Constituent Survey: New Student Admissions and Orientation ... · PDF fileConstituent Survey:...

Offices of Academic and Student Affairs

New Student Survey – Spring 2014

CONSTITUENT SURVEY:

NEW STUDENT

ADMISSIONS AND ORIENTATION

SPRING 2014

The University of Texas School of Public Health conducts a Constituent Survey

that collects feedback from students at various stages of the educational

experience, including recruitment/admissions, actively enrolled students, recently

graduated, and alumni. This New Student Survey represents one component of

the continuous and ongoing evaluation and assessment cycle utilized by UTSPH

to improve and enhance the education, research and practice experiences

provided.

Constituent Survey: New Student Admissions and Orientation

Table of Contents

PAGE

Executive Summary .................................................................................................... 1 Sample and Methodology............................................................................................. 1 Results ............................................................................................................................ 1

Demographics and Degree Information ....................................................... 1 Recruitment......................................................................................................... 2

Application Process…………………………………………………………………. 2 Orientation........................................................................................................... 3

Recommendations ........................................................................................................ 4

Appendix

2014 School of Public Health New Student Survey Data ................................... 5


University of Texas School of Public Health 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In an ongoing effort to collect and analyze the perceptions and experiences of new students during the recruitment, application and admissions process; as well as, to determine the

new student perspective of the Orientation process, UTSPH conducts the New Student –

Admissions and Orientation Survey Component of the Constituent Survey each Fall and

Spring term. The data is then summarized, reviewed and discussed by teams representing The Offices of Academic and Student Affairs in order to make adjustments and

modifications that will result in an improved admissions process for prospective students,

and thus, provide adequate preparation for students entering a new degree program and/or

graduate school for the first time.

Sample and Methodology

The 2014 UTSPH New Student Survey was implemented via Qualtrics®, a web-based on-line survey system. New students entering Spring 2014 were sent an e-mail with the link

embedded. The first e-mail was sent to new students on January 9, 2014. Three reminder

e-mails were sent with the final reminder sent January 27, 2014. The opportunity to win 1

of 2 gift cards at $25 was offered as an incentive to complete the survey. Reminders were only sent to those new students who had not responded to the survey in the previous period.

The survey was officially closed on February 18, 2014 with access to the link no longer

publicly available.

UTSPH had a total of 62 new students entering all campuses in the Spring of 2014 with 59

attending Orientation. The Spring entering class is typically smaller than the Fall term,

which had 298 new students entering. A total of 42 surveys were started in Qualtrics®. Of

those, 40 were completed. The response rate to the 2014 new student survey was 71%, an increase compared to the response rate in the Fall of 2013 which was 62%.

Survey Instrument The survey instrument for new students is composed of demographic and program

questions and includes sections for open-ended comments. After an initial implementation

in the Fall of 2013, questions were revised to accurately represent student interest and

break-out session attendance. A copy of the data report with de-identified comments can be found in the Appendix. All results remain anonymous.

Results

Demographics and Degree Information A total of 42 surveys were started in Qualtrics® with 40 completed via the web-based

survey instrument. Eighty-three percent of new students that responded were female,

and 76% were U.S. Citizens. The majority of the students entering in the Spring of 2014 are between the ages of 21-30 (76%), 17% are between the ages of 31-40 and 7% are over

the age of 41. The data reveals a trend that has been consistent over the previous two

terms, with our new student population being much younger than in previous years. Of the 42 that responded to the enrollment question, 62% reported being enrolled full-time.

The majority of respondents were starting an MPH program (90%), followed by the PhD

program (5%), and 5% were dual degree students (MD/MPH and MGPS/MPH). The low number of doctoral students is explained by the policy that doctoral students are only

allowed to apply for Fall admission. However, if a doctoral applicant is a recent UTSPH



Master’s graduate, that student is allowed to continue into a doctoral program with a

Spring admission status. Epidemiology had the most new students in the discipline at 40% of respondents, followed by Health Promotion and Behavioral Science (33%),

Management, Policy and Community Health (14%), Environmental and Occupational

Health (7%) and Biostatistics at 5% of new students.

Of the 42 respondents, 71% reported that they would be working while enrolled at

UTSPH, with the majority (53%) working between 30-40 hours per week. A significant

number of new students (23%) reported that they would be working between 20-30 hours

per week.

Recruitment

Annually, UTSPH implements a recruitment strategy primarily focused on the

recruitment of students in Texas. UTSPH regional campuses (Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, El Paso and San Antonio) play a large role in attending and participating in

activities and events in their surrounding areas, while the main campus targets

universities in the Houston area.

When asked how the new Spring 2014 entering class heard about UTSPH, 60% reported

learning about the school via the website. Other responses included UTSPH Alumni

(14%), referral from a UTSPH student (12%) or faculty (2%), the ASPPH website (5%) and a recruitment fair (2%). Fourteen percent listed various sources in the “other” category:

including a referral from a co-worker and a google search with one student noting “looking

up grad schools and their reputation.”

