Does SIUC Get an A? by Allie Marie

Does SIUC Get an A?  Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Education

Allie Toothman

Does SIUC Get an A?

Table of Contents

Purpose

Organizational Identity  Specifics      Research Questions

3  4  4

Methodological Justification    Survey Construction Process    Survey Procedure

5  5  6

Research Procedure

Sample Population                           Analysis/Results                            Discussion

Answers      Reconceptualization

19  22

Recommendations to Scholars    Recommendations to Practitioners

25  26

Implications

Conclusion                            References                            Appendices

Appendix A  Appendix B  Appendix C  Appendix D

Informed Consent Form  Survey       Survey Results     Survey Graphs

Does SIUC Get an A?

Purpose    Our research examines the Organizational Identity theory and how it shapes our study  with specific students’ satisfactory levels pertaining to their experience with the education  offered at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC).  The purpose of this research is to  study from an Organizational Identity perspective: the expectations and perceptions of  students prior to attending SIUC, what goes on within students’ educational programs that are  offered at SIUC, and students overall levels of satisfaction after at least two full years of  experience with SIUC and its educational programs.    Organizational Identity

The identity of an organization is what differentiates itself from other organizations.   Organizations can be defined and recognized from various forms of identity, such as  trademarks, logos, brands, names, etc.  They are the sources in defining its overall character as  a whole.  Identity is what transforms an organization’s existence because the heart of an  organization is its identity to the public eye.  “Organizational Identity is the shared beliefs of  members about the central, enduring and distinctive characteristics of the organization‐ constitutes part of the shared meanings held by the members” (Biddle & Rao, 1997, p. 594).    Understanding Organizational Identity is important to the sustainability of organizations.   The theory has three key components in addressing organizations.  First, the theory examines  and explains actions within an organization, such as the purpose for an organization to exist and  why it is important that it exist.  Second, it identifies the organization’s roles for its members  depicting what they do for the organization, and how they perform the tasks to uphold the  organization.  The last component of Organizational Identity explains how members of an

Does SIUC Get an A?

organization interpret the issues and roles within that organization, as well as how its members  respond to those issues and roles.  Specifics  Organizational Identity is important to our research pertaining to the satisfaction rate of  students with their educational program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  Primarily,  the knowledge of Organizational Identity helps organizations go about conflicting changes, and  by the degrees of satisfaction, change can illustrate the final way an organization’s identity is  perceived.  Our research will be examining the Organizational Identity theory, and how it  shapes our study with specific students’ satisfactory levels pertaining to their experience with  Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s educational programs.  Through the research of  Organizational Identity, we are able to accommodate the accurate understandings in gathering  and receiving liable results about the education offered at Southern Illinois University  Carbondale.    Research Questions

Through the study of Organizational Identity, a conceptual question was developed in

order to narrow the process and results of our research.  Since our research of Organizational  Identity primarily centered on the concept of the three components that constructs the theory  as a whole, our main conceptual research question was based on all of Organizational Identity’s  three parts.

1. How do students’ overall perceptions of Southern Illinois  University Carbondale’s education develop from the three  stages of entry within Organizational Identity?

Does SIUC Get an A?

However, since a concept of Organizational Identity theory is that it is divided into three  components, we narrowed this question, within numerical order, into three additional parts:  pre‐entry stage, entry stage, and post‐entry stage.

1. How does Southern Illinois University Carbondale persuade  students’ to attend its educational programs through the use  of application attributes?    2. How do the different features and members of Southern  Illinois University Carbondale’s Organizational Identity  differentiate from student to student within the diverse  educational programs and its professional educators?  3. How have students’ previous experiences within their  educational programs contributed to their overall levels of  satisfaction for Southern Illinois University Carbondale?

Research Procedure  Our team conducted our research through multiple ways, also known as triangulation.   We first, conducted four focus groups that consisted of 6 to 12 individuals who have had two  years or more of educational experience at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  Each group  discussion was ethically validated and understood through the use of informed consent forms  (See Appendix A).  Through the focus group findings, a survey was then constructed in order to  further assist our research findings.  Methodological Justification

Survey research was justified in our research procedure because of its many methods of

asking different types of questions.  Through the survey research, open and closed questions  were created in order to better measure, analyze, and interpret our conceptual questions  accurately for more valid results.

Does SIUC Get an A?

Survey Construction Process

The survey was constructed into two parts: questions pertaining to returning SIUC

students, and a separate set of questions pertaining to SIUC alumni.  Both demographics were  asked a set of similar questions.  However, through focus group findings, there was an  understanding that post‐entry results would not be accurately validated through students still  attending SIUC.  In order to research the three stages of Organizational Identity theory and  students satisfaction with SIUC’s education accurately, the surveys would need to research SIUC  alumni separately since they truly have post‐entry results with SIUC and its Organizational  Identity.  Survey Procedure

Our research was limited to a set of specific demographics, to accurately receive valid

answers attaining to our conceptual questions for our research.  These demographics caused a  more selective approach in choosing individuals for the survey.  Therefore, we used a more  stratified purposive sample in order to obtain our survey research findings.  We did this by  choosing the individuals that matched the specific demographic standards within each of the  different colleges under SIUC.  This opened the door for recognizing if students’ perceptions of  their education offered from SIUC varied within the different colleges under SIUC, or if there  was a consensus throughout the university.

Sample Population  The student participants chosen for our research were selected by specific  demographics throughout the individual colleges under the university.  The primary  demographics were required to have at least two years or more of experience at SIUC.  This was

Does SIUC Get an A?

particularly important because experience is measured by time, therefore, time must be spent  at SIUC in order to fully measure an individuals satisfaction at the university.  Also, because of  the two‐year experience expectancy, before taking the survey, students were required to have  a junior or senior status, and/or graduated from SIUC after at least two years of experience.   We were able to collect 40 returning SIUC junior and senior participants, and 40 SIUC alumni  participants, 80 participants totaled.  All participants studied, classified themselves as either  male or female, and varied in age from 20 to 59 years old.  However, the primary age of  returning SIUC participants was 21, while the primary age of the SIUC alumni was 23.

Analysis/Results  During this research the alumni of Southern Illinois University Carbondale were asked to  rate their educational experience at SIUC along with the returning juniors and seniors of the  university.  Both set of surveys from returning SIUC students and SIUC alumni were crucial in  thoroughly analyzing all three stages of Organizational Identity.  The analyzing of data for SIUC  alumni was essential in obtaining accurate results regarding the theory’s final stage, post‐entry.    Both returning SIUC students and SIUC alumni were asked to rate, on a scale of one to  ten, their expectations of SIUC before enrolling within the university.  According to research  findings many students seem to have moderately high expectations.  Returning students from  the College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Engineering had the highest expectations  rates of 80 percent.  The lowest rating of SIUC prior to students attending was from students of  the College of Applied Sciences and Arts with 50 percent.     Pertaining to the question mentioned above, when SIUC alumni were asked to respond  the College of Education and Human Services gave the highest rating of 90 percent.

Does SIUC Get an A?

Immediately following that was the College of Agricultural Sciences with 80 percent.  Very  similar to the returning students the lowest expectations came from the college of Applied  Sciences and Arts with 50 percent.    When trying to find, what about SIUC’s education most contributed to the knowledge  pertaining to returning SIUC juniors and seniors degrees, there was a total of 40 students but 41  answers.  This occurred because the survey never specified only one answer per question.   Therefore, 30 out of 40 (75%) of the returning SIUC students said teachers were what most  contributed to their knowledge about their degree.  While, 10 out of 40 (25%) said it was the  resources at the university that contributed to the knowledge about their degree.  Finally, the  one extra answer came from a student in the College of Liberal Arts and they responded with  the option choice, “other,” and specified, “practical experiences,” contributed the most to their  knowledge about their degree.    When also looking at what about SIUC’s education most contributed to the knowledge  of the degrees obtained by SIUC alumni, there was a total of 40 participants, but 45 total  answers.  With both demographics answering more than one option, ended up showing this  was a good thing because it showed students did not limit SIUC to just one thing, they felt SIUC  offered more than one contributor.  Therefore, 26 out of 40 (65%) of the alumni said teachers  were what most contributed to their knowledge about their degree.  While, 14 out of 40 (35%)  said it was the resources at the university that most contributed to their knowledge about their  degree.  Only, 3 out of 40 (8%) said the computer technology availability contributed to their  knowledge about their degree, and finally 2 out 40 (5%) said it was other things that  contributed to the knowledge about their degree.

Does SIUC Get an A?

The 40 returning juniors and seniors were then asked what had the largest affect on  their selection of a major at the university.  The largest amount of students, 26 out of 40 (65%),  said that their own personal interest in the subject had the biggest affect on their degree  selection.  While, 6 out of 40 (15%) of returning students answered that it was their friends  opinion that influenced their degree selection, 4 out of 40 (10%) answered that future  paychecks are what influenced their degree selection, and 3 out of 40 (8%) said their parents  had the largest affect on their selection of their chosen major.  Finally, one individual from the  College of Education and Human Services said a suggestion from their advisor is what affected  their decision.    The 40 SIUC alumni were then also asked what had the largest affect on their selection  of a major at the university.  The largest amount of alumni, 24 out of 40 (60%) said that their  own personal interest in subject had the biggest affect on their degree selection.  While, 10 out  of 40 (25%) answered that it was their parent’s opinion that had the largest affect on their  section of a major, 3 out of 40 (8%) said their friend’s opinion is what influenced their degree  selection, and a tie with 1 out of 40 (3%) answered that future paychecks and a suggestion from  their advisor helped affect their degrees selections.     The same 40 returning students were then asked to rate their classes with in their  degree.  Students were asked to check one of the options: always, most the time, hardly ever,  or never.  “I feel excited about class projects/ assignments” was the first scenario; 53% of the  returning students answered most of the time, while 23% said always, 20% answered hardly  ever, and 5% answered never.  The next scenario was, “I go to class everyday.”  The highest  answer chosen was at 55%, answering most of the time, 33% answered always, and 13% said

Does SIUC Get an A?

hardly ever.  Next scenario is, “I feel confident in receiving a job after college,” 55% answered  most of the time, 33% answered always, 13% answered hardly ever, and 3% answered never.   The forth scenario was, “I have good attendance in all my classes,” 43% answered most of the  time, 40% answered always, and 18% answered hardly ever.  The next scenario was, “I feel  challenged within my classes in my chosen degree,” 55% answered most of the time, 33%  answered always, and 13% answered hardly ever.  The sixth scenario was, “I enjoy my classes”  53% answered most of the time, 25% answered always and 23% answered hardly ever.  “I get  good grades (A’s and B’s) in my classes,” was the next scenario and 55% of students answered  most of the time, 45% answered always, and 5% answered hardly ever.  The last scenario  student were asked to rate was, “I feel successful in my classes,” 63% answered most of the  time, 33% answered always, and 5% answered hardly ever.    Similar to the returning students the same 40 alumni were asked to rate their classes  with in their degree.  Students were asked to check always, most the time, hardly ever or never  for different options just like the returning students.  “I felt excited about class projects/  assignments” was the first scenario.  63% of the alumni answered most of the time while 23%  answered hardly ever, 13% said always and 5% answered never.  The next scenario is, “ I went  to class everyday.” 50% answered most the time, 30% answered always, 18% said hardly ever  and 3% answered never.  Next scenario is “I felt confident in receiving a job after college” 43%  answered most of the time, 33% answered always and 25% answered hardly ever. The forth  scenario is “I had good attendance in all my classes” 48% answered most of the time, 35%  answered always, 15% answered hardly ever and 3% answered never.  The next scenario is “I  felt challenged with in my classes” 65% answered most of the time, 23% answered hardly ever,

Does SIUC Get an A?

