1. Major Source	15	9.1%
2. Minor Source	42	25.6%
3. Not a Source	107	65.2%
Mean:	2.56
Total Responses:	164

30. VA Benefits
1. Major Source	10	6.1%
2. Minor Source	5	3.0%
3. Not a Source	150	90.9%
Mean:	2.85
Total Responses:	165

Indicate how much your education at USCA contributed to your personal growth in each of the following areas

31. Writing effectively
1. Very Much	101	52.6%
2. Somewhat	77	40.1%
3. Very Little	14	7.3%
Mean:	1.55
Total Responses:	192

32. Speaking effectively
1. Very Much	90	46.9%
2. Somewhat	83	43.2%
3. Very Little	19	9.9%
Mean:	1.63
Total Responses:	192

33. Understanding written information
1. Very Much	87	45.3%
2. Somewhat	92	47.9%
3. Very Little	13	6.8%
Mean:	1.61
Total Responses:	192

34. Learning on your own
1. Very Much	116	60.7%
2. Somewhat	62	32.5%
3. Very Little	13	6.8%
Mean:	1.45
Total Responses:	191

35. Organizing your time effectively
1. Very Much	95	49.7%
2. Somewhat	76	39.8%
3. Very Little	20	10.5%
Mean:	1.61
Total Responses:	191

36. Planning and carrying out projects
1. Very Much	99	51.6%
2. Somewhat	81	42.2%
3. Very Little	12	6.3%
Mean:	1.55
Total Responses:	192

37. Persisting at difficult tasks
1. Very Much	106	55.2%
2. Somewhat	77	40.1%
3. Very Little	9	4.7%
Mean:	1.49
Total Responses:	192

38. Working independently
1. Very Much	115	59.9%
2. Somewhat	58	30.2%
3. Very Little	19	9.9%
Mean:	1.50
Total Responses:	192

39. Working cooperatively as a member of a group or team
1. Very Much	102	53.1%
2. Somewhat	77	40.1%
3. Very Little	13	6.8%
Mean:	1.54
Total Responses:	192

40. Understanding and applying mathematics in your daily activities
1. Very Much	60	31.3%
2. Somewhat	84	43.8%
3. Very Little	48	25.0%
Mean:	1.94
Total Responses:	192

41. Defining and solving problems
1. Very Much	81	42.4%
2. Somewhat	96	50.3%
3. Very Little	14	7.3%
Mean:	1.65
Total Responses:	191

42. Understanding philosophies and cultures different from your own
1. Very Much	75	39.1%
2. Somewhat	86	44.8%
3. Very Little	31	16.1%
Mean:	1.77
Total Responses:	192

43. Understanding the interaction between people and their environment
1. Very Much	94	49.0%
2. Somewhat	83	43.2%
3. Very Little	15	7.8%
Mean:	1.59
Total Responses:	192

44. Understanding and appreciating the arts
1. Very Much	69	36.1%
2. Somewhat	79	41.4%
3. Very Little	43	22.5%
Mean:	1.86
Total Responses:	191

45. Understanding and applying scientific principles and methods
1. Very Much	76	39.6%
2. Somewhat	91	47.4%
3. Very Little	25	13.0%
Mean:	1.73
Total Responses:	192

46. Recognizing assumptions, making logical inferences, and reaching correct conclusions
1. Very Much	90	46.9%
2. Somewhat	90	46.9%
3. Very Little	12	6.3%
Mean:	1.59
Total Responses:	192

47. Leading/guiding others
1. Very Much	84	44.0%
2. Somewhat	87	45.5%
3. Very Little	20	10.5%
Mean:	1.66
Total Responses:	191

48. Understanding issues that affect you as a consumer
1. Very Much	56	29.2%
2. Somewhat	96	50.0%
3. Very Little	40	20.8%
Mean:	1.92
Total Responses:	192

49. Following directions
1. Very Much	78	40.6%
2. Somewhat	86	44.8%
3. Very Little	28	14.6%
Mean:	1.74
Total Responses:	192

50. Understanding graphic information
1. Very Much	69	36.1%
2. Somewhat	93	48.7%
3. Very Little	29	15.2%
Mean:	1.79
Total Responses:	191

