During Spring Quarter of 2004, a random sample of recent graduates of Western Washington University were mailed a survey asking about their current work and educational pursuits, expectations, and their experiences at Western. The survey replicated items from previous surveys conducted on a biennial basis. This report provides the distribution of their responses on each of the survey items. In all, 527 alumni responded to the survey out of 1340 for a 39% response rate. (Respondents were sent a pre-survey notification letter, followed by the survey, a reminder and a second survey if they’d not yet responded.) Respondents tended to have earned better grades at WWU (3.24 vs. 3.12 for non-responders), be Caucasian (82% versus 72% of non-responders) and be female (66% vs. 50% of non-responders)

Clark, Linda D. (Linda Darlene)

Jull, Pamela

McKinney, Gary (Gary Russell)

English

Western Washington University

Western Washington UniversityWestern CEDAROffice of Survey Research Institutes, Centers, and Offices12-1-2004Western Alumni, Class of 2003 - Spring 2004Survey FindingsPamela JullWestern Washington UniversityLinda D. (Linda Darlene) ClarkWestern Washington UniversityGary (Gary Russell) McKinneyWestern Washington UniversityFollow this and additional works at: https://cedar.wwu.edu/surveyresearch_docsPart of the Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research CommonsThis Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Institutes, Centers, and Offices at Western CEDAR. It has been accepted for inclusion inOffice of Survey Research by an authorized administrator of Western CEDAR. For more information, please contact westerncedar@wwu.edu.Recommended CitationJull, Pamela; Clark, Linda D. (Linda Darlene); and McKinney, Gary (Gary Russell), "Western Alumni, Class of 2003 - Spring 2004Survey Findings" (2004). Office of Survey Research. 392.https://cedar.wwu.edu/surveyresearch_docs/392WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003SPRING 2004 SURVEY FINDINGS(REPORT 2004-02)Pamela JullLinda ClarkGary McKinneyDecember, 2004INTRODUCTIONDuring Spring Quarter of 2004, a random sample of recent graduates of Western WashingtonUniversity were mailed a survey asking about their current work and educational pursuits,expectations, and their experiences at Western. The survey replicated items from previoussurveys conducted on a biennial basis. This report provides the distribution of their responseson each of the survey items.In all, 527 alumni responded to the survey out of 1340 for a 39% response rate. (Respondentswere sent a pre-survey notification letter, followed by the survey, a reminder and a secondsurvey if they’d not yet responded.) Respondents tended to have earned better grades atWWU (3.24 vs. 3.12 for non-responders), be Caucasian (82% versus 72% of non-responders)and be female (66% vs. 50% of non-responders).WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYWWU ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003:FREQUENCIESWESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 3The numbering for the tables presented in this report are taken from the original survey form.(See Appendix A) Since not all the data in the original survey is presented here, the sequencingof numbers may skip. Researchers interested in viewing the complete, raw data may contactthe Office of Institutional Assessment, Research, and Testing.1. Are you currently attending school or waiting to attend school?Frequency PercentYes 146 27.7%No 381 72.3%Total 527 100%2. Are you planning to become a full-time student in the near future?Frequency PercentYes 66 19.6%No 271 80.4%Total 337 100%3. Which of the following best describes you at this time?Frequency PercentCurrently employed for pay or self employed 428 82.0%Unemployed and looking for work 46 8.8%Not employed and not looking for work 48 9.2%Total 522 100%Frequency 427Mean 39.25. How many hours a week do you normally work?Frequency PercentYes 423 84.1%No 80 15.9%Total 503 100%6. In the next ten years, do you plan to continue your education any further?WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 4Frequency PercentAnother bachelors degree 9 2.1%A certification program 63 14.8%A masters degree 278 65.1%Beyond masters (PhD, MD, etc.) 77 18.0%Total 427 100%7. What is the highest level of education you plan to attain in the next 10 years?N Mean8. In a typical month, how many hours do you spend volunteering in your community? 506 5.499a. On an average day, how many hours do you spend using a computer at work?433 3.539b. On an average day, how many hours do you spend using a computer at home? 425 1.7710. Do you have Internet access from home?Frequency PercentYes 446 84.6%No 81 15.4%Total 527 100%Frequency PercentVery well 102 20.0%Moderately 200 39.1%Somewhat 168 33%Not at all 41 8.0%Total 511 100%11. How well has your education at Western prepared you for working with computers?WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 512. Now please rate yourself, as accurately as possible, on each of the qualities below. •  First, rate yourself at the time when you initially entered Western.•  Second, rate yourself now.  