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North Carolina State University
and UNC-General Administration
Academic Year 2008-2009 Student Surveys
and NC State Spring 2009 Alumni Survey:
Summary of Question Items

Information on Table Layout:

-fy08 = Fall 2008 First Year Student Survey
-alum09 = 2009 Baccalaureate Alumni Survey
-UNC-GA required items are shaded.
-Numbers reported represent the survey question number.
-Differences in question wording are noted when relevant.

Question Categories:

Background Characteristics Educational Intent and Interests
Applying to NC State Post-Baccalaureate Education
Paying for College Post-Baccalaureate Employment
Preparation for College Overall Satisfaction
Knowledge, Skills, and Personal Development Alumni Services
Teaching and Learning Technologies

Background Characteristics

  fy08 alum09
Father/Male guardian level of education 22_1  
Mother/Female guardian level of education 22_2  
Religious Preference 19  
Own a computer 23  
Parent/Guardian's Income 26  
Number in household 27  
Number of other dependents in college 28  
Area lived in during high school 29  
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Applying to NC State

Admissions Process: fy08 alum09
Number of colleges applied to 1  
Satisfaction with u niversity admissions process 7  
Satisfaction with departmental admissions process 8  
During admissions process: Call from faculty or staff 2_1  
During admissions process: Call from student 2_2  
During admissions process: Call from graduate 2_3  
During admissions process: Letter from outside Admissions 3  
Virtual Advising Center Website 4  

Factors influencing decision to attend: fy08 alum09
Academic reputation 5_1  
Cost 5_2  
Location 5_3  
Size 5_4  
Availability of program 5_5  
Recommended 5_6  
Number of hours transferred 5_7  
Level of support for intended major 5_8  
Facilities and resources 5_9  
Scholarships/financial aid 5_10  
Pack Promise Program 5_11  
Campus visit 5_12  
Contact with current student 5_13  
Contact with faculty or staff 5_14  
Contact with a graduate 5_15  
Letter from someone other than Admissions 5_16  
Attendance at a College Fair 5_17  
Publications from NC State 5_18  
Extracurricular opportunities 5_19  
FYC 5_20  
Campus Recreation programs 5_21  
Other 5_22  
Most influential factor in decision to attend 6  
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Paying for College

  fy08 alum09
Satisfaction with university financial aid process 9  
Receiving financial aid 24  
Receiving academic-based aid 25_1  
Receiving financial need-based aid 25_2  
Receiving athletic-based aid 25_3  
Receiving aid based on other (dance, music, etc.) 25_4  
Receiving other aid 25_5  
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Preparation for College

  fy08 alum09
Preparation by high school 10  
Preparation by self 11  
Educational Talent Search 21_1  
Upward Bound 21_2  
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Knowledge, Skills, and Personal Development

General Education fy08 alum09
A broad general education (Alumni, "Understanding concepts in broad range of disciplines") 16_16 b1
Writing skills (Alumni, "Written communication skills") 16_1 a1a
Speaking skills (Alumni, "Public speaking and presentation skills") 16_2 a1b
Listening skills 16_3 a1d
Comprehension skills 16_4 a1c
Ability to apply mathematical skills 16_5 a5
Understanding how science and technology influence life 16_6 b13
Ability to apply scientific principles 16_7 a4
Developing computer skills 16_8  
Technical skills/knowledge   a2
Ability to adapt to changing technologies 16_10 a3
Ability to critically analyze events, information and ideas 18_11 b6
Ability to plan and carry out projects independently 16_14  
Understanding diverse cultures and values 16_15 b11
Finding relevant information/ideas from multiple sources   a6a
Bringing information/ideas together from different areas   a6b
Thinking creatively   a6c
Planning projects   a6d
Defining problems   a6e
Problem-solving skills 16_13 a6f
Logical reasoning skills 16_9 a6g
Using books, articles from the library/internet for a research paper/project 16_12  
Examining problems from multiple perspectives   a6h
Ability to use information technologies/search strategies to access information in my field   b2
Ability to collect relevant data   b3
Ability to formulate and test hypotheses   b4
Ability to construct clear, precise, and accurate arguments   b5
Ability to understand current literature in my field   b7
Acquiring an awareness of new scientific knowledge/discoveries   b8
Preparing for a career   b9
Personal Development fy08 alum09
Taking responsibility for my own behavior 16_17  
Viewing learning as a lifelong process 16_18 b21
Recognizing and acting upon ethical principles 16_19 b14
Leadership and management skills   a8i
Ability to lead or guide others 16_20  
Ability to function as part of a team 16_21 a7e
Ability to organize steps to complete group project 16_22  
Taking initiative to make improvements in my work 16_23  
Exercising public responsibility and community service (Alumni, "Being involved in public and community affairs") 16_24 b15
Understanding my own abilities and interests 16_25 b25
Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle 16_26 b20
Self-confidence 16_27 a8d
Realizing my potential for success 16_28  
Sense of personal identity 16_29  
Coping with change 16_30  
Being independent and self-reliant 16_31  
Ability to handle stress 16_32  
Time management 16_33  
Self-discipline 16_34  
Ability to adjust to new job demands   a7a
Working under pressure   a7b
Making decisions under pressure   a7c
Ability to work independently   a7d
Being dependable and punctual   a7g
Professionalism   a8a
Conducting work activities in ethical manner   a8b
Resourcefulness   a8c
Ability to learn independently   a8e
Ability to grow on the job   a8f
Willingness to accept new responsibilities   a8g
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances   a8h
World View fy08 alum09
Understanding issues and problems facing the world 16_35 b16
Understanding the present as it relates to history 16_36 b17
Being able to interact and work with people from diverse backgrounds 16_37 a7f
Understanding the commonality of human problems through a global perspective   b12
Appreciation for the arts 16_38 b22
Appreciation for the humanities   b23
Applying social science methods to understand human behavior   b24
Developing a tolerance for divergent views 16_39 b10
Valuing gender equity (Alumni, "Understanding issues associated with gender equity") 16_40 b19
Valuing racial equity (Alumni, "Understanding issues associated with racial equity") 16_41 b18
Note: First Year: Rate 1) current level of development and 2) importance. Senior: Rate NC State contribution to development. 3) Alumni: Rate 1) preparation and 2) current importance.
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Skills/Perspectives gained through undergraduate courses/experiences fy08 alum09
Foreign language skills   a9
Skills gained through research/internship.student teaching   a10
Skills gained through a study abroad experience   a11
Skills gained through a community service or service-learning project   a12