Thirty-seven of the 42 respondents attended an Open House event at UTSPH and agreed

it was about the same or better than others they have attended. When asked what were

the most important reasons for applying to and accepting admission to UTSPH, new

students listed the following as the top three most important: 1) location, 2) academic reputation, and 3) cost of the education at UTSPH. Other top reasons included: the

availability of the program of study and that UTSPH was an in-state graduate school.

Of the 42 respondents, 86% had some previous contact with UTSPH representatives via e-

mail, phone, appointment, graduate school fairs, or at an Open House event. In fact 36%

reporting contacting staff between four and six times, and 26% reported having met or

spoken to staff ten or more times. Only one student reported having no contact with the school in any form. This issue was noted in previous survey comments, and therefore, it is

worth noting that much has been done by The Office of Student Affairs to increase

communication with prospective students and applicants.

With regard to social media, only 29% reported using social media to gather information

on UTSPH, and of those, 100% found Facebook most helpful. Of special note, 95% of new

students reported that recruitment materials and staff accurately portrayed UTSPH and

95% reported that admissions officers were knowledgeable and able to answer their questions. This was a 25% increase as noted by students in the Fall of 2013.

Application Process All prospective degree seeking students who apply to UTSPH must do so through the

(SOPHAS). Of the 35 students who applied through www.sophas.org, 80% agreed that the

process was user-friendly.

http://www.sophas.org/



Orientation

Each Fall and Spring term, a one-day orientation schedule is developed that includes an overall introduction to graduate school; a discussion of academic expectations for

students; information on the School’s academic integrity policy and Honor Code; an

afternoon session with the division that offers the major; an opportunity to meet a faculty

and/or staff advisor; a session on UTSPH student services, international services, auxiliary services, library services and student organizations; and time to register for

courses with the assistance of students and staff.

In the Spring of 2014, 41 of the 62 of new students reported attending Orientation. Of the 41 respondents to the Orientation section of the survey, 90% (37) of new students were

satisfied with the overall UTSPH New Student Orientation. With regard to sessions

throughout the day and only attendees responding, 93% were satisfied with the session on

degree and major requirements; 95% were satisfied with the UTSPH student services information; 92% were satisfied with the student organizations information; 56% were

satisfied with the University’s Auxiliary Services Expo; and 95% were satisfied with the

introduction to library services.

Comments were provided for each session and can be found in the data results in the

Appendix. Of note in the comments, were several students reporting further clarification

for new students who are currently employed, “working professionals” and the need to request specific time off of work in advance to attend (i.e., one day, two days or possibly an

after-hours session).

Other comments that were repeated throughout the survey were 1) not having the same Orientation presentation at the regional campuses, 2) not having enough time with

faculty to learn about the work at the school, and 3) not receiving information about

registration and courses at least one week prior to Orientation.

In addition, one student noted “Hearing more from professors would have been nice. Getting

assigned an advisor earlier would have been nice. I'm not sure what the next steps are, i.e.,

when am I supposed to contact the advisor, when should I do the practicum, how about a thesis, etc.”

Overall the following were reported as most and least useful sessions during the

Orientation process: Most useful Least useful

Division break-out sessions Student Organizations

Time with faculty Student Auxiliary Services Expo

Degree Requirements

Concentrations

Several students noted that the session on academic integrity/ethics was not useful. In

particular, one student stated “Ethics, solely because I feel that everyone already knows or

should know this. For those of questionable character I am not sure having a 10 minute

talk on ethics will make a difference.” Another student said, “I thought the academic integrity section was a waste of time. This is graduate school; if people don’t know what

plagiarism is they should not be in grad school.”



Comments for each item of the Orientation Agenda are included in detail in the Appendix

and have not been edited. Only the names of staff and faculty have been removed.

Recommendations

The workgroup, comprised of representatives from the Offices of Academic Affairs, Alumni

Affairs, Student Affairs, and Career Services reconvened on April 2, 2014 to review and discuss the results of the new student survey and have made the following

recommendations, as well as addressed issues in the Spring 2014:

RECOMMENDATIONS CHANGES, PLAN AND ACTIVITIES

BASED ON NEW STUDENT FEEDBACK

Make the Orientation schedule

available to incoming students well in advance of the date.

For the Fall 2014 new student

orientation, The Office of Student Affairs will work to post the Fall

Orientation schedule early in June

2014; send a save the date e-mail to all accepted students; coordinate a new

event to support new students: “Newly

Admitted Students Day, April 2014”

and send follow-up e-mails through August 2014.

Encourage students and faculty to contact each other as soon as

admissions letters are received.

The division coordinators plan to send targeted e-mails to newly accepted

students in division majors with the

contact information of faculty, as well as follow-up e-mails to students

encouraging them to contact faculty

members and advisors in their

assigned division.