and 13% said always.  The sixth scenario is “I enjoyed my classes” 56% answered most of the  time, 28% answered hardly ever and 15% answered always.    “I got good grades (A’s and B’s) in  my classes” was the next scenario and 65% of students answered most of the time and 35%  answered always.   The last scenario alumni were asked to rate was “I felt successful in my  classes”, 55% answered most of the time, 43% answered always, and 3% answered hardly ever.   After reviewing these results and seeing that “most of the time” was the option that  was selected the majority; for every scenario for the returning students as well as the alumni,  one can see that the past students as well as the presents students are for the most part  average college students.  In some areas the students may have fallen short or went above and  beyond but the students who completed these surveys are a sample group of average everyday  students at the university.    After rating different options pertaining to the classes with in returning students degree,  returning juniors and seniors were then asked to rate different options according to their  personal opinion about their teachers.  These are the scenarios and responses to the question  beginning as, my teachers are: “Great about giving good assignments/class project”: 70%  answered most of the time, 28% answered always, and3% answered hardly ever.  The next  scenario stated “ knowledgeable about the fields of study”: 55% answered always and 45%  answered most of the time.  The next scenario asked “available to talk to/ ask for help” 53%  answered always, 45% answered most of the time and 3% answered hardly ever.   The forth  scenario asked was ”Great about giving opportunities to gain practical experience”: 56%  answered most of the time, 35% answered always, and 8% answered hardly ever.  The next  scenario asked if teachers were “open to suggestions”: 56% answered most of the time, 28%

Does SIUC Get an A?

answered always and 15% answered hardly ever.  Next scenario asked if the teachers were  “fun”: 56% answered most of the time, 23% answered hardly ever, 15% said always, and finally  2% answered never.  The next scenario asked if teachers were “prepared for class”: 55%  answered most of the time, 43% answered always and 3% answered hardly ever.  The final  scenario asked if the teachers were “very clear so students can understand them”: 65%  answered most of the time, 28% answered always and 8% answered hardly ever.    After analyzing the data of how the returning juniors and seniors rated their teachers it  was time to get an idea of how the Alumni rated their teachers while attending SIUC.  These  scenarios and responses are as follows, my teachers were, “Great about giving good  assignments and/or class projects,” 80% answered most of the time, 10% answered always, and  10% answered hardly ever.  The next scenario stated, “knowledgeable about the fields of  study,” 63% answered always, 35% answered most of the time, and 3% answered hardly ever.   The next scenario asked, “available to talk to/ ask for help,” 48% answered most of the time,  40% answered always, 10% answered hardly ever, and 3% answered never.   The forth scenario  asked was, ”Great about giving opportunities to gain practical experience,” 50% answered most  of the time, 28% answered always, and 23% answered hardly ever.  The next scenario asked if  teachers are, “open to suggestions,” 53% answered most of the time, 20% answered always,  25% answered hardly ever, and 3% answered never.  Next scenario asked if the teachers were,  “fun.” 60% answered most of the time, 25% answered hardly ever, and15% said always.  The  next scenario asked if teachers were, “prepared for class,” 55% answered most of the time,  43% answered always, and 3% answered hardly ever.  This section here was identical to the  returning juniors and seniors thus saying that teachers at the university, for the most part, were

Does SIUC Get an A?

prepared.  The final scenario asked if the teachers are, “very clear so students can understand  them,” 65% answered most of the time, 28% answered always, and 8% answered hardly ever.  This too is identical to the returning juniors and senior’s responses.  After reviewing the results  one can see that the teacher’s at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are viewed by the SIUC  alumni as good/great teachers.   The fact that some of the answers were identical between  returning students and alumni, show that there is truth to the fact that teachers at SIUC are  prepared and very clear, so that students are able to understand them.    During our research students were then asked to rate their educational experience at  SIUC.  Over all returning junior and seniors rated the university with a 74%.  The highest rating  came from the College of Applied Sciences and Arts with a rating of 100 percent.  The College of  Applied Sciences and Arts was the college that had the lowest expectations for the university  prior to attending.  The Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, and Education of Human  Services all gave a rating with in the 80‐percentile range.  The lowest ranking came from the  College of Science, which gave a ranking of 63%, this ranking dropped 14% from 77%, which is  what they rated their expectations of the university prior to attending.    During our research the alumni were also asked to rate their educational experience  while attending SIUC.  Overall, the SIUC alumni rated the university with a 77%.  This was 3%  higher then what the returning students gave SIUC.  The highest ratings came from alumni who  graduated from the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, and Education and Human Services with a  rating of 90%.  The lowest rating came from the College of Art and Design.  Their rating went  down from their expectation rating of 68% to 43%, which was a 25% drop.  All the colleges went

Does SIUC Get an A?

up in their ratings from their expectations except for the College of Art and Design and the  College of Education and Human Services, which stayed the same.    The next question on the survey asked the returning juniors and seniors to fill out and  rate the different options according to their personal opinions.  The first options stated, “I had  high expectations about the university prior to enrollment”: 43% answered Agree, 30%  answered strongly agreed, 25% answered neutral and 3% disagreed.  The next option stated,  “College advisors played a big role in my selection of classes”: 33% answered agree, 33%  answered neutral 15% answered strongly agree and 13% answered disagree and 8% said  strongly disagree.  The third option stated, “Prerequisite courses prepared me for courses with  in my major”: 45% answered agree, 30% answered neutral, 15% answered strongly agree and  10% disagreed.  The forth option stated, “Classes in my major create the biggest challenge for  me while attending SIUC”: 48% answered agree, 18% answered strongly agree, 23% answered  neutral and 13% answered disagree.  The next option stated, “So far, SIUC, has prepared and  developed me into a growing professional within my degree”: 68% answered agree, 23%  answered strongly agree and 10% answered neutral.  The last option for this section stated, “So  far, I am happy with my decision to come to SIUC to attain my degree”: 48% answered agree,  35% answered strongly agree and 18% answered neutral.   After looking at the returning student’s question 14 results, it can be determined that  most of the participants are at a consensus with the answer choice “agree”.  For the most part,  the participants are satisfied with their educational programs at SIUC this far.  However, with  the students from the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science, there is a comparison  contradiction between questions 13 and 14.  When asked to rate the options in question 14,

Does SIUC Get an A?

“So far, SIUC has prepared and developed me into a growing professional within my degree,”  and “So far, I am happy with my decision to come to SIUC to attain my degree,” all of the  students from College of Science put the answer “agree” for both options. Question 13  illustrates that students from the College of Science have lowest rating for the university and  had a 14% drop from their expectation ratings.    The College of Liberal Arts had the third lowest rating of 68%, which is a 6% drop from  their expectations ratings.  Contradictory is apparent when 9 out of 12 liberal arts students  answered, “agree” for the option, “So far, SIUC has prepared and developed me into a growing  professional within my degree.”  Contradictory is also apparent when 9 people answer, “agree,”  but in the next option only 5 people “agree” they are happy with their decision to come to SIUC  to attain their degree.  Question 15, asked the returning juniors and seniors to, “Please rank the following in  the order of what the most important thing and least important thing you can acquire from  your education within your major(s) at SIUC.  (4) Being the most important, and (1) being the  least of importance.)”  Out of 156 possible points, “strong educated teachers” came out with  the highest points of 110 (71%).  However, when the already employed SIUC alumni were asked  a similar question to rank what most contributed and least contributed to them acquiring a job  within their degree, out of 60 total points, “to gain practical experience,” was the most  contributing option chosen with the highest rank of 40 points (67%).  Question 16 asked returning SIUC students, “What do you feel your educational  program at SIUC has provided you the most with upon your graduation date?”  The number one  response of returning students was experience.   However, in question 15, practical experience

Does SIUC Get an A?

was the second highest answer.  This may have been caused because one liberal arts student  did not fill out their ranking.  This could have caused a tie or possibly raised another total.  The  second most common response for question number 16 was confidence.  A contradiction arises  here because in question 15, confidence, is the least important with a percentage of 53%.  Also  while conducting a focus group, confidence was considered important by SIUC returning  students to attain, but once again question 15 contradicts this particular answer.    Question 14 for the SIUC alumni asked, “What did your education at SIUC help you excel  in after college?” 12 out of 40 (30%) answered getting a job with in their chosen degree, 10 out  of 40 (23%) answered other.  The alumni who answered other stated that it helped them obtain  another degree, with job interviews, obtain internship or get a job, but the job was not in their  degree.  9 out of 40 (23%) answered entering grad school, 5 out of 40 (13%) answered  networking and obtaining strong references and 5 out of 40 (13%) answered nothing.  Only 30%  of students who graduated from SIUC were able to say that their education at SIUC helped  them obtain a job in their chosen degree, which is very poor on behalf of the university.  Question 15 asked alumni, “After graduating from SIUC, it took me ________ long to  find a job within my degree” the most common answer was “other.”  Many of alumni went on  to grad school, started a new degree, went to law school and one person from the College of  Agriculture had a job before graduating.  The next most common answer with 23% is  “Temporary job until I find one within my degree” With 15%, 1‐3 months was the third most  popular answer.  Right behind that response with 13%, alumni said it took them 1‐3 months to  find a job.  Still looking, less than 4 weeks and less than 2 weeks all tied for the 5th most

Does SIUC Get an A?

common answer with percentages of 5%.  More than 6 months and internship both tied for the  least common responses with percentages of 35.    The 16th question on the surveys for alumni asked employed alumni to rate the  following options according to their personal opinion to how prepared SIUC made you for your  chosen job today. The first option stated, “I was confident in receiving my job today.” 47%  answered strongly agree, 27% answered agree, 13% answered neutral, 7% answered disagree,  and 7% answered strongly disagree.  The second option states, “It was easy to receive a job  within my degree.”  27% was the highest percentage and had a three‐way tie between strongly  agree, agree, and disagree.  The remaining 13% answered neutral and 7% answered strongly  disagree.  The next option stated, “Prerequisite courses are still important to have within my  job.” 33% answered strongly agree, 27% answered agree, 20% answered neutral, 13%  answered strongly disagree and 7% answered agree.  The fourth option states, “My major at  SIUC fully prepared me for my job today.” 33% answered both strongly agree and neutral.  13%  answered both disagree and strongly disagree and 7% answered agree.  The next option states,  “My coworkers feel I am a great asset to their team because of the knowledge I attained from  SIUC.” 33% agree, 20% answered both strongly agree and strongly disagree and 13% answered  both neutral and disagree.  The sixth option states, “My coworkers feel I am a great asset to  their team, but no thanks to SIUC, I had to teach myself what I know today.”  33% answered  strongly agree, 27% answered agree, 20% answered disagree, 13% answered neutral and 7%  answered strongly disagree.  The seventh option state, “I am very happy with my decision to  receive my degree at SIUC.”  40% answered agree, 27% answered neutral, 20% answered  strongly agree and 7% answered for both disagree and strongly disagree.  The final option

Does SIUC Get an A?

states, “I still remain in contact with my professors from SIUC.” 33% answered both agree and  strongly disagree, 13% answered both neutral and disagree and 7% answered strongly agree.   Question 14 demonstrates 30% of alumni feel their education at SIUC helped them get a  job with in their chosen degree.  Overall according to the results of question 15 38% of alumni  have jobs with in their degree. Apparently 8% of the alumni with jobs do not feel as though  their educations at SIUC helped them get a job with in their chosen major.  Of that 38% who  were able to get a job with in their degree, only 41% were able to find a job within a time frame  of 2 weeks to a year.  Of that 41% only 10% were able to find a job with in the first month of  graduation.    A lot of the problems that recent SIUC alumni are possibly facing while trying to obtain a  job may be caused by the economy of the United States.  On the contrary, the fact that 8% of  alumni did not state that their education at SIUC helped them get a job with in their chosen  degree does not look good on behalf of the university.  Also lowering SIUC’s grade, 33% of  alumni strongly agree and 27% agree with the option on question 16 stating, “My coworkers  feel I am a great asset to their team, but no thanks to SIUC, I had to teach myself what I know  today.” On a positive note for SIUC, when question 18 asked alumni, “Why do you feel you have  not received a job within your degree yet?”  The answer “other” was chosen by 35% of alumni,  who were either in grad school, law school, had a job, but not in their degree or simply because  of the economy.  As the second highest answer chosen, 18% of alumni said they have not  looked hard enough.    “More practical experience” was chosen most by alumni with a percentage of 39 for  question 20. This question asked alumni to explain what you feel your educational program at

Does SIUC Get an A?

