Abstract
Background and Methodology
Results:
Employment
Continued Education
Gains and Emphasis
Satisfaction with the University
Alumni Association Programs and Services
Open-Ended Questionnaire Responses
Summary and Conclusions

ABSTRACT

This report describes the results of the 2001 administration of the BGSU Short-Term Alumni Questionnaire (1999 Bachelor's Degree graduates) and the BGSU Long-Term Alumni Questionnaire (1995 Bachelor's Degree graduates). The questionnaires were designed to collect information about the employment and continued education activities of alumni, their educational and personal gains, their satisfaction with various aspects of the University, and their awareness of and satisfaction with various Alumni Association programs and services. Their use supports the University's assessment priority. Results are used in this report to provide a descriptive profile of the 1995 and 1999 baccalaureate alumni. They are also maintained in databases within the Office of Institutional Research for use in longitudinal studies.

BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY

The need for information about the post-graduation activities and perceptions of alumni prompted the development of the BGSU Short-Term and Long-Term Alumni Questionnaires in late 1997. This information constitutes a critical component of BGSU's assessment efforts. Since no single commercially-available questionnaire would provide the data specifically needed by BGSU in a timely and cost effective manner, short-term and long-term questionnaires were developed by the Office of Institutional Research in 1997 following widespread consultation with various sectors of the University. The Office of Institutional Research plans to administer the alumni surveys to BGSU graduates every three to five years.

Alumni questionnaires were mailed to all 1995 (long-term) and 1999 (short-term) BGSU baccalaureate alumni using mailing labels provided by the Office of Alumni Affairs. A first mailing was done in April 2001 and a second mailing to non-respondents was done in May. A total of 410 long-term questionnaires were returned from the group of 2,263 alumni of 1995 in the population; this represents a 18% response rate. The profile of the long-term respondents closely matched that of all 1995 baccalaureate alumni with respect to gender, ethnicity, and college. A total of 616 short-term questionnaires were returned from the group of 2,654 alumni of 1999 in the population; this representing a 23% response rate. There was a high degree of race similarity between the short-term respondents and the population of 1999 graduates. The largest difference was the under-representation of male respondents (30% of sample vs. 40% of population). The proportion of short-term respondents who were in College of Arts and Science (32%) was somewhat low compared with those in the population of 1999 graduates (38%). The proportion of short-term respondents who were in College of Health and Human Services (17%) was somewhat high compared with those in the population of 1999 graduates (12%). These limitations and the low response rates require that all results from this survey be interpreted with some caution.

Alumni questionnaire results were analyzed by noting the percentages of respondents who provided each response to each questionnaire item. Results were also compared with those of 1998 administration of surveys to 1991 (long-term) and 1996 (short-term) alumni. In addition, group differences (female vs. male, minority graduates vs. European-American graduates, and college vs. college) were investigated for 1995 and 1999 alumni and significant differences are noted where they occurred.

EMPLOYMENT

European-American respondents were more likely to report being employed full-time in jobs related to their majors; minority respondents were more likely to report being employed full-time in jobs unrelated to their majors. Business Administration alumni of 1999 were most likely to be employed full-time in jobs related to their majors among the alumni of 1999 in all the colleges.

Compared with 1996 alumni, 1999 alumni were less likely to have a annual salary less than $20,000 for their first job, but more likely to have a salary between $30,000 and $39,000 a year. Males, on average, reported higher salaries than females. A significantly greater percentage of alumni from the College of Technology and College of Business Administration had salaries in the $40,000+ range.

European-American respondents were more likely to report that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their first jobs after their graduation than were minority respondents.

European-American alumni more often said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their career preparation than did minority alumni.

Men were less likely to have had three or more different jobs since they graduated from BGSU than were women.

Men, European-American alumni, and alumni from College of Business Administration and College of Technology were more likely to find a job before their graduation than were women, minority alumni, and alumni from other colleges.

Minority alumni and alumni from College of Business Administration were less likely to report that they have taken and passed a licensing or certification examination related to their area of study at BGSU than were European-American alumni and alumni from other colleges.