Emphasize the importance of the

academic integrity /ethics session during orientation.

The Office of Academic and Student

Affairs have added a lengthy session in the program on plagiarism and

emphasize the consequences of

academic integrity violations. In addition, faculty will begin adding an

academic integrity statement to all

syllabi.

Include more information in the

Orientation about the public health

priorities of the school and the work conducted by faculty.

The Office of Student Affairs will begin

to communicate school-wide priorities

on a weekly basis in a newsletter format, in addition to including new

academic policies and procedures, as

well as the work of the faculty. Division coordinators will add faculty research

interests to the division orientation

packets to give students an idea of

where the faculty are focused and what opportunities are available to students

to participate.



APPENDIX

Initial Data Report – New Student Survey – Admissions and Orientation Spring 2014

DEMOGRAPHICS

1. Division:

# Answer

Response % 1 Biostatistics

2 5%

2

Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

3 7%

3 Epidemiology and Disease Control

17 40%

4

Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences

14 33%

5

Management Policy and Community Health

6 14%

Total 42 100%

2. Degree/Program:

# Answer

Response % 1 MPH

38 90% 2 MS

0 0% 3 DrPH

0 0% 4 PhD

2 5%

5 Click to write Choice 5

2 5%

Total 42 100%

Click to write Choice 5 MGPS/MPH MD/MPH

3. Gender:

# Answer

Response % 1 Male

7 17% 2 Female

35 83% Total 42 100%

4. Are you an international student?

# Answer

Response % 1 Yes

10 24% 2 No

32 76%

Total 42 100%

5. Age:

# Answer

Response % 1 21-30

32 76% 2 31-40

7 17% 3 41+

3 7%

Total 42 100%

RECRUITMENT

6. How did you first learn about UTSPH?

# Answer

Response %

1 UTSPH website

25 60%

2 ASPH website

2 5% 3 APHA meeting

0 0%

4 Other Professional Meeting

0 0%

5 Recruitment Fair

1 2%

6

National Society of Genetic Counselors

0 0%

7 Referral from UTSPH Faculty

1 2%

8 Referral from UTSPH Student

5 12%

9 Referral from UTSPH Alumni

6 14%

10 Other ?

6 14% Other ? coworker Friend Referral from father's coworker looked up grad schools and their reputation google search Statistic Value Total Responses 42

7. Did you attend an Open House at UTSPH?

# Answer

Response % 1 Yes

5 12% 2 No

37 88%

Total 42 100%

8. If attended, how did the UTSPH Open House compare to others you have attended?

# Answer

Response %

1 Better than others

3 60%

2 About the same as others

0 0%

3 Worse than others

0 0%

4 Not sure

2 40% Total 5 100%

Statistic Value Total Responses 5

9. What were the most important reasons you applied for and accepted admission to UTSPH

(check all that apply)?

# Answer

Response % 1 Academic reputation

30 71%

2 Ranking in national magazines

15 36%

3 Availability of your program of study

28 67%

4 Size of school

3 7% 5 In-State School

22 52% 6 Location of school

33 79%

7 UTSPH was my back-up school

2 5%

8 Visit to school

2 5%

9 Cost of education at UTSPH

30 71%

10 Financial aid

4 10%

11 Diversity of student body

9 21%

12 Diversity of faculty

5 12%

13 Diversity of curriculum

2 5%

14 Encouraged by a family member or friend

12 29%

15 Encouraged by a currently enrolled student

4 10%

16 Encouraged by an alumnus

2 5%

17 Encouraged by a staff or administrator

3 7%


10. What were the top three reasons from the list above?

# Answer

Response % 1 Reason 1

38 100% 2 Reason 2

38 100% 3 Reason 3

36 95% Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3 Location of school academic reputation cost of education Encouraged by a family member

Location of school In-state school

location of school academic program cost of education size of school ranking in national magazines Academic Reputation Ranking Availability of program

ACademic reputation Cost of education Availability of my program study

Location of school Cost of education at UTSPH Academic Reputation cost ranking but not anymore diversity in-state school Location of School Cost of Education at UTSPH in-state cost location location of school cost of education academic reputation Academic reputation Cost Location Location Diversity of curricul Advice from faculty location of school encouragement from a friend cost of education Academic reputation ranking in national magzine location Availability Location Cost Academic Reputation Availability Location Location Academic Reputation Availability of my program Cost of education academic reputation

Location Availability of program of study

Academic Reputation / Ranking in U.S. News and World Reports

Location of school Encouraged by a family member or friend

Academic reputation

Location Dual Option Cost Program Cost Reccomendation

academic reputation availability of program to study

encouraged by a current student

Location Reputation In State

Back up school availability of program of study

location

Academic reputation cost of education location of school In State Reputation Diversity Visit to school Academic reputation Encouraged by an alumnus Availability of program of study

Location of School Cost of education at UTSPH

cost reputation ranking Location Instate Encouraged by friend Academic Reputation Ranking in magazines Diversity of faculty Academic Reputation Location of School Availability of Program Encouraged by a family member

Location of school program

academic reputation encouraged by a staff encouraged by a family member

Location Cost In state school

I was encouraged by a family member

Location of the school Cost of tuition


11. Did offering an opportunity to elect a Concentration in Global Health, Health Disparities,

Leadership, Maternal and Child Health, or Physical Activity and Health influence your decision

to accept UTSPH's offer admission?