51. Using the library
1. Very Much	95	49.5%
2. Somewhat	67	34.9%
3. Very Little	30	15.6%
Mean:	1.66
Total Responses:	192

52. Caring for your own physical and mental health
1. Very Much	56	29.3%
2. Somewhat	88	46.1%
3. Very Little	47	24.6%
Mean:	1.94
Total Responses:	191

53. Recognizing your rights, responsibilities, and privileges as a citizen
1. Very Much	64	33.3%
2. Somewhat	85	44.3%
3. Very Little	43	22.4%
Mean:	1.89
Total Responses:	192

Rate your satisfaction with the quality of:

54. Your MAJOR program of study
1. Very Satisfied	111	57.5%
2. Satisfied	58	30.1%
3. Somewhat Satisfied	16	8.3%
4. Somewhat Dissatisfied	6	3.1%
5. Dissatisfied	1	0.5%
6. Very Dissatisfied	1	0.5%
Mean:	1.61
Total Responses:	193

55. Instruction in your major
1. Very Satisfied	105	54.7%
2. Satisfied	67	34.9%
3. Somewhat Satisfied	14	7.3%
4. Somewhat Dissatisfied	3	1.6%
5. Dissatisfied	3	1.6%
6. Very Dissatisfied	0	0.0%
Mean:	1.60
Total Responses:	192

56. Your GENERAL EDUCATION program of study (non-major degree requirements)
1. Very Satisfied	67	35.1%
2. Satisfied	93	48.7%
3. Somewhat Satisfied	29	15.2%
4. Somewhat Dissatisfied	2	1.0%
5. Dissatisfied	0	0.0%
6. Very Dissatisfied	0	0.0%
Mean:	1.82
Total Responses:	191

57. INSTRUCTION in your general education program
1. Very Satisfied	67	35.3%
2. Satisfied	100	52.6%
3. Somewhat Satisfied	23	12.1%
4. Somewhat Dissatisfied	0	0.0%
5. Dissatisfied	0	0.0%
6. Very Dissatisfied	0	0.0%
Mean:	1.77
Total Responses:	190

58. Your OVERALL academic program
1. Very Satisfied	98	51.3%
2. Satisfied	81	42.4%
3. Somewhat Satisfied	12	6.3%
4. Somewhat Dissatisfied	0	0.0%
5. Dissatisfied	0	0.0%
6. Very Dissatisfied	0	0.0%
Mean:	1.55
Total Responses:	191

Indicate how frequently you are currently involved in each of the following types of activities (on or off the job)

59. Career-related advanced education or training
1. Weekly	43	22.8%
2. Monthly	54	28.6%
3. Annually	56	29.6%
4. Less Often	19	10.1%
5. Never	17	9.0%
Mean:	2.53
Total Responses:	189

60. Lifelong learning or personal enrichment studies outside your career area(s)
1. Weekly	44	23.2%
2. Monthly	38	20.0%
3. Annually	41	21.6%
4. Less Often	49	25.8%
5. Never	18	9.5%
Mean:	2.78
Total Responses:	190

61. Professional or service organization(s)
1. Weekly	21	11.1%
2. Monthly	48	25.3%
3. Annually	50	26.3%
4. Less Often	34	17.9%
5. Never	37	19.5%
Mean:	3.09
Total Responses:	190

62. Volunteer, public or community service
1. Weekly	28	15.0%
2. Monthly	37	19.8%
3. Annually	51	27.3%
4. Less Often	38	20.3%
5. Never	33	17.6%
Mean:	3.06
Total Responses:	187

63. Social or recreational organization(s)
1. Weekly	45	23.7%
2. Monthly	37	19.5%
3. Annually	28	14.7%
4. Less Often	50	26.3%
5. Never	30	15.8%
Mean:	2.91
Total Responses:	190

64. Support or participation in the arts
1. Weekly	7	3.7%
2. Monthly	27	14.3%
3. Annually	54	28.6%
4. Less Often	58	30.7%
5. Never	43	22.8%
Mean:	3.54
Total Responses:	189

Please mark the circle of the best response in the following statements (65 - 66).

