Concordia University Ann Arbor’s student satisfaction is at an all-time historical high, ahead of the national average for private, four-year universities, according to Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) results recently released by the university.
CUAA faculty administered the SSI last fall to the campus’ 600-plus undergraduate students. The survey, from Noel Levitz, is widely used in higher education, and covers areas from academics to campus atmosphere and services.
Survey results show gains across the board for the third year in a row in students’ satisfaction with the university. Eleven of the inventory’s 13 scales showed improvement from the previous years.
CUAA Student Satisfaction
“The results of the Student Survey Inventory demonstrate the tremendous progress happening here,” said Curt Gielow, campus chief executive. “Concordia is taking major steps to ensure students who attend Concordia University Ann Arbor will receive a high-quality educational experience in all areas, and I believe the results of the survey show that students are noticing.”
In addition, these gains now place CUAA ahead of Noel Levitz’ national benchmarks for four-year, private institutions.
On key items, students indicate their general level of satisfaction with their college experience. CUAA results exceeded benchmarks at statistically significant levels, said CUAA’s Institutional Researcher Mae Keller, PhD.
CUAA Student Satisfaction 2015-16 Compared to Nat’l 4-yr private benchmarks
Additionally, students’ responses put Concordia ahead of the national average of four-year, private universities on nine of the scales. When compared to the national average, CUAA received its highest marks on the “Student Centered,” “Academic Advising,” “Concern for Individuals” and “Campus Climate” scales. “Safety and Security” received high marks, except for parking availability, which was scored on the same scale.
CUAA student satisfaction: Now exceeding the national average for 4 yr private colleges
Areas for improvement include increasing the commuter student survey participation, as well as commuter students’ satisfaction with physical space and sense of belonging, said Keller. University administrators are assessing ways to respond to these areas in the near future.
“The overall results are strongly positive,” said Keller. “They reflect the broad gains we have made and continue to make.”
— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Ann Arbor and Wisconsin. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.
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