CONTINUED EDUCATION

Compared with men and the short-term alumni (those who recently graduated), women and long-term alumni were more likely to take additional course work. Minority alumni of 1995 were more likely to take additional college course than were European-American alumni of 1995. Education & Human Development alumni of 1995 and Health and Human Services alumni of 1999 more often said they have taken additional course work since their graduation from BGSU.

Female alumni more frequently reported that the most important reason for them to continue their education was continuing their career preparation.

European-American alumni of 1995 more often said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the way BGSU prepared them for additional college work than did minority alumni of 1995.

GAINS AND EMPHASIS

Alumni from Health and Human Services were least likely to report that they gained quite a bit or very much in using computers among the alumni in all colleges. They were most likely to indicate that BGSU needs to emphasize more developing a better understanding of their career goals.

Minority alumni more often reported that they gained quite a bit or very much in writing effectively. They were, however, less likely than European-American alumni to report that they gained quite a bit or very much in solving problems, speaking effectively, thinking critically, making informed judgments,  relating to others, being open to new ideas, developing a better understanding of their career goals, being prepared for further education, making connections between things they have learned in class and other experiences in their life, and understanding cultural, racial, and gender differences and how they relate to themselves, their field of study, and their future career. They were more likely than European-American alumni to indicate that BGSU should emphasize more on 12 out of 15 items listed on the table above, except solving problems, making informed judgments, and being prepared for further education, for which there were no cross group difference.

SATISFACTION WITH THE UNIVERSITY

Compared with the alumni of 1991, 1995 alumni seemed more likely to say they would enroll at BGSU if they could start college over again and they were also more likely to encourage others to enroll at BGSU.

Minority alumni of 1995 were less likely than European-American alumni of 1995 to report that their college education improved the quality of their life. They were less likely to choose the same major or to enroll at BGSU again if they could. They were also less likely to encourage others to enroll at BGSU.

Alumni of 1999 from the colleges of Technology and Musical Arts were less likely than the alumni of 1999 from other colleges to enroll again at BGSU.

Alumni from Musical Arts were more satisfied with the help they received in preparing for employment. They were, however, less satisfied with the overall quality of advising and concern for them as individuals. While European-American alumni were more satisfied than minority alumni with the help they received in preparing for employment and further education, and concern for them as individuals, they were less satisfied with the overall quality of advising.

Female and minority alumni were more satisfied than male and European-American alumni with the ease of access to instructors. Alumni in Musical Arts and Health & Human Services were more satisfied with the help they received in preparing for employment than were the alumni from other colleges. Alumni from Musical Arts and Technology were less satisfied with the overall quality of instruction and ease of access to instructors. Technology alumni were least satisfied with concern for them as individuals. 

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Compared with the previous survey respondents (1991 and 1996), 2001 survey respondents (1995 and 1999) seemed more likely to report that they were familiar with the Alumni Association web site and that they have used it on a daily basis. Men of 1995 and women of 1999 more frequently said that they were familiar with the Alumni web site than did women of 1995 and men of 1999.

About half of the survey respondents indicated that career assistance, networking, and keeping alumni in touch with BGSU were the roles alumni chapters should fulfill.

Among the 8 items listed on the table above, "AT BG" magazine is the only one that forty percent or more of the alumni have used.

Minority alumni were more likely than European American alumni to use on-line services. Men of 1999 and alumni of 1995 from College of Technology and College of Health & Human Services were less likely to have read the "AT BG" magazine than were women of 1999 and alumni of 1995 from other colleges.

OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES

A total of 776 open-ended questionnaires were received. Among them 469 were short-term (1999) responses and 307 were long-term (1995) responses.