65. My college experience influenced my participation in the above activities (items 59 - 64) ...
1. Strongly	24	12.5%
2. Moderately	76	39.6%
3. Somewhat	57	29.7%
4. Not At All	35	18.2%
Mean:	2.54
Total Responses:	192

66. I have voted in ... of the elections since leaving college.
1. All	100	52.1%
2. Most	53	27.6%
3. Some	13	6.8%
4. Few	8	4.2%
5. None	18	9.4%
Mean:	1.91
Total Responses:	192

67. What is your overall impression of all programs at USCA?
1. Very Low	0	0.0%
2. Low	0	0.0%
3. Medium	23	15.1%
4. High	76	50.0%
5. Very High	53	34.9%
Mean:	4.20
Total Responses:	152

68. What is your overall impression of the faculty at USCA?
1. Very Low	0	0.0%
2. Low	0	0.0%
3. Medium	34	25.2%
4. High	53	39.3%
5. Very High	48	35.6%
Mean:	4.10
Total Responses:	135

69. What is your overall impression of the facilities at USCA?
1. Very Low	0	0.0%
2. Low	3	2.0%
3. Medium	23	15.3%
4. High	63	42.0%
5. Very High	61	40.7%
Mean:	4.21
Total Responses:	150

Indicate your level of satisfaction with each of the following items

70. The accessibility of instructors in your major/BIS program of study
1. Very Dissatisfied	2	1.1%
2. Dissatisfied	0	0.0%
3. Somewhat Dissatisfied	3	1.6%
4. Somewhat Satisfied	12	6.5%
5. Satisfied	87	47.0%
6. Very Satisfied	81	43.8%
Mean:	5.30
Total Responses:	185

71. The academic advisement provided by the faculty in your major/BIS program of study
1. Very Dissatisfied	4	2.2%
2. Dissatisfied	1	0.5%
3. Somewhat Dissatisfied	11	5.9%
4. Somewhat Satisfied	24	13.0%
5. Satisfied	78	42.2%
6. Very Satisfied	67	36.2%
Mean:	5.01
Total Responses:	185
72. The attitude of the USCA faculty overall toward students
1. Very Dissatisfied	2	1.1%
2. Dissatisfied	1	0.5%
3. Somewhat Dissatisfied	7	3.8%
4. Somewhat Satisfied	21	11.4%
5. Satisfied	89	48.1%
6. Very Satisfied	65	35.1%
Mean:	5.10
Total Responses:	185

73. The attitude of the faculty in your major area of study/BIS program of study toward students
1. Very Dissatisfied	2	1.1%
2. Dissatisfied	1	0.5%
3. Somewhat Dissatisfied	3	1.6%
4. Somewhat Satisfied	16	8.6%
5. Satisfied	71	38.4%
6. Very Satisfied	92	49.7%
Mean:	5.32
Total Responses:	185

74. The level of knowledge you attained at USCA in your major field of study/BIS program of study
1. Very Dissatisfied	2	1.1%
2. Dissatisfied	1	0.5%
3. Somewhat Dissatisfied	3	1.6%
4. Somewhat Satisfied	21	11.4%
5. Satisfied	76	41.1%
6. Very Satisfied	82	44.3%
Mean:	5.24
Total Responses:	185

75. The racial climate at USCA
1. Very Dissatisfied	3	1.6%
2. Dissatisfied	4	2.2%
3. Somewhat Dissatisfied	3	1.6%
4. Somewhat Satisfied	18	9.8%
5. Satisfied	93	50.8%
6. Very Satisfied	62	33.9%
Mean:	5.08
Total Responses:	183

76. The gender-based climate at USCA
1. Very Dissatisfied	2	1.1%
2. Dissatisfied	3	1.6%
3. Somewhat Dissatisfied	1	0.5%
4. Somewhat Satisfied	14	7.7%
5. Satisfied	97	53.0%
6. Very Satisfied	66	36.1%
Mean:	5.18
Total Responses:	183

77. The climate for older students
1. Very Dissatisfied	4	2.2%
2. Dissatisfied	1	0.6%
3. Somewhat Dissatisfied	1	0.6%
4. Somewhat Satisfied	13	7.2%
5. Satisfied	86	47.8%
6. Very Satisfied	75	41.7%
Mean:	5.23
Total Responses:	180

