How are we doing?
Student opinions sought in online survey
Abby Olcese
Issue date: 3/15/07 Section: Front Page
| For students itching to let Pittsburg State University administration know what they think of their school, the time has come to be heard. For the first time, PSU is taking part in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), a student questionnaire regarding the academic quality of the university. "We found out we were the only regents school not using it," said Steve Scott, vice president of academic affairs. "One area of our efforts to improve PSU is documenting how we're doing with data. There's no better way to find out students' opinions on that than to ask them." According to Scott, 609 schools in the United States and Canada are participating in the Internet-based survey, a link to which has already been e-mailed to students. "More notifications will be sent," Scott said. "The survey will be available until the middle of April." Scott says the university will use the survey's results for planning. "We want to find out where we're falling short and how we can improve the experience for students," he said. The survey will also be tied into PSU's performance agreement with the Kansas Board of Regents. "We have to go on record with the board saying that we will improve," Scott said. "We show our improvement by showing data from before and after we make changes. We plan on using the survey in our next round of performance agreements." The survey, however, has its limits. Questions deal more with student involvement on campus and the quality of classes rather than issues like required classes or parking, possibly one of the campus' most vocalized problems. Beth Gabern, sophomore in psychology, says if she could change one thing about the university, it would be teachers' responsibility to their students. "I might make professors more accountable for things they have to do, like telling you grades," Gabern said. Anjelica Burris would like to see PSU adjust some of the courses it requires for students. "I'd probably change some of the required courses for my major," Burris, senior in fashion merchandising, said. "I don't feel like some are absolutely necessary for what I'll be doing after I graduate in May." On the other hand, Clare Quitno, senior in psychology, says PSU compares favorably to other schools she attended. "I think (PSU) is exceptional," Quitno said. "I've been to a couple of private schools. I went to Rockhurst, and there was too much writing. I went to Drury, but it was too small. PSU is just big enough. It's great." Scott says he realizes the survey covers only some campus issues, but still feels it's important that students take part. Among some of the questions the survey asks are: Overall, how would you rate the academic advising you received at your institution (excellent, good, fair, poor) How would you evaluate your entire educational experience at this institution? (excellent, good, fair, poor) If you could start over again, would you go to the same institution you are now attending (definitely yes, probably yes, probably no, definitely no) During the current school year, about how much reading and writing have you done? "It's just one way to take a look at student perspectives," Scott said. "It also gives us a natural advantage, because we can compare ourselves to other universities." For more information, students can visit the NSSE's Web site at http://nsse.iub.edu. |
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