SIUC could do and/or change in order to improve its program. 32% of all the responses came  from alumni who graduated form the College of Art and Design.  The College of Art and Design  said, “There needs to be more practical experience offered, and SIUC, in general, needs to  improve and there needs to be more realistic expectations.”  Looking at question 21, which asks  alumni, “Is there anything else you would like to share with us involving the education offered  at Southern Illinois University Carbondale?”  57% of alumni, 75% being alumni from the College  of Art and Design, responded that, “Personally I would never come back.”  After looking closely at the returning students results and alumni’s results the overall  satisfaction of Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a “fair” grade.  Even though only 38%  of alumni have jobs with in their major the, which did effect the satisfaction rate, the alumni  rated the university with a 77%. The 77% given by the alumni was 3% more than the 74%  satisfaction rate given by the returning students.  (For more information on data and results see  Appendix C, and for graph charts see Appendix D).

Discussion  After days of analyzing the results and correlating the differences, we were able to  successfully find the answers to our conceptual research questions.  Answers  As mentioned above the conceptual question was divided into three parts pertaining to  the concept of the three components that construct Organizational Identity theory such as: pre‐ entry stage, entry stage, and post‐entry stage.    The question pertaining to pre‐entry, “How does Southern Illinois University Carbondale  persuade students’ to attend its education programs through the use of application

Does SIUC Get an A?

attributes?” was consistently answered the same through both the focus group sessions and  the survey research.  The 40 returning SIUC student participants primarily agreed by 28 percent  the reason they had chosen to come to SIUC were reasons pertaining to the university being  the furthest from home while still receiving low instate tuition.  The university exceedingly  markets itself to potential students in the northern areas of Illinois as the college that is,  “furthest from home while still encompassing the lowest in‐state tuition price”.  Since this was  the reasoning most students from the Northern Illinois areas stated why they chose to come to  SIUC, the university is effectively persuading students to attend the university through the use  of its application attributes.  However, the question does specify how SIUC persuades students’  to attend its, “education programs through the use of application attributes.”  According to the  survey, there was a tie between the options, “my majors program,” and, “I just wanted to come  here,” with 20 percent, as the second most chosen options.  Although, 65 percent of returning  SIUC students and 60 percent of SIUC alumni stated this was because of a, “personal interest in  subject,” there were comments left stating different programs such as, College of Engineering  and College of Business, were rumored to be strong programs offered by SIUC.    The question pertaining to entry, “How do the different features and members of  Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Organizational Identity differentiate from student to  student within the diverse educational programs and its professional educators?” was highly  indicated through the focus group findings and survey results that educational professors are  what most contributed to the student’s knowledge about their degree.  This was proven within  our survey research that measured, out of the 80 participants combined, 70 percent of the  participants answered “teachers” as what most contributed to their educational knowledge.

Does SIUC Get an A?

Since we had already anticipated this would be the case, the survey measured students’  perceptions about the professor’s performance within their chosen degree.  The majority of the  80 participants answers, regarding their professor’s performances was, “most of the time”.   However, the majority of returning SIUC students answered, “always,” to the options stating,  “My teachers are knowledgeable about the field(s) of study,” and, “My teachers are available to  talk to and/or ask for help”.  This was a positive agreement pertaining to the educators of SIUC,  contributing to more positive results within the entry stage of Organizational Identity theory.  The final question within the three components pertaining to post‐entry, “How have  students’ previous experiences within their educational programs contributed to their overall  levels of satisfaction for Southern Illinois University Carbondale?” was primarily answered  through the SIUC alumni participants.  Studying SIUC’s organization from a student’s  perspective allows the third stage of Organizational Identity theory to actually reflect on  previous experiences within all the stages after leaving the establishment.  In this case, the  post‐entry stage was primarily centered on if they were easily able to attain a job post‐ graduation.  However, because of this primary reasoning into entering SIUC in the first place,  these were the cause of some very unsatisfied perspectives among the students who had not  found a job yet, compared to the students who did have a job already.  However, this was not  the case within all the colleges under SIUC.  The College of Art and Design was a significant  variable within our findings that was a contradiction to our dependent variables.  Even though  two out of the four participants did have jobs within their chosen degree, the SIUC alumni’s of  the College of Art and Design, were all very unhappy with their degrees they had received from  SIUC.  This was shown through a consistent amount of negative responses from these specific

Does SIUC Get an A?

participants, and even more from the respondents that have jobs.  They felt unprepared,  uneducated, inexperienced, unconfident, and betrayed by SIUC’s communication design  program within the College of Art and Design.  On the contrary, there were also specific  alumni’s who illustrated their experience at SIUC was neutral to unsatisfying, but because of  expected future paychecks they gave above average ratings.  A lot of these results were quite  shocking to view, and led to additional curiosities for future studies involving universities within  the three components of Organizational Identity theory.    Since our research of Organizational Identity primarily revolved around the concept of  the three components that constructs the theory as a whole, our main conceptual research  question, “How do students’ overall perceptions of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s  education develop from the three stages of entry within Organizational Identity?” was  successfully identified through our research.  As mentioned above, the consistency among most  students’ answers were shown through the three stages of Organizational Identity theory.  As in  most cases when dealing with researching theories, not all research participants will allow your  results to match perfectly because of the different personalities and perceptions of students  prior to their involvements.  As shown above, within the three components of the main  conceptual question, in successfully studying prior studies about Organizational Identity theory,  the research was successfully constructed to acquire findings within all three stages of the  theory regarding our specific research.           Reconceptualization  Organizational Identity theory is a complex theorization that has many reasons for its  successes and failures.  Primarily, members are the characteristics of an organization.  The

Does SIUC Get an A?

theory is strengthened when members of its organization associate positive feelings toward its  identity.  This is important because members with positive Organizational Identity are more  likely to maintain their loyalty by telling others about the organization, spending or donating  more money, and staying with the organization throughout their expected time frame  (Fombelle, 2007, p. 77).  However, conflicts can occur whenever change takes place that  decreases members’ identification within the organization.  Conflicts are primarily caused by  the organization’s inability to uphold the different dimensions of its identity, as well as the  disability to fulfill some of its key aspects (Biddle & Rao, 1997, p. 602).  Furthermore, when  these conflicts emerge, members tend to reduce their involvement within the organization  since the organization is no longer beneficial to their needs.  These conflicts within the  organization can begin to violate its identity.  Positive and negative identifications are  important to our particular research because SIUC would be nonexistent without its students.   SIUC is an educational university that survives by students’ interest to attend.  Therefore, our  findings as to why students are satisfied or dissatisfied with the university’s educational  programs is critical in determining its educational identity, because inaccurate data could be  detrimental to the Organizational Identity of SIUC.    From the research, we are able to view accuracy within all three components of  Organizational Identity theory.  How members of the organization’s happiness and conflicts  reflect their perceptions within all three stages of the theory, and how those perceptions  determine the individual’s different levels of satisfactions.  For example, the SIUC alumni’s  within the College of Art and Design as mentioned above.  High expectation results showed a  decrease in personal experience when not met to their individualized standards, and this

Does SIUC Get an A?

related to an immense decrease in the overall satisfaction.  This was strongly expressed within  each individual, leaving the independent variable with a bad review to possible future  members.  Our research differentiates from other studies we have researched involving  Organizational Identity theory.  Primarily, studying SIUC’s organization from a student’s  perspective allowed the third stage of the theory to become one of the main findings within our  particular research because of the more accurate post‐reflection on previous experiences  within all the stages after leaving the establishment.  Furthermore, our research is  differentiated because all university’s like SIUC are centered on student’s expectations to  attend, experience and receive their education, then to finally graduate and leave the  university.  Within our research, there were no expectancies to attend SIUC as a student  forever.  It was to attend the university in order to one day successfully leave the  establishment, and then join a new organization with expectations of a permanent status there.    However, through our knowledge of the theory, we were able to understand different  organizations ways in going about post‐entry results, without having all those members of the  organization terminated.  Which is why our research study was equally separated into two  parts, so we could compare differences between the two demographics, returning SIUC juniors  and seniors, and SIUC alumni.  This was verified because it allowed us to see in more depth the  effectiveness of each stage within the three components of Organizational Identity theory from  a student’s perspective before, during, and after attending SIUC.  The returning SIUC student  participants were particularly accountable for the two stages, pre‐entry and entry because they  are fully aware of their current state of mind without the possibilities of negative and/or

Does SIUC Get an A?

positive post‐entry conflicts determining their overall perceptions and satisfactions, whereas,  the SIUC alumni participants were able to show results depicting all three stages of SIUC’s  Organizational Identity as a whole.

Implications  Recommendations to Scholars  Many recommendations can be made for future studies regarding educational  universities with the study of Organizational Identity theory.  Due to restrictions of time, our  research was limited to a very small size regarding the SIUC population that could have been  studied in order to attain a more accurate data collection analysis.  Therefore, we recommend  that future scholars develop a survey that can be constructed and distributed fully online.  This  will save time in the collection of data process because most Internet based surveys allow you  to view the totals and graphs from the moment it is distributed to the public.  However, careful  selectiveness with issues of placement will need to be considered in order to avoid inaccurate  demographic participants.    Also, within the construction of the separate alumni student sector, more options and  precise questioning are recommended.  SIUC alumni were confused as to what to answer when  it regard a specific set of students that went into law school, which led them into having a job,  just not necessarily within their undergraduate degree.  Making sure to clarify how to proceed  with the survey regarding certain student’s specific answering options would accommodate to a  more accurate data collection.  For the most part, we do recommend analyzing the collection of data through  comparison of returning juniors and seniors within the university, as well as the university’s

Does SIUC Get an A?

alumni.  This helps view the differences in post‐entry results from different current situational  states that may or may not be affecting participants individual perspectives.  Furthermore, the  continuing of studying the various answers within the different colleges of the university is  highly recommended as well.    Recommendations of Practitioners  Through the reconceptualization of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s education  and the Organizational Identity theory, we highly recommend to all practitioners to pay more  attention to detail within specific majors of the nine colleges offered at SIUC.  Particularly the  communication design students within the College of Art and Design, chemistry majors within  the College of Science, Geographic Information Systems in the College of Liberal Arts.    Also recommendations to professional educators under the College of Business  Administration is a small recommendation primarily concerning teachers being more open to  adapt to students needs.  This small change would help in increasing the colleges’ results in  order to better perform for its high expectancies students tend to mutually agree with.  Furthermore, we recommend the College of Agricultural Science continue doing  everything just as they are because of its consistently high and satisfyingly mutual ratings.      Finally, final recommendations for Southern Illinois University Carbondale as a whole,  should primarily be concerned with, as mentioned above, with specific majors under specific  colleges.  Otherwise, we would recommend continuing your hiring process with dedicated,  knowledgeable, open to suggestion, and passionate professors.  The consensus of students did  appreciate the professional educators, for the most part, but would like to be provided with  more practical experience within their field of study.  This was one of the most common

Does SIUC Get an A?

answers along with “confidence to attain a job within my degree”.  However, certain comments  stating, “I would never recommend anyone to go here,” and various comments from SIUC  alumni under the College of Art and Design should be paid additional attention in order to more  adequately satisfy their individual needs.  Paying attention to these specific needs may allow SIUC to receive an “A” within all its  required classes as well.

Conclusion  All in all, Southern Illinois University Carbondale had pretty good data results within the  small population of 80 participants as a whole.  However, our predictions were correct in  analyzing the different features of the university in order to see the differences between  answers within each college under the university.  As currently enrolled SIUC students, this was  primarily intriguing because of the curiosity in wondering if our education we are receiving is as  good as the building to our right and/or left side.  Due to us being personally linked to SIUC, our  passion for research and curiosity to understand the unknown world of a failing economy, it  was very interesting in finding which specific colleges under SIUC uniquely stood out with  similar responses to similar questions against others.  As well as, which colleges were the most  satisfied colleges, while which colleges were the least satisfied.  These results were even more  interesting to find through the use of the Organizational Identity theory.  Since the foundation  of our survey was constructed around the Organizational Identity theory, we were able to  understand post‐entry results through expectancies and experiences through pre‐entry and  entry results.

Does SIUC Get an A?

