Student Satisfaction Surveys: Measurements and Utilization Issues. AIR 1993 Annual Forum Paper

Student satisfaction surveys assess satisfaction with various facets of the university and includes key sets of questions on programs and services, university learning and social environment, university mission and values, educational preparation, transfer intent, general satisfaction, attitudes toward coursework, and student demographic information. Efforts at DePaul University (Illinois) in meeting student expectations of the educational experience are discussed including: (1) the methodology for successfully conducting student satisfaction surveys, (2) the implications of these surveys for institutional research, and (3) the strategies for maximizing the use of student satisfaction data. Specific topics discussed include DePaul University's experiences and efforts in survey development, sample selection, survey preparation and mailing, and data processing. Areas for continued improvement in conducting and utilizing these types of surveys are also examined. (Contains five references.) (GLR)