If students are the best ambassadors for a postsecondary institution, then Western’s 2011-12 graduating class might be its best yet. According to the recently released Report on the Survey of Graduating Students: 2011-12, 92.6 per cent of recent graduates would recommend Western to a friend. That number was up almost a full point from last year’s mark of 91.7.
The survey, with findings posted publicly this week, was distributed to 5,556 undergraduate, certificate and diploma students who were expected to graduate at the fall 2011 or spring 2012 convocations. Of these, 855 questionnaires (15.4 per cent) were returned.
The survey was a 16-item questionnaire in which graduates rated their satisfaction with academic courses and programs; quality of instruction; degree to which their university experience enhanced a range of abilities and skills; and satisfaction with Western’s physical facilities and administrative services. Graduates were also asked to describe their reasons for pursuing postsecondary education and for choosing Western; their living arrangements and funding sources while at university; education-related debt upon graduation; and plans for future employment or study.
Minimal identifying information about faculty or college, academic program, full- or part-time status and gender was requested. Three open-ended questions provided an opportunity for graduates to offer comments about their experiences at Western and their suggestions for improving the university and the survey itself.
Western has conducted the survey since 1995.