If time had not been a restriction so we would have been able to research a larger  population of our specific demographics, we feel this research would have been a great  presentation to Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  Primarily, we feel the research  conducted through Organizational Identity theory was consistent to our findings.  Also, we feel  we have added to strengthening the validity of the theory because of our research findings  through students’ perspectives that depicted their expectancy levels from SIUC’s use of  application attributes, and those individual expectations are differentiated from student to  student’s personal experiences within the educational environment at SIUC, and finally how the  levels of expectancies and personal experiences can determine final post‐entry results  pertaining to the overall satisfaction of each individual student that attends, experiences, and  graduates from SIUC.    Therefore, this research could accommodate a few things by understanding how SIUC  distinguishes itself within the Organizational Identity theory, and if SIUC’s expectancies’,  experiences, and satisfactions are what reflect the students’ perceptions?  For instance, if SIUC  expects that all students should believe they should receive an overall good grade, then  according to Organizational Identity theory, if SIUC is doing their job correctly, tuition prices  should not be increasing, while enrollment should not continue decreasing year‐by‐year, either.   Consequently, the real question is, “Does SIUC feel they deserve an ‘A’?”

Does SIUC Get an A?

References  Biddle, K., & Rao H.  (1997).  Breaches in the boardroom: Organizational identity  and conflicts of commitment in a nonprofit organization.  Organization Science, (8)6,  593‐609.  Fombelle, P.  (2007).  Organizational identity: Maximizing a member’s value to  the organization.  AMA Winter Educators’ Conference Proceedings, 18, 77.  Winter 2007,  from Business Source Complete database.  Foreman, O. P., & Parent, M. M.  (2008).  The process of organizational identity  construction in interactive organizations.  Corporate Reputation Review, 11(3), 222‐244.   Retrieved March 12, 2009, from Business Source Complete database.  Margolis, L. S., & Hansen, D. C.  (2002).  A model for organizational identity:  Exploring the path to sustainability during change.  Human Resource Development  Review, 1, 277‐300.  doi:10.1177/1534484302013002

Does SIUC Get an A?

Appendix A

Informed Consent Form  Focus Group Session  Southern Illinois University’s Education    Researchers’ Names:  Lea Dalley, Savannah Desmond, Ashlye Richardson, and Allie Toothman  (Southern Illinois University Carbondale)    I, __________________________, agree to participate in the focus group conducted by Dalley,  Desmond, Richardson, and Toothman.  In agreeing to participate, I feel that I have an accurate  understanding of the following matters based on Dalley, Desmond, Richardson, and  Toothman’s verbal explanation.    • I understand, the purpose of this research is to study from an Organizational  Identity perspective: the expectations and perceptions of students prior to  attending Southern Illinois University (SIU), what goes on within students’  educational programs that are offered at SIU, and students overall levels of  satisfaction after at least two full years of experience with SIU and their  educational program(s).       • I understand that the research does not involve any procedures that would harm  me, and should not place me under severe stress that could be a risk to my  health.    • I understand my participation within the research is completely voluntary, and at  any time during the research, my decision not to participate will involve no  penalty against me.    • I understand that an audio/video tape will record my participation within this  focus group.  However, I understand, my participation within the research is  completely confidential, and that Dalley, Desmond, Richardson, and Toothman  will do their best in protecting my confidentiality.  Therefore, unless approved by  my consent, under no circumstances will anyone other than Dalley, Desmond,  Richardson, Toothman, and our research advisor is able to listen and/or view the  tapes.     • I understand that this is a focus group that involves other members to  participate in the discussion with me.  Therefore, I will respect the other  members within the group, and their personal opinions about the topic(s) being  discussed.    • I understand that Dalley, Desmond, Richardson, and Toothman have all  requested that I not share any information discussed within the focus group, as

Does SIUC Get an A?

well as who participated within the discussion.  I will ensure complete  confidentiality about all members and matters discussed within this focus group.

I, __________________________, give my permission, without any restrictions, to Dalley,  Desmond, Richardson, and Toothman to study and record the focus group session and my  participation within it.  I understand that my opinions spoken within the focus group session  will be used for research purposes only.  I understand my identity within the focus group will be  completely confidential, and agree to respect the confidentiality of the other members’  participation within the group as well.      • I knowingly agree to participate within this research that will be recorded on an  audio/video tape.  My signature gives Dalley, Desmond, Richardson, and  Toothman full permission to audio/video tape the focus group session(s).          Participant _________________________________    Date ___________________          Researchers ________________________________    Date ___________________                                  This project has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Satoshi Toyosaki.  Questions and concerns pertaining to your  rights as a participant within this research may be addressed to Dr. Satoshi Toyosaki, Office: 2002‐B,  Communication Building at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  Phone: (618) 453‐4669.  E‐mail:  tsatoshi@siu.edu.

Does SIUC Get an A?

Appendix B    I am involved with the research being conducted for my class, Research Methods in Public  Communication.  My research team is collecting data by a process called random sampling.  This survey  will be asking you questions about your education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.    Through your participation in this survey, you are giving our research team consent to use your answers  for our research.  The privacy of your identification is important to us.  Therefore, to ensure your  confidentiality, please do not write your name anywhere on the survey.  Also feel free to be as honest as  possible regarding your education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  There are no right or  wrong answers, and your response is very important to our research findings.    If you have any questions regarding this survey, please feel free to ask us questions at any time.  Also  the results of our survey research will be available by December 18, 2009, please feel free to contact the  research leader, Allie Toothman by e‐mail at allie05@siu.edu, or by phone, (618) 521‐7810, for these  results.    This project has been reviewed and approved by our research advisor, Dr. Satoshi Toyosaki.  Questions  and concerns pertaining to your rights as a participant within this research may be addressed to Dr.  Satoshi Toyosaki, Office: 2002‐B, Communication Building at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.   Phone: (618) 453‐4669.  E‐mail: tsatoshi@siu.edu.      Thank you for your participation within this survey.          The research team: Lea Dalley, Savannah Desmond, Ashlye Richardson, and Allie Toothman  Department of Speech Communication  Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Does SIUC Get an A?

1. How old are you? ____________________    2. What is your gender?  a. Male  b. Female  c. Other    3. What is your student classification?  a. Returning Junior  b. Returning Senior  c. SIU Alumni    4. What college is your degree in?  (If graduate or alumni, please circle the one in which you  graduated from.)  a. College of Agricultural Sciences  b. College of Applied Sciences and Arts  c. College of Art and Design  d. College of Business Administration  e. College of Education and Human Services  f. College of Engineering  g. College of Liberal Arts  h. College of Mass Communication and Media Arts  i. College of Science    5. What is your major/specialization? __________________________________________________    6. Was SIU your first choice when picking your college?  a. Yes.  b. No.    c. (If no, please tell us if it was second, third, fourth, or last.): ________________________    7. Why did you come to SIUC?  a. I just wanted to come here  b. Social life  c. Scholarship  d. My majors program  e. Parents are SIU alumni  f. It was my last option  g. The sports program  h. Other (Please Explain): _____________________________________________________    8. On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your expectations of SIUC before you enrolled?   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   Extremely poor     Neutral/Adequate             Exceptional    NOTE:  If your answer to question 3 was Returning Junior or Returning Senior, please continue to next  page.  However, if your answer to question 3 was SIU Alumni, please skip to page 5.

Does SIUC Get an A?

Returning SIUC Juniors and Returning SIUC Seniors

9. What about SIUC’s education most contributes to your knowledge about your degree?  a. Teachers  b. Resources  c. Computer Technology Availability  d. Other (Please Explain): _____________________________________________________    10. What factor had the biggest affect on your selection of a major at SIUC?  a. Parent’s Opinion  b. Personal Interest in Subject  c. Suggestion from Advisor  d. Friends Opinions  e. Future Paychecks  f. Other (Please Explain): _____________________________________________________

11. Please rate the following options pertaining to the classes within your degree(s).     I feel excited about class projects/assignments.

Always

Most of the Time  Hardly Ever

Never

I go to class everyday.

I feel confident in receiving a job after college.

I have good attendance in all my classes.

I feel challenged within my classes.

I enjoy my classes.

I get good grades (A's and B's) in my classes.

I feel successful in my classes.

12. Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion about your  teachers within your field(s) of study.  “My teachers are ______________.”    Great about giving good assignments/class projects.

Always

Most of the Time  Hardly Ever  Never

Knowledgeable about the field(s) of study.

Available to talk to/ask for help.

Great about giving opportunities to gain practical experience.

Open to suggestions.

Passionate about the field(s) of study.

Fun.

Prepared for class.

Very clear so I can understand them.

Does SIUC Get an A?

13.  On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your educational experience at SIUC?  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   Extremely poor     Neutral/Adequate             Exceptional

14. Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion about SIUC.

Strongly  Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly  Disagree

I had high expectations about the university  prior to my enrollment.

College Advisers played a big role in my  selection of classes.

Prerequisite courses prepared me for courses    within my major.

Classes in my major create the biggest  challenge for me while attending SIU.

So far, SIUC has prepared and developed me            into a growing professional within my  degree.  So far, I am happy with my decision to come            to SIUC to attain my degree(s).    15. Please rank the following in the order of what the most important thing and least important  thing you can acquire from your education within your major(s) at SIUC.    (4) Being the most important, and (1) being the least of importance.  a. Strong Educated Teachers         _______________    b. To Gain Practical Experience         _______________    c. Strong Portfolio/Resume/Cover Letter       _______________    d. Confidence to Attain a Job Within My Field(s)     _______________    16. What do you feel your educational program at SIUC has provided you the most with upon your  graduation date?  (For example, answers a, b, c, d from question 15 above, and/or other  responses.)  ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________    17. Is there anything else you would like to share with us involving the education offered to you at  Southern Illinois University Carbondale?  ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for completing our survey.  We value your opinion and appreciate your  participation within our research.  Please return this survey to the researcher, and have a  great day.

Does SIUC Get an A?

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Alumni

9. What about SIUC’s education contributed the most to your knowledge about your degree?  a. Teachers  b. Resources  c. Computer Technology Availability  d. Other (Please Explain): _____________________________________________________    10. What factor had the biggest affect on your selection of your major at SIUC?  a. Parent’s Opinion  b. Personal Interest in Subject  c. Suggestion from Advisor  d. Friends Opinions  e. Future Paychecks  f. Other (Please Explain): _____________________________________________________

11. Please rate the following options pertaining to the classes within your degree(s).     I felt excited about class projects/assignments.

Always

Most of the Time  Hardly Ever

Never

I went to class everyday.

I felt confident in receiving a job after college.

I had good attendance in all my classes.

I felt challenged within my classes.

I enjoyed my classes.

I received good grades (A's and B's) in my classes.

I felt successful in my classes.

12. Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion about your  teachers within your field(s) of study.  “My teachers were ______________.”    Great about giving good assignments/class projects.

Always

Most of the Time  Hardly Ever  Never

Knowledgeable about the field(s) of study.

Available to talk to/ask for help.

Great about giving opportunities to gain practical experience.

Open to suggestions.

Passionate about the field(s) of study.

Fun.

Prepared for class.

Very clear so I could understand them.

Does SIUC Get an A?

13.  On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your educational experience at SIUC?  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   Extremely poor     Neutral/Adequate             Exceptional    14. What did your education at SIUC help you excel in after college?  a. Getting a Job Within Chosen Degree  b. Entering Grad School  c. Networking and Obtaining Strong References  d. Nothing.  e. Other (Please Explain): _____________________________________________________    15. After graduating from SIUC, it took me ________ long to find a job within my degree.  a. Less than 2 weeks  b. Less than 4 weeks  c. 1 – 3 months  d. 4 – 6 months  e. More than 6 months  f. Internship  g. Freelancing until I find a permanent job   h. I have a job, but just temporary until I find one within my degree.  i. Still looking  j. Other (Please Explain): _____________________________________________________

NOTE:  If you do not have a job within your chosen degree, please skip to question 18.    16. Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion to how prepared  SIUC made you for your chosen job today.    I was confident in receiving my job today.

Strongly  Agree

It was easy to receive a job within my degree.

Prerequisite courses are still important to have within  my job.

My major at SIUC fully prepared me for my job today.

