SURVEY MARKERS

Survey data helps us identify strengths and focus on the future of the College

ATE LAST YEAR, the extended College community – students, parents and alumnae – was invited to participate in a number of landmark surveys as a way of providing some benchmark data on the College experience. We thank all those who completed the surveys, which have generated a wealth of information on what Women’s College does well, and where we have more work to do.

College alumnae representing every decade from the 1940s to the 2020s told us that Women’s was the place where they made their lifelong friends, and that they had found the College a supportive and empowering environment. A number of alumnae said that the College experience had been formative of their feminist views or an understanding that women could achieve in a variety of fields.

It has been one of, if not the most positive experience of my life. The many friendships and connections I formed were a highlight, and the really deep and stimulating conversations with like-minded women. I also loved feeling a part of a community with a long and important history that supports and values women, and feeling a great sense of belonging. College has provided me with many great memories that I will cherish forever.

Most alumnae agreed that Women’s College had had a positive impact on their life, with around 70% also reporting that the College network had been valuable to them in their careers. College alumnae continue to give back. Over 70% recorded that they had engaged in volunteering or community work in the past twelve months, and a further 40% that they held a board position on a corporate, government, community or not-for-profit board. Opinions on College programs were consistent over the decades: formal dinners, as well as the social, academic and cultural programs rated highly.

Perhaps the greatest area for growth identified in the alumnae survey was in engagement. While 76% of those who filled in the survey told us they were in regular contact with one or more fellow alumnae and similar numbers read College communications, 66% of those surveyed had not attended any alumnae events. Promisingly, a number of respondents indicated that they were interested in donating time or money to the College in the future.

Student and parent surveys were similarly positive. College students and their parents echoed alumnae in their praise for the supportive nature of the environment at Women’s, and most rated the academic, community, cultural, social, sporting and wellbeing programs highly, with commentary consistently noting that the College was a great place to achieve personal, academic and professional growth. Many students also noted that they had found their ‘lifelong friends’ at Women’s and that the experience had increased their confidence appreciably.

Constructive suggestions were offered in relation to continuing to grow the social landscape for students, and to expand some of our leadership and professional programs. The College’s physical environment – its buildings and facilities, as well as the variety and quality of our food service – rated overwhelmingly highly, with most results measuring over 90% satisfaction.

Women's College has provided our daughter with a lovely group of friends, a sense of belonging at University, a network of people to collaborate with, and the best food on campus. A very positive experience.

70% ALUMNAE REPORTED THE COLLEGE NETWORK HAD BEEN VALUABLE IN THEIR CAREER

90% STUDENT SATISFACTION WITH BUILDINGS, FACILITIES AND FOOD SERVICE

80% STUDENTS IN 2022 FELT SUPPORTED BY THEIR COLLEGE PEERS AND STAFF

SEPARATE TO THE stakeholder experience surveys, Women’s College participated in a repeat of the cultural renewal survey of students, first presented as part of the Broderick Review into College Cultures at the University of Sydney in 2017. Pleasingly, our 2022 survey data showed significant strides in many of the cultural markers initially measured.

Last year, our students reported similarly high levels of engagement in College life and sense of belonging as they had five years ago. Over 80% stated that they felt supported by their College peers and staff, and at 10% of respondents, instances of bullying, hazing or exclusion were half those reported in 2017. Similarly low statistics were recorded in relation to feeling pressure to drink alcohol, with 5% of students stating there was too much focus on drinking at College – compared with 14% in the previous survey.

Sexual assault and sexual harassment disproportionately impact young women in our society and this is reflected in the 2022 survey, with recorded rates similar to 2017. While this remains concerning, more Women’s College students are seeking support when they experience bullying, harassment and assault, and more are opting to make formal reports or complaints.

Cultural renewal is a continual process, and the College remains committed to working towards improving the experiences of its students. Fostering a culture of reporting, enhancing our education and awareness programs, and working with our student leaders on inclusion and safety will remain a focus for the present and future as we continue to embed cultural renewal in our community.