Short-Term Alumni Responses:

Activities were most frequently credited (358) as having contributed significantly to students' educational and individual development. Student activities/clubs/organizations (126), Greek life (92), athletics (55), and campus employment (48) were mentioned most frequently. Individuals, mentioned by name or as a group (289), were the second most frequently mentioned (289) as having contributed significantly to students¡¯ educational and individual development. Faculty (192) were the most frequently mentioned individuals or group, followed by staff (32) and peers (11). Two program areas (123) were mentioned by this sample. They were academics (101) and Residence Life (22). Events (16) such as the job fairs (11) were mentioned as being important.

Long-Term Alumni Responses:

Like the short-term responses, activities (270) were the most frequently mentioned factor that has contributed significantly to students' educational and individual development, followed by individuals (177), programs (111) and events (10). Student activities/clubs/organizations (101), Greek life (82), athletics (36), and field experiences (23) were the most frequently mentioned activities. Faculty (125) were the most frequently credited individuals or group. Academic programs (77) and Residence Life (34) were the two most influential programs. Events such as the job fairs (7) and Orientation (3) were also mentioned as being important.

What does BGSU do well?

Short-Term Alumni Responses:

Alumni mentioned a wide range of factors that they believed were strengths. Responses that pertained to the overall campus climate were most often mentioned (219). The sense of community (74), variety of activities (68), physical environmental factors/facilities (40), and care for students (34) were subcategories with the highest frequencies. The academic experience (168) was often described as varied, solid, and wealth-while. Faculty and staff (65) were described as caring, understanding, and helpful. Campus services (59) such as career services, the orientation program, class registration, dining services, Bursar, Financial Aid, and transportation services, were the areas receiving praise. Several respondents (24)) noted that BGSU had done well to promote itself and to promote diversity.

Long-Term Alumni Responses:

Again, the general climate of the campus and associated factors (166) were most often mentioned as a strength of BGSU. The variety of activities (53), overall campus climate (52), and sense of community (32), were the most frequently described strengths. Academics (158) was the second most frequently mentioned strength. The variety of courses, programs and majors, along with the quality of skills learned and instruction, were common sources of alumni academic experiences. Faculty were described as dedicated, knowledgeable, available, and supported. Campus services (career, dining, residence life, shuttle, registration) (38) and facilities (library, computer lab, recreation center) (27) were the areas receiving praise. 

Short-Term Alumni Responses:

Academic and service issues were the broad areas of concern for alumni. Academic (145) areas in need of improvement included specific programs needing adjustments in curriculum (50), providing students with more "relevant and real world" information/experience in and out of the classroom (26), improvement in the quality and evaluation of faculty and graduate assistant teaching skills (27), and reducing class size/increasing class availability (16).

Alumni believe that BGSU needs to improve several services. Career services, job placement, and academic advising (125) were often mentioned as having potential to be more beneficial. Some alumni (52) hoped that more parking space would become available and that fewer tickets could be written as a result. Service and coordination of information in and among the offices of Student Financial Aid, Bursar, Dining Services, and Registration and Records (54) were believed to be areas that could enhance students' satisfaction. The Alumni Affairs Office could provide more activities/services other than homecoming and fund raising as a means for enhancing alumni involvement (31). Several (18) alumni suggested that BGSU should wait for a while before asking for money.

Addressing specific student issues (102) could improve the campus climate. Increasing the availability of non-fraternity and sorority activities on weekends was suggested (44) as a means for keeping students in town and reducing drinking related incidents. Other areas that need to be improved were buildings (16), communications between units and individuals (15), diversity (11), individual attention to students (11), support for non-traditional students (10), funding for student activities, campus safety, athletic events and programs, transportation, tuition, and student in campus decision making.

Long-Term Alumni Responses:

Again, academic issues (139) were a frequently mentioned area for improvement. Adjusting specific programs/classes in curriculum (46), increasing "relevant and real world" material and experience in the classroom/curriculum (30) and updating information technology (17) were important for preparing for employment.

Career services, job placement, and academic advising (80) were services viewed as needing improvement. Generally, alumni expressed the need for these services to give students the right direction in their major and career hunting, and help students as early as possible. 
 