My coworkers feel I am a great asset to their team  because of the knowledge I attained from SIUC.

My coworkers feel I am a great asset to their team, but  no thanks to SIUC, I had to teach myself what I know  today.

I am very happy with my decision to receive my degree  at SIUC.

I still remain in contact with my professors from SIUC.

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly  Disagree

Does SIUC Get an A?

17. Please rank the following in the order of what most contributed and least contributed to you  acquiring a job within your degree.    (4) Being what most contributed, and (1) being what least contributed.  a. Strong Educated Teachers         _______________    b. Gaining Practical Experience         _______________    c. Strong Portfolio/Resume/Cover Letter       _______________    d. Confidence to Attain a Job Within My Field(s)     _______________    18. Why do you feel you have not received a job within your degree yet?  a. I have not looked hard enough  b. I am not willing to relocate from where I am today  c. I am not fully prepared by SIUC  d. I need more practical experience  e. I am completing an internship first   f. I do have a job within my degree  g. Other (Please Explain): _____________________________________________________    19. On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your educational experience at SIUC after graduation?  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   Extremely poor     Neutral/Adequate             Exceptional    20. Knowing what you know now, please explain what you feel your educational program at SIUC  could do and/or change in order to improve its program.  ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________    21. Is there anything else you would like to share with us involving the education offered at  Southern Illinois University Carbondale?  ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Does SIUC Get an A?

Appendix C  1.

How old are you?   a.

Returning

(20) – 3, (21) – 15, (22) – 13, (23) – 6, (24) – 2, (28) – 1  (25) – 2, (26) – 2, (27) ‐ 2, (28) – 3,   2.

Male

40 % ‐ 16/40          (D) – 2, (B) – 4, (E) – 2, (L) – 2, (M) – 4, (S) – 1, (H) – 1      Female  60% ‐ 24/40          (A) – 1, (P) – 1, (D) – 1, (H) – 5, (L) – 10, (M) – 4, (S) – 2

(21) – 1, (22) – 7, (23) – 10, (24) – 6,

Male (Alumni)  48% ‐ 19/40  (P) ‐1, (D) – 1, (B) – 8, (E) – 4, (L) – 4, (S) ‐ 1

Female (Alumni)  53% ‐ 21/40  (A) – 1, (P) – 1, (D) – 3, (B) – 3, (H) ‐1, (L) – 8,  (S) – 1, (M) ‐ 3

Returning Junior  38 % ‐ 15/40  (A) – 1, (H) – 3, (L) – 5, (M) – 3, (S) ‐ 3    Returning Senior  63% ‐ 25/40  (P) – 1, (D) – 3, (B) – 4, (H) – 3, (E) – 2, (L) – 7, (M) – 5  SIU Alumni  100% ‐ 40/40

What college is your degree in?  (Returning)  (Questions 4 & 5 combined)  a. b. c.

f. g.

Alumni

What is your student classification?

(29) – 1, (31) – 1, (32) – 2, (42) – 1,   (51) – 1, (59) ‐ 1

What is your gender?

College of Agricultural Sciences (A)    Human Nutrition and Dietetics ‐ 1  College of Applied Sciences and Arts (P)    Health Care Management ‐ 1    College of Art and Design (D)      Art Education ‐ 1  Art & Blacksmithing ‐ 1  Art ‐ 1  College of Business Administration (B)    Marketing ‐ 2  Management ‐ 1  Accounting ‐ 1  College of Education and Human Services (H)  Elementary Education ‐ 3  Education ‐ 3  College of Engineering (E)      Mechanical Engineering ‐ 1  Computer Science ‐ 1  College of Liberal Arts (L)      Public Relations – 5  Speech Communications – 2  Anthropology – 1  Administrative of Justice – 2  Geographic Information Systems – 1  Psychology ‐ 1  College of Mass Communication and Media Arts (M)  Journalism – 1  Radio & Television – 6  Advertising ‐ 1  College of Science (S)       Biology – 1  Chemistry – 1

10%

15%

30%

20%

Does SIUC Get an A?  5.

What is your major/specialization? (Alumni) (Questions 4 & 5 combined)  a. b.

College of Agricultural Sciences (A)  Animal Science ‐ 1    College of Applied Sciences and Arts (P)  Dental Medicine ‐ 1    Architecture ‐ 1

College of Art and Design (D)      Communication Design ‐ 4    College of Business Administration (B)    Finance ‐ 4    Accounting ‐ 2    Marketing ‐ 4    Business Management ‐ 2  College of Education and Human Services (H)  Elementary Education ‐ 1

10%

28%

College of Engineering (E)      Electrical Engineering ‐ 1    Structural Design ‐ 1    Chemical Engineering ‐ 1    Computer Science ‐ 1  College of Liberal Arts (L)      Persuasive Communication ‐ 1    Public Relations ‐ 2    Administrative of Justice ‐ 1    Speech Communication – 2    Interpersonal – 1    Pre‐ Law‐ 1    Language – 1    Political Science ‐ 3  College of Mass Communication and Media Arts (M)  Broadcast Journalism ‐ 1    Audio Productions ‐ 1    Radio & Television ‐ 1    College of Science (S)       Chemistry ‐ 1

10%

30%

c. d.

Radiology ‐ 1       Was SIU your first choice when picking your college?  a.

Yes.  28/40 – 70 %

Alumni  28/40 – 70 %

Alumni  12/40 – 30%

(2 ) ‐ 7  rd (3 ) ‐ 1  (Last) ‐ 2  (Unanswered) ‐ 2

No.

12/40 – 30%            (If no, please tell us if it was second, third, fourth, or last.):   nd

(2 ) – 9  rd (3 ) – 2  (Last) – 1

Does SIUC Get an A?  7.

Why did you come to SIUC?  Returning

I just wanted to come here    8/40 – 20%      (A) – 1, (B) – 1, (H) – 3, (L) – 2, (M) – 1

I just wanted to come here  13/40 – 33%    (D) ‐ 2, (B) – 3, (L) – 7, (M) ‐ 1

Social life      3/40 ‐ 8%      (D) – 1, (B) – 1, (E) – 1

Social life  4/40 – 10%  (B) – 2, (L) ‐ 2

Scholarship  3/40 ‐ 8%    (L) – 1, (S) – 2

Scholarship  4/40 – 10%  (B) – 2, (E) ‐ 2

My majors program      8/40 – 20%      (D) – 2, (B) – 1, (H) – 1, (L) – 1, (M) – 3

My majors program    6/40 – 15%  (P) – 1, (E) – 1, (L) – 1, (M) – 1, (S) ‐ 2

Parents are SIU alumni  4/10 – 10%    (B) – 1, (E) – 1, (M) – 2

Parents are SIU alumni  5/40 – 13%  (B) – 2, (E) – 1, (L) – 1, (M) ‐ 1

It was my last option      5/40 – 13%      (H) – 1, (P) ‐1, (L) – 1, (M) – 1, (S) – 1

It was my last option  1/40 ‐ 3%  (D) ‐ 1

The sports program    1/40 ‐ 3%      (L) ‐ 1

The sports program  none

Other (Please Explain):  11/40 – 28%    Close to home – 4    Farthest from home – 4  Boyfriend – 1    Destiny – 2

Other (Please Explain):  7/40 – 18%  Close to home ‐ 4  Farthest from home ‐ 1  Family went here‐ 1  Friends – 1

Alumni

On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your expectations of SIUC before you enrolled?   a.

Returning

1   2   3   4   Extremely poor      (A) – 8         (P) – 5        (D) – 10, 8, 5       (B) – 5, 7, 8, 7      (H) – 7, 7, 5, 6, 7, 8      (E) – 7, 9        (L) – 7, 7, 5, 8, 8, 8, 9, 10, 5, 5, 8, 9  (M) – 5, 8, 9, 10, 6, 7, 7, 9    (S) – 7, 8, 8

292/400

5   6   Neutral/Adequate    8/10      5/10     23/30    27/40     40/60     16/20    89/120    61/80    23/30

9   10          Exceptional

73%  80%  50%  77%  68%  67%  80%  74%  76%  77%

283/400

71%

(A) – 8         (P) – 5, 7        (D) – 6, 7, 7, 7      (B) – 6, 7, 8, 8, 8, 7, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8    (H) – 9        (E) – 7, 8, 7, 9      (L) – 7, 9, 8, 8, 4, 6, 6, 7, 8, 7, 5, 8   (M) – 4, 7, 7      (S) – 8, 7

8/10    12/20   27/40  80/110  9/10  31/40  83/120  18/30  15/20

80%  60%  68%  73%  90%  78%  69%  60%  75%

Alumni

Does SIUC Get an A?

Returning SIUC Juniors and Returning SIUC Seniors  9. What about SIUC’s education most contributes to your knowledge about your degree?  40 people ‐ 41 total answers  a.

Teachers    (A)‐1  (P)‐1  (D)‐2  (B)‐2  (H)‐6  (E)‐2  (L)‐10  (M)‐5  (S)‐1

Resources       (D)‐1  (B)‐2  (E)‐1  (L)‐1  (M)‐3  (S)‐2    Computer Technology Availability    Other (Please Explain):    (L)‐1  Practical Experience ‐ L

30/40

75%

10/40

25%

0/40

1/40

c. d.

10. What factor had the biggest affect on your selection of a major at SIUC?  a.

Parent’s Opinion      (B)‐1  (L)‐2    Personal Interest in Subject    (A)‐1  (P)‐1  (D)‐2  (B)‐1  (H)‐4  (L)‐6  (M)‐8  (S)‐3

3/40

26/40

65%

Suggestion from Advisor    (H)‐1

1/40

Friends Opinions    (D)‐1  (B)‐1  (H)‐1  (L)‐3

6/40

15%

Future Paychecks    (B)‐1  (E)‐2  (L)‐1

4/40

10%

Other (Please Explain):

0/40

Does SIUC Get an A?

11. Please rate the following options pertaining to the classes within your degree(s).

Always

I feel excited about class  projects/assignments.

9/40 – 23%

I go to class everyday.

I feel confident in  receiving a job after  college.  I have good attendance  in all my classes.  I feel challenged within  my classes.  I enjoy my classes.

I get good grades (A's  and B's) in my classes.  I feel successful in my  classes.

Most of the Time

Hardly Ever

Never

21/40 – 53%  (A)‐1, (D)‐2, (B)‐2, (H)‐5, (E)‐1, (L)‐6, (M)‐3, (S)‐1

8/40 – 20%

13/40 – 33%  (P)‐1, (H)‐3, (L)‐4, (M)‐5

22/40 – 55%  (A)‐1, (D)‐3, (B)‐2, (H)‐3, (E)‐2, (L)‐6, (M)‐3, (S)‐2

5/40 – 13%  (B)‐2, (L)‐2, (S)‐1

0/40 – 0%

12/40 – 30%   (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (H)‐1, (L)‐4,   (M)‐4, (S)‐1  16/40 – 40%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (H)‐5,   (L)‐5, (M)‐3  13/40 – 33%  (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (H)‐3, (E)‐2, (L)‐2,  (M)‐4               10/40 – 25%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (H)‐1,   (L)‐2, (M)‐3, (S)‐1  18/40 – 45%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (H)‐3,   (L)‐3, (M)‐5, (S)‐2  13/40 – 33%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (D)‐1. (H)‐2,   (L)‐4, (M)‐3, (S)‐1

22/40 – 55%  (A)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐4, (H)‐5, (E)‐1, (L)‐6, (M)‐2, (S)‐2

5/40 – 13%  (D)‐1, (E)‐1, (L)‐2, (M)‐1

1/40 – 3%  (M)‐1

17/40 – 43%  (D)‐2. (B)‐1, (H)‐1, (E)‐2, (L)‐4, (M)‐5, (S)‐2

7/40 – 18%  (B)‐3. (L)‐3, (S)‐1

0/40 – 0%

22/40 – 55%  (A)‐1, (D)‐2, (B)‐4, (H)‐2, (L)‐8, (M)‐2, (S)‐3

5/40 – 13%  (H)‐1, (L)‐2, (M)‐1

0/40 – 0%

21/40 – 53%  (D)‐2, (B)‐1, (H)‐4, (E)‐2, (L)‐7, (M)‐4, (S)‐1

9/40 – 23%

0/40 – 0%

22/40 – 55%  (D)‐2, (B)‐3, (H)‐3, (E)‐2, (L)‐9, (M)‐3

2/40 – 5%  (B)‐1, (S)‐1

0/40 – 0%

25/40 – 63%  (D)‐2, (B)‐3, (H)‐4, (E)‐2, (L)‐8, (M)‐5, (S)‐1

2/40 – 5%  (B)‐1, (S)‐1

0/40 – 0%

(P)‐1, (D)‐1, (L)‐2, (M)‐4, (S)‐1

(B)‐2, (H)‐1, (E)‐1, (L)‐3, (S)‐1

2/40 – 5%  (L)‐1, (M)‐1

(B)‐3, (H)‐1, (L)‐3, (M)‐1, (S)‐1

12. Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion about your  teachers within your field(s) of study.  “My teachers are ______________.”