Indicate your level of agreement with each of the following statements

78. My experiences at USCA furthered my ability to study/work with persons of both genders.
1. Strongly Agree	53	28.6%
2. Agree	81	43.8%
3. Strongly Disagree	2	1.1%
4. Disagree	8	4.3%
5. No Opinion	41	22.2%
Mean:	2.48
Total Responses:	185

79. My experiences at USCA furthered my ability to study/work with persons having an ethnic background different from mine.
1. Strongly Agree	49	26.5%
2. Agree	82	44.3%
3. Strongly Disagree	2	1.1%
4. Disagree	12	6.5%
5. No Opinion	40	21.6%
Mean:	2.52
Total Responses:	185

80. My experiences at USCA furthered my ability to study/work with persons of different ages from mine.
1. Strongly Agree	63	34.1%
2. Agree	83	44.9%
3. Strongly Disagree	1	0.5%
4. Disagree	6	3.2%
5. No Opinion	32	17.3%
Mean:	2.25
Total Responses:	185

Indicate how much you feel the abilities listed in each of the following items improved as a result of your experience in general education courses at USCA

81. Your ability to think critically and analytically, question and search out concepts
1. Very Much	71	38.6%
2. A Moderate Amount	80	43.5%
3. To A Slight Degree	31	16.8%
4. Not At All	2	1.1%
Mean:	1.80
Total Responses:	184

82. Your ability to communicate effectively using numerical, notational and other symbolic systems
1. Very Much	45	24.5%
2. A Moderate Amount	79	42.9%
3. To A Slight Degree	46	25.0%
4. Not At All	14	7.6%
Mean:	2.16
Total Responses:	184

83. Your ability to appreciate cross-cultural differences
1. Very Much	48	26.1%
2. A Moderate Amount	77	41.8%
3. To A Slight Degree	44	23.9%
4. Not At All	15	8.2%
Mean:	2.14
Total Responses:	184

84. Your ability to explore values openly and critically
1. Very Much	65	35.5%
2. A Moderate Amount	77	42.1%
3. To A Slight Degree	32	17.5%
4. Not At All	9	4.9%
Mean:	1.92
Total Responses:	183

85. Your ability to find and examine relationships among disciplines, concepts and areas of study
1. Very Much	70	38.0%
2. A Moderate Amount	76	41.3%
3. To A Slight Degree	34	18.5%
4. Not At All	4	2.2%
Mean:	1.85
Total Responses:	184

86. As a liberal arts institution, USCA requires a relatively large general education component. In retrospect, how do you value this portion of your education?
1. Great Value	67	36.4%
2. Some Value	96	52.2%
3. Little Value	19	10.3%
4. No Value	2	1.1%
Mean:	1.76
Total Responses:	184

87. How prepared do you feel you were for the "real world" when you left USCA?
1. Very Prepared	95	51.6%
2. Somewhat Prepared	82	44.6%
3. Not At All Prepared	7	3.8%
Mean:	1.52
Total Responses:	184

88. Compared to that of your co-workers, how would you rate your professional knowledge in your first job after completing your educational program at USCA?
1. My knowledge level was better/more complete.	96	51.9%
2. My knowledge level was about the same.	55	29.7%
3. My knowledge level was lower/less complete.	11	5.9%
4. No opinion/unable to judge/does not apply	23	12.4%
Mean:	1.79
Total Responses:	185

89. Compared to that of your co-workers, how would you rate your professional skills in your first job after completing your educational program at USCA?
1. My skill level was better/more complete.	88	47.6%
2. My skill level was about the same.	65	35.1%
3. My skill level was lower/less complete.	10	5.4%
4. No opinion/unable to judge/does not apply	22	11.9%
Mean:	1.82
Total Responses:	185

90. If given the opportunity to recommend an institution to a prospective college-bound student, would you recommend USCA?
1. Yes	180	97.3%
2. No	5	2.7%
Mean:	1.03
Total Responses:	185

91. If given the opportunity, would you recommend your major at USCA to prospective college-bound students?
1. Yes	157	85.3%
2. No	27	14.7%
Mean:	1.15
Total Responses:	184

The University Of South Carolina Aiken

USCA Alumni Survey: 1996-1998 Graduates