# Answer

Response % 1 Yes

14 33% 2 No

28 67% Total 42 100%

12. If yes, please describe how/why?

Text Response Other schools I looked at did not have as many options in subareas It allowed me to branch out and find an area of interest. I believe it will also stand out with employers when they see its not just a general MPH degree. Giving presentation to introduce these concentration I'm very interested in health disparities. It is a unique opportunity to be able to be offered a concentration in addition to the mph in order to expand my area of research. An MPH can be very braod, I am still not completly sure what I wish to do with it but having the ability to focus on something with a guided curriculum was helpful to me. I am a dual-degree student with Global Policy and am interested in Global Health. The availability allows me to focus on international issues within public health. I was really excited to be able to narrow down my studies into something I was very interested in. I have an interest in Global health. Since I am interested in Behavioral Health and maternal and Child, its nice to see that there is that opprotunity to create a customized masters degree. Statistic Value Total Responses 9

13. Please check the occasion on which you met or spoke directly with a representative of

UTSPH?

# Answer

Response % 1 No contact

6 14% 2 Open house

5 12%

3 Graduate school fair

4 10%

4 Phone calls

22 52%

5 Other (please describe)

1 2%

6 E-mail

28 67%

7 Set-up Campus visit

6 14%

Other (please describe) In person Statistic Value Total Responses 42

14. Overall, how many times have you met or corresponded by e-mail with a representative of

UTSPH?

# Answer

Response % 1 None

1 2% 2 1

2 5% 3 2

5 12% 4 3

4 10% 5 4-6

15 36% 6 7-9

4 10% 7 10 or more

11 26%

Total 42 100%

15. If you indicated that UTSPH contact with you was none or 1-3 times, what type of

additional communication would have been most helpful (check all that apply)?

# Answer

Response %

1 E-mail regarding University life

0 0%

2 Regular Mail regarding University life

1 8%

3

Confirmation or follow-up from an Admissions Officer

6 50%

4 Contact with students

4 33%

5 Contact with faculty from program/division

9 75%

6 Other (please describe)

0 0%


Comments

Text Response Actually, I found most information by combing through the UTSPH website while awaiting receipt of information from Admissions. I thought that every student had the option to do what concentration they wanted, and it wasn't until I was sitting in orientation that I was told MD students are limited to the global health or infectious disease tracts. This really disappointed me. It is misleading that a courses/degree programs are only offered in Houston. Statistic Value Total Responses 3

16. Did you use social media to gather information about UTSPH?

# Answer

Response % 1 Yes

12 29% 2 No

30 71% Total 42 100%

17. If so, which were most helpful?

# Answer

Response % 1 Linkedin

0 0% 2 Facebook

12 100% 3 Twitter

0 0% Statistic Value Total Responses 12

ADMISSIONS

18. To what other graduate schools did you apply (List top five)?

# Answer

Response % 1 School 1

18 100% 2 School 2

10 56% 3 School 3

3 17% 4 School 4

0 0% 5 School 5

0 0% School 1 School 2 School 3 School 4 School 5 TAMU SRPH University of Houston Texas A&M HSC John Hopkins Georgia State UH

Texas A & M University of Southern Califrornia

University of Washington Boston Univ UTMB BCM Texas A&M UNTHSC Harvard Johns Hopkins U Mass UT HSC Houston UNT HSC UNM GSBS

Boston School of public health

Tulane school of public health

Alabama school of public health

University of North Texas St. Louis University Tulane UTSA Texas A&M HSC

Tulane University of North Texas


19. Compared to other schools to which you applied, especially the school that was your

SECOND CHOICE, did you receive your UTSPH admission offer/acceptance letter….

# Answer

Response %

1 Well BEFORE the other schools?

6 16%

2 A LITTLE BEFORE the other schools?

3 8%

3

About the same time as the other schools?

0 0%

4 A LITTLE AFTER the other schools?

4 11%

5 Well AFTER the other schools?

5 13%

6 Not sure/Not applicable

20 53%

Total 38 100%

20. The SOPHAS application process was user friendly

# Question Strongly Disagree

Disagree No

Opinion Agree

Strongly Agree

Total Responses

Mean

1 SOPHAS application process

2 5 7 26 2 42 3.50

Statistic SOPHAS application process Total Responses 42

21. Are you enrolled at UTSPH…

# Answer

Response % 1 Full-time?