Always

Most of the Time

Hardly Ever

Never

Great about giving good  assignments/class  projects.  Knowledgeable about  the field(s) of study.

11/40 – 28%  (P)‐1, (H)‐1, (E)‐2, (L)‐1,   (M)‐4, (S)‐1  22/40 – 55%  (P)‐1, (D)‐2, (B)‐1, (H)‐4,   (E)‐2, (L)‐4, (M)‐5, (S)‐3

28/40 – 70%  (A)‐1, (D)‐3, (B)‐4, (H)‐5, (L)‐10, (M)‐3, (S)‐2

1/40 – 3%  (M)‐1

0/40 – 0%

18/40 – 45%  (A)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐3, (H)‐2, (L)‐8, (M)‐3

0/40 – 0%

Available to talk to/ask  for help.

21/40 – 53%  (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (H)‐3, (E)‐2, (L)‐4,  (M)‐3, (S)‐2

18/40 – 45%  (A)‐1, (D)‐2, (B)‐4, (H)‐3, (L)‐4, (M)‐3, (S)‐1

1/40 – 3%  (L)‐1

0/40 – 0%

Great about giving  opportunities to gain  practical experience.

14/40 – 35%  (P)‐1, (H)‐2, (E)‐2, (L)‐4,   (M)‐2, (S)‐2

23/40 – 56%  (D)‐3, (B)‐4, (H)‐4, (L)‐7, (M)‐4, (S)‐1

3/40 – 8%  (A)‐1, (L)‐1, (M)‐1

0/40 – 0%

Open to suggestions.

11/40 – 28%  (P)‐1, (H)‐1, (E)‐1, (L)‐4,   (M)‐3, (S)‐1

23/40 – 56%  (A)‐1, (D)‐2, (B)‐1, (H)‐5, (E)‐1, (L)‐7, (M)‐4, (S)‐2

6/40 – 15%  (D)‐1, (B)‐3, (L)‐1, (M)‐1

0/40 – 0%

Passionate about the  field(s) of study.

15/40 – 38%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (H)‐3, (E)‐1, (L)‐5,  (M)‐2, (S)‐2

23/40 – 56%  (D)‐3, (B)‐4, (H)‐3, (E)‐1, (L)‐7, (M)‐6, (S)‐1

0/40 – 0%

Fun.

6/40 – 15%  (P)‐1, (H)‐1, (L)‐1, (M)‐2, (S)‐1

23/40 – 56%  (A)‐1, (D)‐2, (B)‐1, (H)‐5, (E)‐1, (L)‐7, (M)‐5, (S)‐1

9/40 – 23%

2/40 – 5%

Prepared for class.

17/40 – 43%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (H)‐3, (E)‐2, (L)‐5,  (M)‐4, (S)‐1  11/40 – 28%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (H)‐2, (L)‐2,   (M)‐4, (S)‐1

22/40 – 55%  (D)‐3, (B)‐4, (H)‐3, (L)‐6, (M)‐4, (S)‐2

1/40 – 3%  (L)‐1

0/40 – 0%

26/40 – 65%  (D)‐2, (B)‐4, (H)‐4, (E)‐1, (L)‐9, (M)‐4, (S)‐2

3/40 – 8%  (D)‐1, (E)‐1, (L)‐1

0/40 – 0%

Very clear so I can  understand them.

(D)‐1, (B)‐3, (L)‐3, (M)‐1, (S)‐1

Does SIUC Get an A?

13.  On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your educational experience at SIUC?  1   2   Extremely poor

(A) – 8         (P) – 10        (D) – 10, 6, 7       (B) – 5, 6, 9, 6      (H) – 7, 7, 9, 10, 8, 8      (E) – 8, 8        (L) – 6, 9, 4, 5, 5, 8, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, 7   (M) – 8, 8, 9, 5, 8, 8, 8, 9    (S) – 6, 6, 7

5   6   Neutral/Adequate

9   10          Exceptional

296/400

74% ^

8/10    10/10   23/30  26/40   49/60   16/20  82/120  63/80  19/30

80% =  100% ^  77% =  65% V  82% ^  80% =  68% V  79% ^  63% V

14. Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion about SIUC.

Strongly Agree

I had high  expectations about  the university prior to  my enrollment.

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly  Disagree

12/40 – 30%   (D)‐1, (H)‐1, (E)‐1,  (L)‐4, (M)‐5

17/40 – 43%  (A)‐1, (D)‐2, (B)‐2,  (H)‐4, (L)‐5, (S)‐3

10/40 – 25%  (P)‐1, (B)‐2, (H)‐1,  (E)‐1, (L)‐3, (M)‐2

1/40 – 3%  (M)‐1

0/40 – 0%

College Advisers  6/40 – 15%  played a big role in my  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (H)‐1,  selection of classes.  (E)‐1, (M)‐1, (L)‐1

13/40 – 33%  (D)‐2, (B)‐1, (H)‐4,  (L)‐3, (M)‐2, (S)‐1

13/40 – 33%  (D)‐1, (B)‐1, (H)‐1,  (L)‐6, (M)‐2, (S)‐2

5/40 – 13%  (B)‐2, (E)‐1, (L)‐ 1, (M)‐1

3/40 – 8%  (L)‐1, (M)‐2

Prerequisite courses  prepared me for  courses within my  major.  Classes in my major  create the biggest  challenge for me  while attending SIU.

6/40 – 15%  (A)‐1, (H)‐1, (L)‐1,  (M)‐3

18/40 – 45%  (D)‐2, (B)‐2, (H)‐4,  (E)‐1, (L)‐6, (M)‐1,  (S)‐2  19/40 – 48%  (A)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐3,  (H)‐4, (E)‐1, (L)‐4,  (M)‐3, (S)‐2

12/40 – 30%   (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐2,  (E)‐1, (L)‐4, (M)‐2,  (S)‐1  9/40 – 23%

4/40 – 10%  (H)‐1, (L)‐1,  (M)‐2

0/40 – 0%

5/40 – 13%  (D)‐1, (E)‐1, (L)‐ 2, (M)‐1

0/40 – 0%

So far, SIUC has  prepared and  developed me into a  growing professional  within my degree.  So far, I am happy  with my decision to  come to SIUC to attain  my degree(s).

9/40 – 23%

27/40 – 68%  (A)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐3,  (H)‐4, (E)‐2, (L)‐9,  (M)‐4, (S)‐3

4/40 – 10%  (B)‐1, (L)‐2, (M)‐1

0/40 – 0%

19/40 – 48%  (A)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐2,  (H)‐3, (E)‐1, (L)‐5,  (M)‐3, (S)‐3

7/40 – 18%  (B)‐2, (H)‐1, (L)‐4

0/40 – 0%

7/40 – 18%  (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (H)‐1,  (L)‐2, (M)‐2

(P)‐1, (D)‐2, (H)‐2,  (L)‐1, (M)‐3  14/40 – 35%  (A)‐1, (D)‐2, (H)‐2,  (E)‐1, (L)‐3, (M)‐5

(B)‐1, (H)‐1, (L)‐4,  (M)‐2, (S)‐1

Does SIUC Get an A?

15. Please rank the following in the order of what the most important thing and least important  thing you can acquire from your education within your major(s) at SIUC.    (4) Being the most important, and (1) being the least of importance.  A  P  D  B  H  E  L  M  S  Total

Strong  Educated  Teachers  To Gain  Practical  Experience  Strong  Portfolio/  Resume/  Cover  Letter  Confidence  to Attain a  Job Within  my Field(s)

4  4/4  100%  2  2/4  50%  3  3/4  75%

4  4/4  100%  3  3/4  75%  1  1/4  25%

4, 4, 2  10/12  83%  1, 1, 3  5/12  42%  2, 2, 1  5/12  42%

4, 4, 4, 2  14/16  88%  3, 3, 1, 1  8/16  50%  2, 2, 3, 3  10/14  63%

3, 1, 1, 4, 4, 3  16/24  67%  4, 4, 3, 3, 2, 4  20/24  83%  1, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2  12/24  50%

3, 4  7/8  88%  4, 2  6/8  75%  2, 3  5/8  63%

1, 1, 4, 4, 1, 4, 4, 2, 2, 3, 3  29/44  66%  4, 4, 3, 1, 4, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 2  35/44  80%  3, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 1, 3, 3, 2, 1  25/44  57%

1, 1, 4, 2, 1, 4, 3, 1  17/32  53%  2, 4, 2, 4, 4, 1, 4, 3  24/32  75%  4, 3, 1, 3, 3, 3, 1, 2  20/32  63%

1, 4, 4  9/12  75%  2, 3, 1  6/12  50%  3, 2, 2  7/12  58%

110/156  71%

1  1/4  25%

2  2/4  50%

3, 3, 4  10/12  83%

1, 1, 2, 4  8/16  50%

2, 2, 4, 2, 1, 1  12/24  50%

1, 1  2/8  25%

2, 3, 1, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 4  21/44  48%

3, 2, 3, 1, 2, 2, 2, 4  19/32  59%

4, 1, 3  8/12  67%

83/156  53%

109/156  70%  88/156  56%

NOTE: 1 (L) – the psychology major did not fill out question 15.  So there is only 11 (L)          16. What do you feel your educational program at SIUC has provided you the most with upon your  graduation date?  (For example, answers a, b, c, d from question 15 above, and/or other  responses.)    ‐Portfolio Work – A  ‐Confidence & Passion – P  ‐Strong Portfolio – D  ‐Practical Experience – D, D, D  ‐Practical Experience – B, B  ‐Organizational Skills & Involvement – B  ‐Strong Educated Teachers – B  ‐Practical Experience – H, H, H, H  ‐Confidence – H, H, H, H  ‐Knowledge – E  ‐Confidence – E  ‐Good Teachers – L, L, L, L  ‐Great Anthropology Department – L  ‐Practical Experience – L, L, L  ‐Networking – L  ‐Confidence – L  ‐Knowledge – L  ‐Confidence – M  ‐Practical Experience – M, M, M, M, M, M  ‐Knowledge – M  ‐? – M  ‐Practical Experience – S, S  ‐Confidence ‐ S

17. Is there anything else you would like to share with us involving the education offered to you at  Southern Illinois University Carbondale?

‐Great Engineer Program – E  ‐Need more practical Experience – L  ‐Teachers need to adapt to each year – L  ‐Love the R.T. program – M, M  ‐Good – H, H  ‐Make time for extra help when students need it – H  ‐Great & Fun ‐ H

Does SIUC Get an A?

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Alumni

9. What about SIUC’s education contributed the most to your knowledge about your degree?  *40 People ‐ 45 Total Answers  a.