General Education Preparation fy08 alum09
Know how to access and use the information I need in my professional life   b33
Undergraduate experiences and courses at NC State encouraged creative and innovative thinking   b34
Education at NC State has prepared me to be competitive with graduates from other institutions   b35
Physical education course(s) at NC State had positive influence on current exercise/health habits   b36
Foreign language courses at NC State helped gain appreciation for other cultures   b37
Routinely keep up with current events in the news   b38
Read for leisure on a regular basis   b39
Frequency of physical exercise   b40
Frequency of volunteer work   b41
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Teaching and Learning Technologies

Extent to which all technologies have helped: fy08 alum09
Answer questions in field of study   b26a
Solve problems in field of study   b26b
Use research methods of research in field to gain knowledge   b26c
Use info available from sources (books, journals)   b26d
Use skills/technologies of field to complete major assignment   b26e
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Educational Intent and Interests

  fy08 alum09
Certainty of major 12  
Highest level of education planned 14  
Reasons for less than 15 hrs. first semester 15  
Primary goal/objective for attending NC State 13  
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  fy08 alum09
First semester employment plans 30  
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Interests and Involvement fy08 alum09
Student Government 20_1 e3_13
Student Judicial Board 20_2  
Residence Hall Councils 20_3 e3_9
Student Leadership Development Program 20_4  
Co-op (Cooperative Education) program 20_5  
Study Abroad/National Student Exchange 20_6  
Volunteer Services 20_7  
ROTC 20_8 e3_10
Club Sports 20_9  
Fitness/Wellness 20_10  
Indoor Open Recreation 20_11  
Intramurals 20_12  
Outdoor Adventures 20_13  
Social Fraternity/Sorority 20_14 e3_12
Student Publications/Media 20_15 e3_14
Union Activities Board programs/activities 20_16 e3_15
Multicultural/Diversity programs/activities 20_17  
Gender issues 20_18  
Healthy lifestyle issues 20_19  
Planning programs and services for children and families 20_20  
The Crafts Center programs/classes 20_21  
Music Minor, Bands, Choirs, Orchestras, Chamber Music, Bagpipes, Drums 20_22  
Attending art exhibitions 20_23  
Theater participation as artist 20_24  
Theater participation as audience 20_25  
Student Dance Companies 20_26  
Pre-Law services/planning 20_27  
Academic scholarship program   e3_1
GLBT student group   e3_2
Honor/Service/professional fraternity/sorority   e3_3
Service group/organization   e3_11
Intramural/Recreational sports, Club Teams   e3_4
Minority student groups   e3_5
Political/Issue groups   e3_7
Organizations/Clubs related to your major   e3_6
Religious groups   e3_8
University Honors Program   e3_16
University Scholars Program   e3_17
Varsity Athletic Teams   e3_18
Visual/performing Arts/Music groups   e3_19
Musical Instruments Played 17  
Participation in choral group 18  
Note: First Year: Interest in activity; Alumni: Involvement in activity