26 62% 2 Part-time?

16 38%

Total 42 100%

22. If you are enrolled part-time, is this your preference?

# Answer

Response %

1 Yes, I want to attend part-time.

6 38%

2

No, given other conditions or circumstances, I would have preferred to attend full-time

10 63%

Total 16 100%

23. If you answered “No” to the previous questions, which of the following circumstances

may keep you from enrolling full- time (check all that apply)?

# Answer

Response % 1 Financial reasons

5 50%

2 Family responsibilities (including child care)

1 10%

3 Job responsibilities/schedule

9 90%

4 Health or personal problems

0 0%

5 Availability of evening or distance courses at UTSPH

3 30%

6 Transportation

0 0% 7 Other (Please describe)

1 10% Other (Please describe) I did not find the courses being offered this semester in alignment to my long term goals Statistic Value Total Responses 10

24. Will you be working while enrolled at UTSPH?

# Answer

Response % 1 Yes

30 71% 2 No

12 29%

Total 42 100%

25. If so, how many hours per week do you expect to work?

# Answer

Response % 1 5-10

1 3% 2 10-20

6 20% 3 20-30

7 23% 4 30-40

16 53%

Total 30 100%

26. (Optional) When do you prefer to attend classes (Please rank your choices from 1 to 5

with 1 being your first preference)?

# Answer 1 2 3 4 5 Total

Responses 1 Morning 20 6 3 4 8 41 2 Afternoon 6 11 9 11 4 41 3 Evening 9 10 9 10 3 41 4 Saturday 3 1 10 7 20 41 5 Online 3 13 10 9 6 41 Total 41 41 41 41 41 -

27. The admissions materials provided to me accurately portrayed UTSPH

Question Strongly Disagree

Disagree Not

Applicable Agree

Strongly Agree

Total Responses

Mean

Admissions materials

0 2 2 27 10 41 4.10

28. The admissions staff accurately portrayed UTSPH


Disagree Agree Strongly Agree

Total Responses

Mean

The admissions staff accurately portrayed UTSPH

0 2 27 12 41 4.20

29. The admissions officers at UTSPH are knowledgeable



Total Responses

Mean

The admissions officers at UTSPH are knowledgeable

1 1 21 18 41 4.32

30. The admissions officers at UTSPH were able to answer my questions



Total Responses

Mean

The Student Affairs Office at UTSPH were able to answer my questions

0 3 22 16 41 4.24

Comments

Text Response My advisors has no experience working with my degree plan and further could not advise me on degree planning. I was told that on-campus classes (including ITV) would be offered in blocks per week instead of split into multiple days per week. For example, a 4-hour class would be provided on 1 day/week in a 4-hr block. This is not the case for any classes that I've seen so far. This "fact" was a big reason for my choice of UTSPH given that I work full-time and had to ask my employer for flexibility in scheduling to incorporate this degree. Now, I appear as a liar and fool to my employer since this is NOT the case. It is entirely frustrating, and I've already turned down my other admission acceptance to a full web-only program. Quite honestly it took a while to receive an answer. Once I did it was by email and it took weeks before I got an official letter. Statistic Value Total Responses 3

REGISTRATION

31. How would you rate the quality of service you received during the UTSPH registration

process?

# Answer

Response % 1 Excellent

17 44% 2 Good

19 49% 3 Satisfactory

1 3% 4 Poor

2 5% Total 39 100%

32. Please indicate the amount of debt accrued in educational programs prior to your

enrollment at UTSPH?

# Answer

Response % 1 $0

21 54% 2 Under $10,000

5 13%

3 $11,000 - $25,000

4 10%

4 $26,000 - $50,000

7 18%

5 $51,000 - $75,000

1 3%

6 $76,000 - $100,000

0 0%

7 Over $100,000

1 3% Total 39 100%

ORIENTATION

33. Did you attend an UTSPH Orientation?

# Answer

Response % 1 Yes

41 98% 2 No

1 2%

Total 42 100%

34. If so, how satisfied were you with the UTSPH Orientation?

Question Very

Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied

Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

If so how satisfied were you with the UTSPH Orientation?