Teachers        (A) – 1  (P) – 2  (B) – 8  (E) – 3  (L) – 9  (M) – 2  (S) ‐ 1    Resources       (D) – 1  (B) – 4  (H) – 1  (E) – 1  (L) – 3  (M) – 2  (S) ‐ 2    Computer Technology Availability  (D) – 1  (L) – 1  (M) ‐ 1

26/40

65%

14/40

35%

3/40

Other (Please Explain):  (D) ‐ 2   “Nothing, I taught myself”   NOTE:  See red ink of (D)

2/40

10. What factor had the biggest affect on your selection of a major at SIUC?  a.

Parent’s Opinion    (D) – 2  (B) – 1  (E) – 3  (L) – 3  (M) ‐ 1    Personal Interest in Subject  (A) – 1  (P) – 1  (D) – 2  (B) – 9  (H) – 1  (E) – 1  (L) – 7  (S) – 1  (M) ‐ 1    Suggestion from Advisor  (L) ‐ 1    Friends Opinions    (B) – 1  (L)‐ 1  (M) ‐ 1

10/40

25%

24/40

60%

1/40

3/40

Future Paychecks  (S) ‐ 1

1/40

Other (Please Explain):     (P) – 1  “Convenience” – NOTE:  See (P)

1/40

c. d.

Does SIUC Get an A?  11. Please rate the following options pertaining to the classes within your degree(s).

Always

Most of the Time

Hardly Ever

Never

I felt excited about class  projects/assignments.

5/40 – 13%  (D)–1, (H)–1, (L)–2,   (M)–1

25/40 – 63%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (B)‐7, (E)‐4, (L)‐8,  (M)‐2

9/40 – 23%  (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐4, (L)‐2, (S)‐1

1/40 ‐ 3%  (S)‐1

I went to class everyday.

12/40 – 30%  (P)–2, (B)–3, (H)–1, (E)–1,  (L)–3, (M)–1, (S)‐1

20/40 – 50%  (A)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐7, (E)‐2, (L)‐6,  (M)‐2, (S)‐1

7/40 – 18%  (D)‐2, (B)‐1. (E)‐1, (L)‐3

1/40 ‐ 3%  (D)‐1

I felt confident in receiving a  job after college.

13/40 – 33%  (A)–1, (D)–1, (B)‐4, (H)‐1,  (L)–5, (S)–1

17/40 – 43%  (D)‐1, (B)‐6, (E)‐3, (L)‐5, (M)‐1,  (S)‐1

10/40 – 25%  (P)‐2, (D)‐2, (B)‐1, (E)‐1, (L)‐2,  (M)‐2

0/40 – 0%

I had good attendance in all  my classes.

14/40 – 35%  (P)–2, (B)–3, (H)–1, (E)–1,  (L)–5, (M)–1, (S)–1  5/40 – 13%  (A)–1, (P)–1, (H)‐1, (E)‐1,  (S)‐1     6/40 – 15%  (P)‐1, (B)‐1, (H)‐1, (L)‐2,  (M)‐1  14/40 – 35%  (B)‐6, (H)‐1, (L)‐5, (M)‐1,  (S)‐1

19/40 – 48%  (A)‐1, (D)‐2, (B)‐7, (E)‐3, (L)‐4,  (M)‐2  26/40 – 65%  (D)‐2, (B)‐11, (E)‐3, (L)‐9, (M)‐1

6/40 – 15%  (D)‐1, (B)‐1, (L)‐3, (S)‐1

1/40 ‐ 3%  (D)‐1

9/40 – 23%  (P)‐1, (D)‐2, (L)‐3, (M)‐2, (S)‐1

0/40 – 0%

23/40 – 56%  (A)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐9, (E)‐3, (L)‐7,  (M)‐2  26/40 – 65%  (A)‐1, (P)‐2, (D)‐4, (B)‐5, (E)‐4,   (L)‐7, (M)‐2, (S)‐1

11/40 – 28%  (P)‐1, (D)‐3, (B)‐1, (E)‐1, (L)‐2,  (S)‐2  0/40 – 0%

0/40 – 0%

17/40 – 43%  (P)‐1, (B)‐6, (H)‐1, (L)‐7,  (M)‐1, (S)‐1

22/40 – 55%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (D)‐3, (B)‐5, (E)‐4,   (L)‐5, (M)‐2, (S)‐1

1/40 ‐ 3%  (D)‐1

0/40 – 0%

I felt challenged within my  classes.  I enjoyed my classes.  I received good grades (A's  and B's) in my classes.  I felt successful in my  classes.

0/40 – 0%

12. Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion about your teachers within your field(s) of study.   “My teachers were ______________.”

Always

Great about giving good  assignments/  Class projects.  Knowledgeable about the  field(s) of study.  Available to talk to/ask for  help.  Great about giving  opportunities to gain  practical experience.  Open to suggestions.  Passionate about the field(s)  of study.  Fun.  Prepared for class.  Very clear so I could  understand them.

Most of the Time

Hardly Ever

Never

4/40 – 10%  (B)‐1, (H)‐1, (L)‐1, (M)‐1

32/40 – 80%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (D)‐3, (B)‐10, (E)‐4,  (L)‐10, (M)‐2, (S)‐1

4/40 – 10%  (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (L)‐1, (S)‐1

0/40 – 0%

14/40 – 35%  (A)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐4, (H)‐1, (E)‐2, (L)‐3,  (M)‐1, (S)‐1  16/40 – 40%  (A)‐1, (B)‐6, (H)‐1, (E)‐1, (L)‐4, (M)‐2,  (S)‐1  11/40 – 28%  (A)‐1, (B)‐3, (H)‐1, (E)‐1, (L)‐3, (M)‐1,  (S)‐1

25/40 – 63%  (P)‐2, (D)‐3, (B)‐7, (E)‐2, (L)‐9,  (M)‐2  19/40 – 48%  (P)‐2, (D)‐1, (B)‐5, (E)‐2, (L)‐8,  (M)‐1  20/40 – 50%  (P)‐2, (B)‐6, (E)‐3, (L)‐7, (M)‐2

1/40 ‐ 3%  (S)‐1

0/40 – 0%

4/40 – 10%  (D)‐2, (E)‐1, (S)‐1

1/40 ‐ 3%  (D)‐1

9/40 – 23%  (D)‐4, (B)‐2, (L)‐2, (S)‐1

0/40 – 0%

8/40 – 20%  (P)‐1, (B)‐1, (H)‐1, (L)‐4, (M)‐1

21/40 – 53%  (A)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐6, (E)‐4, (L)‐5,  (M)‐2, (S)‐2  18/40 – 45%  (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐7, (E)‐2, (L)‐5,  (M)‐1, (S)‐1  24/40 – 60%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐7, (E)‐2,  (L)‐9, (M)‐2, (S)‐1  22/40 – 55%  (P)‐1, (D)‐3, (B)‐7), (E)‐1, (L)‐7,  (M)‐2, (S)‐1  26/40 – 65%  (P)‐1, (D)‐4, (B)‐7, (E)‐3, (L)‐8,  (M)‐2, (S)‐1

10/40 – 25%  (P)‐1, (D)‐2, (B)‐4, (L)‐3

1/40 ‐ 3%  (D)‐1

4/40 – 10%  (D)‐2, (E)‐1, (L)‐1

0/40 – 0%

10/40 – 25%  (P)‐1, (D)‐3, (B)‐3,   (E)‐2, (S)‐1  1/40 ‐ 3%  (E)‐1

0/40 – 0%

3/40 ‐ 8%  (P)‐1, (E)‐1, (S)‐1

0/40 – 0%

18/40 – 45%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐4, (H)‐1, (E)‐1,  (L)‐6, (M)‐2, (S)‐1  6/40 – 15%  (B)‐1, (H)‐1, (L)‐3, (M)‐1  17/40 – 43%  (A)‐1, (P)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐4, (H)‐1, (E)‐2,  (L)‐5, (M)‐1, (S)‐1  11/40 – 28%  (A)‐1, (B)‐4, (H)‐1, (L)‐4, (M)‐1

0/40 – 0%

Does SIUC Get an A?

13.  On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your educational experience at SIUC?  1   2   Extremely poor

5   6   Neutral/Adequate

(A) – 9        (P) – 6, 9        (D) – 2, 4, 4, 7      (B) – 7, 8, 9, 8, 7, 8, 10, 8, 8, 8, 9    (H) – 9        (E) – 9, 8, 9, 8      (L) – 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 7, 9, 9, 7, 5, 7   (M) – 8, 9, 7      (S) – 7, 9

9   10          Exceptional

307/400

77% ^

9/10  15/20  17/40  90/110  9/10  34/40  93/120  24/30  16/20

90% ^  75% ^  43% V  82% ^  90% =  85% ^  78% ^  80% ^  80% ^

14. What did your education at SIUC help you excel in after college?  a.

12/40

30%

9/40

23%

Networking and Obtaining Strong References    (B)‐1  (H)‐1  (L)‐2  (M)‐1    Nothing            (P)‐1  (D)‐2  (B)‐1  (L)‐1

5/40

13%

5/40

13%

Other (Please Explain):      (D)‐1, (B)‐2, (H)‐1, (L)‐4, (M)‐1    Another Degree – D      Job Interviews – B      Internship – B      Job, but not within degree – H, L, L, L

10/40

25%

Life Experience ‐ E  Law School ‐ L  Still working on it ‐ M

Getting a Job Within Chosen Degree    (A)‐1  (D)‐1  (B)‐4  (E)‐2  (L)‐3  (S)‐1    Entering Grad School       (P)‐1  (B)‐3  (E)‐1  (L)‐2  (M)‐1  (S)‐1

Does SIUC Get an A?

15. After graduating from SIUC, it took me ________ long to find a job within my degree.  a.

Less than 2 weeks    (B)‐1  (S)‐1

2/40

Less than 4 weeks    (H)‐1  (L)‐1    1 – 3 months    (B)‐3  (E)‐1  (L)‐2    4 – 6 months    (P)‐1  (D)‐2  (B)‐1  (L)‐1

2/40

6/40

15%

5/40

13%

More than 6 months          (B)‐1  ‐ Took a year    Internship           (E)‐1  ‐No chart    Freelancing until I find a permanent job       Temporary job until I find one within my degree    (B)‐3  (E)‐1  (L)‐5    Still looking          (D)‐1  (M)‐1

1/40

0/40

9/40

23%

2/40

Other (Please Explain):

12/40

30%

g. h.

(A)‐1, (P)‐1, (B)‐2, (E)‐1, (L)‐3, (M)‐2, (D)‐1, (S)‐1    Had a job before I graduated – A  Grad School ‐ P, B, B, E, L, M, S  New Degree – D  Law School – L, L, M

Does SIUC Get an A?  NOTE:  If you do not have a job within your chosen degree, please skip to question 18.

16. Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion to how prepared SIUC made you for  your chosen job today.  15 Alumni had jobs within  their degree

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

15/40 ‐ 38%

Strongly  Disagree

(A)‐1, (D)‐2, (E)‐2, (B)‐4,   (L)‐4, (S)‐1, (P)‐1

I was confident in  7/15 – 47%  receiving my job today.  (A)‐1, (B)‐2, (E)‐1,  (L)‐2, (S)‐1  It was easy to receive a  4/15 – 27%  job within my degree.  (A)‐1, (B)‐2, (S)‐1

4/15 – 27%  (P)‐1, (B)‐1,   (E)‐1, (L)‐1  4/15 – 27%  (P)‐1, (B)‐1,   (E)‐1, (L)‐1

2/15 – 13%  (D)‐1, (B)‐1

1/15 ‐ 7%  (L)‐1

1/15 ‐ 7%  (D)‐1

2/15 – 13%  (D)‐1, (E)‐1

4/15 – 27%  (B)‐1, (L)‐3

1/15 ‐ 7%  (D)‐1

Prerequisite courses  are still important to  have within my job.

5/15 – 33%  (A)‐1, (D)‐1, (B)‐1,  (E)‐1, (S)‐1

4/15 – 27%  (B)‐2, (L)‐2

3/15 – 20%  (B)‐1, (E)‐1,  (L)‐1

1/15 ‐ 7%  (P)‐1

2/15 – 13%  (D)‐1, (L)‐1

My major at SIUC fully  prepared me for my  job today.

5/15 – 33%  (A)‐1, (B)‐2, (E)‐1,  (S)‐1

1/15 ‐ 7%  (B)‐1

5/15 – 33%  (D)‐1, (E)‐1,   (L)‐3

2/15 – 13%  (P)‐1, (L)‐1

2/15 – 13%  (D)‐1, (B)‐1

My coworkers feel I am  3/15 – 20%  a great asset to their  (A)‐1, (B)‐1, (S)‐1  team because of the  knowledge I attained  from SIUC.