Other areas that BGSU need to improve were the "campus look" (13), parking (12), student activities (10), diversity (10), "selling itself" (9), and "keeping alumni informed" (22). Some alumni suggested publishing more events other than homecoming and sports on the web. Others would like to receive magazine from BGSU at least once a year.

What other information would you like to share with us?

Many of the comments in this section of the survey were very positive. Numerous respondents exclaimed that they were proud and happy with their BGSU education (66 for short term respondents and 60 for long term respondents). "I had a wonderful time at BGSU," " It will always be the time in my life I cherish and remember fondly", and "Wish I could do it all again" were the few of the sentences respondents liked to use. There were a few people (6 long-term and 3 short-term respondents), however, indicated that their BGSU life was "a total loss".

Several short-term alumni expressed appreciation for the work of Dr. Ribeau in making changes to improve the quality of student life at BGSU.

Some alumni asked to be contacted to assist in providing internships or speaking in classes on the "real world" experiences.

A variety of suggestions have been made for future surveys. Primarily, alumni would like the survey to ask more questions related to their major, their career preparation, and their career change. Also, alumni thought future surveys should be used to assess interest on the part of alumni for providing service to the university (speaking, career advising, helping with campus events, fund raising).

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The results of 2001 alumni survey are similar to those of 1998 study. Most alumni are employed in jobs related to their majors and the vast majority are satisfied or very satisfied with their first job (1999 alumni) or current job (1995 alumni). More than 85% of the survey respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with the way that the University prepared them for employment. Most alumni found their post-graduation jobs in a timely manner and nearly all who were required to take a certification examination passed it. 

About 60% of long term alumni and 35% short term alumni have taken additional college courses since they graduated from BGSU and a considerable portion of this group have earned additional college degrees. Nearly all alumni who took additional college courses were satisfied or very satisfied with the way that BGSU prepared them for doing so. Preparing for career is the most important reason for most of the alumni who continued their education.

More than half of the 1995 survey respondents feel that they have gained quite a bit or very much on most of the items listed on the survey, especially about being open to new ideas, developing knowledge and skills applicable to a career, solving problems, thinking critically, writing effectively, and relating to others. Most of them indicated that BGSU should emphasize using computers more.

The majority of alumni agreed that having a college education has improved the quality of their lives. More than 80% of the alumni would choose to attend BGSU if they could start over again, about two-thirds would choose the same major, and more than 90% would encourage others to enroll at BGSU. A considerable majority of 1999 respondents were satisfied with the quality of instruction, the quality of advising, the ease of access to instructors, the concern shown for them as individuals, and the helpfulness in preparing them for employment and for further education, both within and outside of their major field of study.

Although most of the 2001 survey respondents are still unfamiliar with the Alumni Association World Wide Web site and the majority of them never used it yet, there is some progress over the last three years. Keeping in touch with BGSU, networking, and career assistance were roles that most of respondents felt that alumni chapters should fulfill. Forty percent or more of the alumni have read the "AT BG" magazine and most of them are satisfied with it. The majority of alumni were unfamiliar with and neutral toward other Alumni Association programs and services.

The open-ended results reinforced and provided greater depth to the basic questionnaire results. BGSU's faculty and staff, the general institutional climate, academic programs and student activities were cited as most helpful and positive. Changes to the curriculum, providing more "real world" experiences in the classroom, advising, and career services were among the areas identified as needing improvement.

There are some significant differences between genders, races and across colleges. The most notable differences exist between races. Compared with European-American alumni, minority alumni were less likely to say that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the way BGSU prepared them for their employment and their further education. Among the 1995 survey respondents, minorities were less likely than European-Americans to report that they gained quit a bit or very much on 10 out of 15 items listed on the survey. 

The major limitations of 2001 alumni questionnaires were the low response rate (18% to 23%) and the under-representation of 1999 male respondents. Therefore all the results from this survey should be interpreted with some caution. Additionally, it is important that alumni follow-up efforts be continued, both at the program and institutional levels. 

The Office of Institutional Research welcomes feedback concerning this and other studies and how they can continue to be improved.