0 4 0 25 12 41 4.10

Comments

Text Response I was looking forward to more excitement at orientation and more of an acceptance into the UTSPH family. This was not the feeling I left with, which was extremely disappointing. Also, the material covered was mostly material I had already read through so most information was redundant. When I asked my adviser during the session about doing a concentration with Epidemiology she was not sure how the process worked. It would have bn best if the UT staff had clearly stated that only the first day of orientation was mandatory, when the second was voluntary. Also, I would have preferred if the sutdent orginizations were apart of the second day rather than the first since it seem to be a large use of time that could have been more effectivly used towards - registration, obtaining student ids, or even parking or metro q cards. It would also have been a good idea to have someone from Metro on-site at orientation to provide, accept and/or process the paperwork necessary for a student metro card. The time spent listening to orginizations could have been put to better use. It would also have been appreciated if the staff would have asked if people had food allergies or specials for those who were not able to eat the lunch provided. I cannot eat gluten and therefore could not eat the food provided. The informaton regarding computer saftey and financial aid were very useful and informative. It may have been a good idea to send each student with their oritention emails a zip file contatining all of the papers prinited out, which would have been more cost-effective and allow the students to fill out paperwork electronically, having a copy on file for them, and easier to send to advisors, staff, etc. It was a bit repetitive at times, but overall helpful. Regional campus orientaion was unorganized and the contact person was unable to answer questions ask by the students. Informaton about the writing assessment should have been given so that students can adequately prepare. Also student IDs should be available during orientation, especially since services are dependent on an ID. a) we had no student representative for my program. b) I really did not feel the comraderie from many of the faculty advisors. I, actually felt many were catty and waiting for their retirement and they could not understand why we chose this program. c)It was a downer. d) The career services counselor just basically went out of her way to make us scared of our future. I really enjoyed hearing that many of us won't have a job after we graduate. e) I also enjoyed hearing all about her. If she had shifted the attention from herself to the students that she was advising, in terms of fears and expectations that would have been awesome. f) We aren't just numbers. We are individuals that have left countries, states, familiarity to pursue a field and we will like to know that we are welcome in this field and that we bring something to the field and we are bringing something that can be molded. No, I was definitely unhappy with the orientation and I didn't want to come in for the second day but I had to because of the testing. Statistic Value Total Responses 6

35. How satisfied were you with the Orientation check in process?

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1

How satisfied were you with the Orientation check in process?

0 1 2 16 22 41 4.44

Comments:

Text Response

Very organized and too the point. Rather than having a paper version for check-in, electronic may have been better. Some people were left off the list, and edits could have been done to names. Also tshirt sizes: since most of the class entering are females and tend to wear smaller sizes, the staff could have asked during the acceptace to the program tshirt size preference. It should have been organized better (using the lean perspective I had to double back too many times and waste time walking extra steps) good to provide light breakfast Statistic Value Total Responses 4

SATISFACTION WITH THE FOLLOWING SESSIONS ON THE ORIENTATION AGENDA:

36. T-shirt Ceremony

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1 T-shirt ceremony

2 5 10 17 7 41 3.54

Comments:

Text Response Our regional campus admissions representative did not want to participate in this activity, which I found extremely disappointing. T-Shirts available were only in Large or X-Large. I myself am a small. It showed lack of preparedness. Again, most of the entering class were female and wore smaller sizes than large, extra large, or XXL. This could have been avoided by asking those who accepted and decided to attend oritention to provide their t shirt preference with their acceptance It was weird but fun. Wish I could have gotten a t-shirt in my size, I am going to end up giving away mine as I wear a small but was given an extra large. San Antonio did not have a Ceremony, and the shirt sizes were all too large. There were no smalls available. Only medium and large.... The only sizes available were large through 2X. I thought this was a bad reflection on the program, that they were not prepared and disorganized. we did not take a picture Statistic Value Total Responses 8

37. Setting the Stage for Graduate Education, Academic Integrity, etc.

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1

Setting the Stage for Graduate Education, Academic Integrity, etc…

0 1 2 24 14 41 4.24

Comments:

Text Response I enjoyed the talk given by the dean in Houston. I also quite enjoyed the woman from Toxicology. This information could have been provided in a zip file. Really enjoyed listening to the woman (I think associate dean?) who spoke on this subject. Statistic Value Total Responses 3

38. Degree/Major Requirements, etc..

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1 Degree\Major Requirements, etc.

0 3 0 27 10 40 4.10

Comments:

Text Response I am not completely sure how my degree requirements are to be applied. Good to have a clear defination of what is required in each degree/major As an overachiever this was things I had already reviewed and was not neccessary for me. We did not spend much/any time on this during the break out session. Statistic Value Total Responses 4

39. Did you attend your program/degree divisional breakout session?

# Answer

Response % 1 Yes

38 95% 2 No

2 5%

Total 40 100% 40. If so, how satisfied were you with the divisional breakout session?

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1

If so, how satisfied were you with the divisional breakout session?