  fy08 alum09
NC State distance education or online courses taken while undergraduate at NC State   b27
Satisfaction with variety of distance education/online courses   b28
Participate in a study abroad program while at NC State   b29
Duration of study abroad program(s)   b30
Extent to which study abroad experience helped improve problem solving skills   b31a
Extent to which study abroad experience had positive impact on your work attitudes and skills   b31b
Extent to which study abroad experience contributed to better understand problems and issues facing the world   b31c
Reason for not participating in study abroad: Too expensive   b32_1
Reason for not participating in study abroad: Not enough "free" time in curriculum   b32_2
Reason for not participating in study abroad: Employment obligations   b32_3
Reason for not participating in study abroad: Personal/family obligations   b32_4
Reason for not participating in study abroad: Concerns about safety   b32_5
Reason for not participating in study abroad: Uncomfortable with the idea of living abroad   b32_6
Reason for not participating in study abroad: Not interested in available programs   b32_7
Reason for not participating in study abroad: Other   b32_8
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Work-related experiences fy08 alum09
Cooperative Education Program   e1_1
Internship   e1_2
Practicum   e1_3
Student teaching   e1_4
Research with faculty   e1_5
Residence advisor   e1_6
Summer employment or part-time job in major   e1_7
Helpfulness of work-related experience in securing current employment   e2
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Post-Baccalaureate Education

  fy08 alum09
Graduate/Professional school status   c1
Current graduate/professional school enrollment status   c2
Graduate/Professional institution name   c3a
Graduate/Professional institution location   c3b
Graduate/Professional academic program/discipline   c3c
Graduate/Professional degree(s) completed   c3d
Graduate/Professional degree(s) sought/seeking   c3e
Preparation for graduate/professional school   c4
Scholarships/honors/awards/assistantships received in graduate/professional school   c5
Interest in graduate/professional (among those who are not currently enrolled/have not completed)   c6
Participation in continuing education/professional development/lifelong education classes/workshops/seminars   c7
Impact of continuing education/professional development/lifelong education on professional career   c8
Impact of continuing education/professional development/lifelong education on personal goals/life enrichment   c9
Continuing education/professional development/lifelong education through NC State's McKimmon Center   c10
Likelihood of enrolling in continuing education/professional development/lifelong education within next five years   c11
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Post-Baccalaureate Employment

Post-graduation plans fy08 alum09
Post-graduation employment 31  
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  fy08 alum09
Primary activity during year after graduation   d1
Time to first full-time job   d2
Relationship of first full-time job to academic major   d3
Preparation for first full-time job   d4
Salary at first full-time job   d5
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: NC State Career Center   d6_1
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: NC State Alumni Association Career Services   d6_2
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Applied for job via NC State University career services job listing   d6_3
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Employer found resume via NC State career services database   d6_4
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: On-campus interviewing/career fair   d6_5
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Technician or other NC State publication   d6_6
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: NC State co-op experience   d6_7
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Internship   d6_8
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Previous experience with company   d6_9
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Personal connections within company   d6_10
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Faculty member or job listing found in an NC State department   d6_11
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Professional society  

d6_12

Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Third party recruiter or executive search firm   d6_13
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Employment agency   d6_14
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Family/friends/classmates/co-workers   d6_15
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Internet   d6_16
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Local, city, or national newspaper   d6_17
Instrumental in finding/getting first job: Other   d6_18
Current employment status   d7
Employer   d8a
Type of work (current)   d8b
Current work location   d8c
Current occupation   d8d
Salary at current job   d8e
Relationship of current position to academic major   d9
Preparation for current position   d10
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Overall Satisfaction

  fy08 alum09
Would still choose to attend NC State   g3a
Would still choose same major   g3b
Would recommend NC State to a friend   g2
Overall education at NC State   g1
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Alumni Services

  fy08 alum09
Member of the NC State Alumni Association   f1
Valuation of Alumni Services: University/Alumni speakers in your area   f2a
Valuation of Alumni Services: Career planning assistance and job postings   f2b
Valuation of Alumni Services: Alumni magazine   f2c
Valuation of Alumni Services: Invitations to NC State alumni events in your area   f2d
Valuation of Alumni Services: NC State reunions   f2e
Valuation of Alumni Services: Opportunities to connect with the NC State Alumni Network   f2f
Valuation of Alumni Services: Online directory of NC State Alumni   f2g
Other services/activites NC State Alumni Association whould provide   f3
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For more information on NC State Student Surveys contact:
Dr. Nancy Whelchel, Associate Director for Survey Research
Office of Institutional Planning and Research
Box 7002
NCSU
Phone: (919) 515-4184
Email: Nancy_Whelchel@ncsu.edu

Posted: May, 2010

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