5/15 – 33%  (P)‐1, (D)‐1,   (B)‐1, (E)‐2

2/15 – 13%  (B)‐1, (L)‐1

2/15 – 13%  (L)‐2

3/15 – 20%  (D)‐1, (B)‐1,   (L)‐1

My coworkers feel I am  5/15 – 33%  a great asset to their  (D)‐2, (B)‐2, (L)‐1  team, but no thanks to  SIUC, I had to teach  myself what I know  today.

4/15 – 27%  2/15 – 13%  (B)‐1, (E)‐2, (L)‐1  (L)‐2

3/15 – 20%  1/15 ‐ 7%  (P)‐1, (B)‐1,   (A)‐1  (S)‐1

I am very happy with  my decision to receive  my degree at SIUC.

3/15 – 20%  (A)‐1, (B)‐1, (S)‐1

6/15 – 40%  (P)‐1, (B)‐2,  (E)‐2,  (L)‐1

4/15 – 27%  (D)‐1, (B)‐1,   (L)‐2

1/15 ‐ 7%  (L)‐1

1/15 ‐ 7%  (D)‐1

I still remain in contact  with my professors  from SIUC.

1/15 ‐ 7%  (A)‐1

5/15 – 33%  (D)‐1, (B)‐2,   (E)‐2

2/15 – 13%  (B)‐1, (S)‐1

2/15 – 13%  (P)‐1, (L)‐1

5/15 – 33%  (D)‐1, (B)‐1,   (L)‐3

Does SIUC Get an A?

Please rank the following in the order of what most contributed and least contributed to you  acquiring a job within your degree.  (4) Being what most contributed, and (1) being what least contributed.    A  P  D  B  H  E  L  M  S  Total  Strong Educated  3  2  4, 3  1, 1, 4, 2  0  2, 1  4, 1, 1, 2  0  3  34/60  Teachers  75%  50%  7 – 88%  8 – 50%  3 – 38%  8 – 50%  75%  57%  To Gain Practical  4  4  2, 2  2, 3, 3, 3  0  1, 2  3, 3, 4, 4  0  4  40/60  Experience  100%  100%  4 – 50%  11‐ 69%  3 – 38%  14 – 88%  100%  67%  Strong Portfolio/  2  1  1, 1  4, 2, 2, 4  0  3, 4  2, 4, 3, 3  0  2  38/60  Resume/ Cover  50%  25%  2 – 25%  12 – 75%  7 – 88%  12 – 75%  50%  63%  17.

Letter  Confidence to  Attain a Job  Within my  Field(s).

1  25%

3  75%

3, 4  7 – 88%

3, 4, 1, 1  9 – 56%

4, 3  7 – 88%

1, 2, 2, 1  6 – 38%

1  25%

34/60  57%

18. Why do you feel you have not received a job within your degree yet?

7/40

18%

I am not willing to relocate from where I am today

0/40

I am not fully prepared by SIUC

1/40

3/40

1/40

15/40

38%

13/40

33%

Job, but not in degree – H, L

I have not looked hard enough      (D)‐1  (B)‐2  (L)‐2  (M)‐1

b. c.

(D)‐1    d.

I need more practical experience

(B)‐2  (S)‐1  e.

I am completing an internship first

(B)‐1  f.

I do have a job within my degree

(A)‐1  (D)‐2  (E)‐2  (B)‐4  (L)‐4  (S)‐1  (P)‐1  g.

Other (Please Explain):

(P)‐1, (E)‐2, (L)‐6, (H)‐1, (B)‐2, (M)‐2  Grad School – P, B, E, L, M    Law School/Lawyer – B, L, L, M    The Economy – P, E, L, L

Does SIUC Get an A?

19. On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your educational experience at SIUC after graduation?  1   2   Extremely poor

5   6   Neutral/Adequate

(A) – 9        (P) – 10, 5        (D) – 1, 1, 6, 2      (B) – 8, 8, 9, 5, 5, 7, 8, 9, 8, 9, 8    (H) – 9        (E) – 9, 8, 9, 9      (L) – 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 5, 7, 7, 9, 9, 6, 7   (M) – 9, 7, 4      (S) – 7, 10

9   10          Exceptional

286/400

72% V

9/10  15/20  10/20  84/110  9/10  35/40  87/120  20/30  17/20

90% =  75% =  25% V  76% V  90% =  88% ^  73% V  67% V  85% ^

20. Knowing what you know now, please explain what you feel your educational program at SIUC  could do and/or change in order to improve its program?    ‐Nothing – I loved it – A  ‐More of smaller classes – P  ‐More personal attention – P  ‐More practical experience – P, B, H, L, L, L, M, S, D, D, D, D  ‐See D Answers   ‐Better Advisement – B, L, L  ‐More challenging – B  ‐More networking – B  ‐Help keep students on task – B  ‐More teacher/student relationships – E  ‐More tutors – E  ‐More realistic expectations ‐ D  ‐More teachings of technology programs – E, D, D  ‐SIU in general needs to improve – M, D, D, D        21. Is there anything else you would like to share with us involving the education offered at  Southern Illinois University Carbondale?    ‐See A answers  ‐SIU has a good education program – H  ‐Personally I would never come back – L, D, D, D  ‐Ok experience – M  ‐Radiology – “SIUC set me up with good internships”

Does SIUC Get an A?

On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your expectations of SIUC before you enrolled?

Appendix D

100%  90%

90%  80%

80%  80%

80%  78%  77%  75%  74%  76%  73%  69%  68% 68%  67%

77%

73%  71%

70%  60%

60%

50%

RETURNING  ALUMNI

40%  30%  20%  10%  0%  TOTAL

What about SIUC’s education most contributes to your knowledge about your degree?  80%  70%

75%  65%

60%  50%  40%

35%

30%

RETURNING

25%

ALUMNI

20%  8%

10%

0%  TEACHERS

RESOURES

COMPUTER  TECHNOLOGY  AVAILABILITY

3%  5%  OTHER

Does SIUC Get an A?

What factor had the biggest affect on your selection of a major at SIUC?     65%  60%

70%  60%  50%  40%  30%  20%  10%

25%  15%

3% 3%

10% 8%

0% 3%

RETURNING  ALUMNI

On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your educational experience at SIUC?  120%  100%

100%

90%

77%  80%  80%  74%

75%  77%

90%  85%  82%  82%  80%

80%  80%  78%  79%  68%

65%

63%

60%

RETURNING  43%

ALUMNI

40%  20%  0%  TOTAL

43%  40%  30%

20%

23%  18%  15%  15%  13%  13%  10%  8%  3%  0%  0%  0%  0%  0%  33%  45%  48%

So far, I am happy with my  decision to come to SIUC  to attain my degree(

80%

So far, I am happy with my  decision to come to SIUC  to attain my degree(

60%

Classes in my major create  the biggest challenge for  me while attending SIU.

100%

Prerequisite courses  prepared me for courses  within my major.

120%

College Advisers played a  big role in my selection of  classes.

I had high expectations  about the university prior  to my enrollment.

Very clear so I can understand  them.

Prepared for class.

Fun.

Passionate about the Wield(s)  of study.

Open to suggestions.

Great about giving  opportunities to gain practical  experience.

Available to talk to/ask for  help.

Knowledgeable about the  Wield(s) of study.

Great about giving good  assignments/class projects.

Does SIUC Get an A?

Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion about your teachers within  your field(s) of study.  “My teachers are ______________.”     80%  70%  65%  70%  56%  56%  56%  56%  55%  55%  53%  60%  45%  45%  43%  50%  38%  35%  40%  28%  28%  28%  23%  30%  15%  15%  20%  8%  8%  5%  3%  3%  3%  0%  10%  0%  0%  3%  0%  0%  0%  3%  0%  0%

0%  0%

Always

Most of the Time

Hardly Ever

Never

Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion about SIUC

1  68%

48%  35%  Strongly Agree

Agree

Nuetral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Does SIUC Get an A?

Please rate the following options pertaining to the classes within your degree(s).     70%

40%

53%

45%

43%  40%

33%

30%

33%  25%  23%

I feel challenged within my  classes.

I have good attendance in  all my classes.

I feel conWident in receiving  a job after college.

I go to class everyday.

30%  23%  20%  18%  20%  13%  13%  13%  5%  10%  3%  3%  0%  0%  0%  I feel excited about class  projects/assignments.

55%

5%  0%

5%  0%  I feel successful in my  classes.

50%

55%

I get good grades (A's and  B's) in my classes.

53%

55%

I enjoy my classes.

60%

63%  55%

Always  Most of the Time  Hardly Ever  Never

What did your education at SIUC help you excel in after college?   1.2  1

0.8  0.6  0.4

30%

23%

0.2

25%  13%

13%  #REF!

OTHER

NOTHING

NETWORKING AND  OBTAINING STRONG  REFERENCES

ENTERING GRAD SCHOOL

GETTING A JOB

ALUMNI

Does SIUC Get an A?

After graduating from SIUC, it took me ________ long to find a job within my degree.     1.2  1

0.8  0.6  0.4  0.2

15%

13%

30%

23%  3%

#REF!  OTHER

STILL LOOKING

TEMPORARY JOB UNTIL I  FIND ONE WITH IN MY  DEGREE

INTERNSHIP

MORE THAN 6 MONTHS

4‐6 MONTHS

1‐3 MONTHS

LESS THAN 4 WEEKS

LESS THAN 2 WEEKS

ALUMNI

On a scale of 1‐10, how would you rate your educational experience at SIUC after graduation?

ALUMNI  100%  90%  80%  70%  60%  50%  40%  30%  20%  10%

90%  72%

76%

75%

90%  88%

73%  67%

85%  ALUMNI

25%

Very clear so I could  understand them.

Prepared for class.

Fun.

Passionate about the  Wield(s) of study.

Open to suggestions.

Great about giving  opportunities to gain  practical experience.

Available to talk to/ask for  help.

Class projects.

Great about giving good  assignments/

Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion about your teachers within  your field(s) of study.  “My teachers were ______________.” I still remain in contact with  my professors from SIUC.

great asset to their team, but  no thanks to SIUC, I had to  teach myself what I know  I am very happy with my  decision to receive my degree  at SIUC.

My major at SIUC fully  prepared me for my job  today.  My coworkers feel I am a  great asset to their team  because of the knowledge I  attained from SIUC.   My coworkers feel I am a

Prerequisite courses are still  important to have within my  job.

It was easy to receive a job  within my degree.

I was conWident in receiving  my job today

Does SIUC Get an A?

Please rate the following options according to your personal opinion to how prepared SIUC you  for your chosen job today.   50%  47%  45%  40%  40%  33%  33%  33%  33%  33%  33% 33%  35%  27%  27%  27%  27%  27%  27%  27%  30%  25%  20%  20%  20%  20% 20%  20%  13%  13%  13%  13%  13%  13%  13%  13%  13%  13%  15%  7%  7%  7%  7%  7%  7%  7%  7% 7%  10%  5%  0%

90%  80%  80%  65%  63%  70%  60%  55%  53%  60%  48%  50%  45%  45%  43%  50%  40%  35%  40%  28%  28%  25%  25%  23%  20%  30%  15%  20%  10%  10%  10%  10%  8%  3%  3%  10%  0%  3%  0%  0%  0%  0%  3%  0%  0%  0%  Strongly Agree

Agree

Nuetral

Disagree

Strongly Agree2

Always

Most of the Time

Hardly Ever

Never

30%

23%

20%  13%

3%  33%

0%  48%  56%

35%

18%  25%  15%  13%

0%  23%

3%  3%  0%  0%  0%

I felt successful in my classes.

40%  65%

I received good grades (A's and  B's) in my classes.

10%  43%

I enjoyed my classes.

30%  63%

I felt challenged within my  classes.

50%  50%

I had good attendance in all my  classes.

60%

I felt conWident in receiving a job  after college.

70%

I went to class everyday.

I felt excited about class  projects/assignments.

Does SIUC Get an A?

Please rate the following options pertaining to the classes within your degree(s).   65%  55%

43%

28%  35%

15%  3%  0%  Always

Most of the Time

Hardly Ever

Never