3 5 2 18 11 39 3.74

Comments:

Text Response I got nothing from this breakout. Plus, at my regional campus we were sent to a room by ourselves (just the incoming students) with no one from the school to assist us with the A/V to participate successfully with the ITV session. We did ours through ITV with the Houston campus. It was difficult to hear them, and we couldn't see them for a good portion of it. Did not get a definite answer on how I can combine epidemiology with maternal/child health. I would have like it more if the staff present wore name-tags rather than badges so it would be clear to see their names, but those present were very informative. My advisor was absent due to illness, but the other staff was very helpful. There were some technical issues with ITV and the feed did not connect until halfway through the session Introductions by faculty were too rushed, I am unable to remember anyone from the session. Also the advising was geared towards full time students with no real mention of part time students. We spent the whole time doing introductions and did not really talk about the degree plan There was no information presented for the Customized program 1) Please read my comments from earlier. They really should try to be a little bit more welcoming. We aren't on judgement seats trying to proove ourselves. At least not yet (for those that will be going for the PhD). Statistic Value Total Responses 9

41. University and SPH Student Services

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1

University and SPH Student Services

1 1 1 26 12 41 4.15

Comments:

Text Response I was disappointed to learn that I would not be able to take advantage of the local UT bookstore discounts, and that I could not walk away with my UT student ID from orientation. Again, this could have been provided via zip file; or even on blackboard. Probably the most helpful as this explained who the support services were and where they were located. I am taking classes from the Dallas Regional Campus. Not surprisingly, Dallas does not seem to have much of these services due to the distance from Houston... I think, though, that future newly admitted students would really appreciate it if the services that are supposed to be available to them at UT Southwestern would be made available immediately after Orientation (or at least when classes begin). For example, I still do not have my student badge that allows me access to the UT Southwestern library. I also technically do not have parking rights (without paying $2.00 for every visit) as other students have from other health professions here at UT Southwestern. NEXT TIME, MAKE STUDENT BADGES AVAILABLE AS SOON AS CLASSES BEGIN PLEASE! Statistic Value Total Responses 4

42. Student Organizations/ Community

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1 Student Organizations/Community

1 2 3 23 12 41 4.05

Comments:

Text Response It was great to meet these folks! Some representatives were difficult to understand. Also, I felt this session would have been more helpful if optional and/or on day 2. Move to second (optional) day. This time could have been used more effective by doing student ids, registrations, etc. This part was unneccessary, I would have preferred this session be elective as I work full time, volunteer and am now taking classes part time, I will not have time to engage in these orgaizations so to me this was pointless. Statistic Value Total Responses 4

43. University and SPH Services Expo

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1

University and SPH Services Expo

0 0 18 15 8 41 3.76

Comments:

Text Response n/a Did not attend as I had done everything I needed and did not wish to engage with the organizations. Statistic Value Total Responses 2

44. Intro to Library Services (optional)

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1

Intro to Library Services (optional)

0 1 19 10 11 41 3.76

Comments:

Text Response It was a separate day from orientation. Being a full time employee it was hard for myself to take off two full days. Great. Learned how to better search for research articles. It was kind of the staff to provide treats, but those of us with special diests (gluten-free) would appreciate if there were ther options (bananas, apples, etc.) than trail bars. Great information, but seemed a bit rushed. Librarian kept to her word and has made herself available. The session was too lengthy and it would have been more helpful if the session were provided once we could access the library database. Statistic Value Total Responses 5

45. Concentrations session (optional)

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1 Concentrations session(optional)

0 2 21 14 4 41 3.49

Comments:

Text Response It was not clear at all for my case. Did not attend This was much more helpful than the divisions explaining concentrations. There was no presentation made on the concentration of my choice Statistic Value Total Responses 4

46. Overall, how do you rate the UTSPH New Student Orientation?

# Question Very


Very Satisfied

Total Responses

Mean

1

Overall, how do you rate the UTSPH New Student Orientation?

0 3 0 24 12 39 4.15

Comments:

Text Response See specific comments above. informative, but has room for improvement It was a fantastic welcoming process better more introduction with each programs, staff better introduce themselves more specifically See othe comment I enjoyed the application process and the orientation. I would have liked SPOPHAS to make my transcripts available to UT SPH rather than having to re-request these for the university. No comments Breakfast was very nice Statistic Value Total Responses 8

47. Which session(s) were the most useful to you?

Text Response The introduction to each of the professors and lunch with the professors and staff was helpful in getting to know them on a more personal level. the Concentration and Library sessions Degree requirements Financial Aid (up coming scholarships) All Division break out session was most useful The division breakout session academic and integrity The division break out. Breakout Session, Library Info Session library session Student services I enjoyed the entire orientation Registration info Concentrations, library, student services Blackboard, ethical Career Services The overall orientation that provided use with information concerning registration and coursework Lunch with Faculty Adviser. Orientation presentation by Dr. XX Discussion of UTH emails, accessing blackboard, uth page and such. Basically, online UTH specifics. program introduction The breakout session with the customized program options, discussing what options are available. Meeting the professors and hearing the Dean speak about the school, understanding the culture and environment of the school. Library Resources and the individual break-out sessions between groups. When we broke out during lunch, this is where I was told my limited options and how I needed to adjust the rest of my time here. Student organizations The session that was most helpful was our breakout sessions to our divisions NA Degree requirements Major Requirement Degree Breakout Sessions The breakout session was the most helpful because we were able to voice concerns and ask specific questions about degree plans, work issues, student organizations, research opportunities, etc. Concentration career services, break out My favorite part was hearing from various professors and their line of work. I wish we had more time with them. I thought the major division was useful. The degree requirements and degree breakout sessions course selection and track Academic requirements, individual concentration Statistic Value Total Responses 39

48. What session(s) were least useful?

Text Response Breakout of specific degree requirements. The Career Services session was least useful to me, but only because I don't require those services to the same degree as other students. The presentation itself was very good. Breakout session ITV all sections were beneficial in some form None Concentration Student organizations overview none Introduction of blackboard use T-shirt ceremony student orginizations None The orientation was very useful Library services student organizations, blackboard Class schedule Academic Honesty Concentration breakout session Student organizations and communities. Did not attend all the sessions. Cannot think of anything that was particularly not useful. staff introduction, could not remember them all, too short Learning about the Centers - it would be better if we had the chance to mingle and ask questions about the Foundations and different opportunities available. I found all of the sessions to be useful. When some girls came in to talk about things on campus. Since I am an MD student, I won't be joining anything here or being involved because I simply just don't have any extra time. break out sessions with the degree plans N/A NA Academic excellence/integrity Student Organizations N/A I found all the sessions that I attended to be useful. Career services, break out. library Ethics, solely because I feel that everyone already knows or should know this. For those of questionable character I am not sure having a 10 minute talk on ethics will make a difference. I thought the academic integrity section was a waste of time. This is a graduate school; if people don't know what plagiarism is they should not be in grad school. The community session, due to my not be located on Houston campus student activities, it was neat to hear about what they have done in the past and their future ideas or plans. But It would have been nice to see pictures or videos. N/A Statistic Value Total Responses 39

49. General comments about the UTSPH admissions and orientation process?

Text Response I left orientation feeling overall disappointed that I used a precious vacation day to "learn" information that I already knew and that I was not really part of the UTSPH family, just another number. Great job! Overall very good process. I really enjoyed getting to meet all the Austin campus faculty, and being able to chat with them during lunch I believe the orientation should not be held a week before school starts. Does not leave room to obtain permission codes from professors and delays financial aid from disbursing on time. Was well put together It is useful for a new student to know about the school and his or her program. Having a brief opportunity to meet one-on-one with an advisor or faculty member during our division breakout would have been helpful. Great The admission process was easy, the applicants only need to submit materials to SOPHAS, however, the status on myUTH updated a little bit slowly. The orientation was excellent, short but contains a lot of useful information, especially for international students who knows nothing about American education system. Overall, I am very comfortable with admissions and orientation process. Overall it was very informative. I learned what I needed to do next after orientation. please see other comments None Well organized Very organized very structured. People were very friendly. I felt very well oriented after completing it. Overall it was helpful, I wish someone would have told me the second day was recommended but optional (except the writing assessment) as I had to take PTO from work and I could have gone. I liked the schedule. I am very happy about the writing test in begining which can tell students about the requirrement of writing session. Overall very good and would highly recommened. Would open the orientation to non-degree students as well as degreed students. It went very smoothly. The process worked very well I was a certificate student prior to the orientation, and I knew a lot of the information already. However, it was EXTREMELY helpful to talk to my adviser and meet other faculty at the regional campus in San Antonio. It was very well organized, focused and relevant. I was satisfied overall. it's necessary but need to improvement on advice to student I thought it was quite lovely. I thought the orientation was extremely helpful. I learned a lot about what the university has to offer and everyone was so kind and ready to answer any questions. I definitely think it could be more organized and people be more prepared. There was a lot of time we wasted waiting on people for getting things to work. It was a bit long- a lot of time was spent reading over material I could read myself or already knew. It was informative, but I would recommend a having more days of orientation instead of 2 days because I felt like it was really crammed NA Really enjoyed meeting the staff and the other new students. It was a great way to begin as a UTSPH student! Overwhelming but much needed All have been very helpful. staff was friendly and extremely willing to help a) We want to feel that we made the right choice. b) Less grumpy - More Happy. I was quite satisfied with the admissions as well as registration process as the officers are quite prompt and helpful with queries. The only unpleasant experience I had was with the Registrar s office,

who do not communicate with the prospective and current students adequately and are not very approachable either. Hearing more from professors would have been nice. Getting assigned an advisor earlier would have been nice. I'm not sure what the next steps are, i.e., when am I supposed to contact the advisor, when should I do the practicum, how about a thesis, etc. It was too long and harped on things that were not that important. Very informative Everything went smoothly I could tell the staff really worked hard on making it an enjoyable and organized experience. Overall, it was well organized and very informative. Everyone was very polite and I had a great time meeting both students and faculty alike. Statistic Value Total Responses 39

Constituent Survey: New Student Admissions and Orientation ... · PDF fileConstituent Survey:...

Documents

Transcript of Constituent Survey: New Student Admissions and Orientation ... · PDF fileConstituent Survey:...