For each rating, please use a 0-10 scale, where 0 means very little knowledge or ability  in that area, 10 means full mastery , and 5 means average mastery for someone of your age and experience.NOTE: for each of these qualities the score represents the mean.Initially entered WesternAt the time of the SurveyWriting effectively (N=527) 5.98 8.01Speaking effectively (N=527) 5.74 7.76Critically analyzing written information (N=525) 5.63 7.95Defining and solving problems (N=524) 6.17 7.99Working and/or learning independently (N=527) 6.91 8.47Working cooperatively in a group (N=527) 6.83 8.23Understanding and applying scientific principles and methods (N=526) 5.33 7.06Understanding and applying quantitative principles and methods (N=518) 5.31 6.93Understanding and appreciating differing philosophies and cultures (N=527) 6.20 8.33Understanding the interaction of society and the environment (N=524) 5.83 8.04Working effectively with technology, especially computers (N+526) 5.91 7.86Using management or leadership capabilities (N=526) 5.92 7.75Understanding organizations and how people behave in them (N=521) 5.54 7.62Using a broad range of knowledge, ideas, and perspectives gained from outside your major field (N=524) - 7.59Using the knowledge, ideas and perspectives gained from your major field (N=523) - 8.07WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 6Availability of coursesFrequency PercentVery 77 16.1%Mostly 241 50.4%Somewhat 132 27.6%Not at all 28 5.9%Total 478 100%Quality of instructionVery 110 23.0%Mostly 268 55.9%Somewhat 95 19.8%Not at all 6 1.3%Total 479 100%How well you were challenged to do your very bestVery 125 26.1%Mostly 235 49.1%Somewhat 107 22.3%Not at all 12 2.5%Total 479 100%How well you learned problem solving & critical thinkingVery 112 23.6%Mostly 235 49.5%Somewhat 117 24.6%Not at all 11 2.3%Total 475 100%Departmental and/or faculty advising concerning coursesVery 109 23.4%Mostly 129 27.7%Somewhat 145 31.1%Not at all 83 17.8%Total 466 100%Very 103 21.8%Mostly 150 31.7%Somewhat 144 30.4%Not at all 76 16.1%Total 473 100%How well the department facilitated students’ progress through the major14. How satisfied are you with the following aspects of your major at Western?WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 7Frequency PercentDefinitely yes 272 54%Probably would 192 38%Probably not 30 6%Definitely not 10 0%Total 504 100%18. If you could make your college choice over, would you still choose to enroll at WWU?Frequency Percent Frequency PercentVery 77 15.2% Very 359 73.3%Mostly 339 67.0% Mostly 95 19.4%Somewhat 82 16.2% Somewhat 30 6.1%Not at all 8 1.6% Not at all 6 1.2%Total 506 100% Total 490 100%Frequency Percent Frequency PercentVery 116 22.1% Very 85 17.1%Mostly 327 62.4% Mostly 166 33.3%Somewhat 77 14.7% Somewhat 188 37.8%Not at all 4 0.8% Not at all 59 11.8%Total 524 100% Total 498 100.0%Frequency Percent Frequency PercentVery 53 10.6% Very 163 31.2%Mostly 134 26.9% Mostly 305 58.3%Somewhat 196 39.4% Somewhat 50 9.6%Not at all 115 23.1% Not at all 5 1.0%Total 498 100% Total 523 100%Frequency PercentVery 31 6.9%Mostly 97 21.6%Somewhat 191 42.4%Not at all 131 29.1%Total 450 100%17. Overall, how satisfied are you with the following?The amount of ethnic and cultural diversity in the student bodyWestern Washington University, in totalProfessors at WesternAcademic advising at WesternCareer and employment advising at WesternWestern and Bellingham as a place to liveUndergraduate courses at WesternWESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 8What type of work do you do?Arts related 17 Business related (cont.)Graphic design 4 Mortgages 1Reporter/Journalist 2 Permit Manager/Corporate Officer 1Art gallery 1 Project Coordinator 1Artist 1 Purchasing, scheduling, and sales 1Broadcasting 1 Real estate 1Choreographer 1 Service coordinator 1Creative writer (video games) 1 Supervisor 1Fashion design 1 Tourism industry 1Museum professional 1 ManagementPhotographer/photo processor 1 Management 3Print production 1 Manager 2Product/web design 1 Manager (retail) 1Theatre 1 Office workBusiness related 181 Administrative assistant 9Finance Secretarial or clerical 9Finance 2 Administrative 4Financial advisor 2 Office assistant 4General Legal Assistant 3Accountant/Auditor 13 Receptionist 3Customer service 7 Office manager 2Marketing 7 Planning Analyst 1Insurance 5 Production assistant 1Bank teller 3 Restaurant and/or hotel industryBanking 3 Waiting tables 14Business owner 3 Barista 5Paralegal 3 Manager 3Account manager 2 Bartender 1Property management 2 Cook 1Public relations/marketing 2 Guest service assistant 1Account executive 1 Hospitality 1Actuary assistant 1 Retail and/or SalesActuary: insurance 1 Sales 15Analyst at SAIC 1 Retail 10Assistant buyer 1 Retail store manager 5Associate planner 1 Internet-sales 1Consulting 1 Pharmaceutical sales rep 1Contract representative 1 Sales & operations coordinator 1Contracts manager 1 Sales administration 1Credit Manager 1 Sales support 1Event coordinator 1 Sales/fundraising 1Executive assistant 1Intern 1Inventory control manager 1Investments 1WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 9What type of work do you do? (cont.)Computer related 16 Engineering 6Computer tech 3 Engineer 2IT 2 Design Engineer 1Software engineer 2 Engineering technician 1Computer Programmer 1 Industrial design 1Computer systems analyst 1 Test engineer 1Computer systems architect 1 Government 3Electronic communication specialist 1 County program coordinator 1Software development 1 Social insurance specialist 1System operator 1 Social security representative 1Systems trainer 1 Graduate school related 5Tech support 1 Grad school RA 1Technician 1 Grad school TA 1Church related 6 Graduate assistant 1Youth Pastor 2 Graduate student 1Missionary 2 Student 1Church worker 1 Health industry 14Campus ministry 1 Caregiver 3Education 85 Physical therapy technician 2School administration Nursing assistant 2Admissions advisor 1 Physical therapist aide 1Assistant for testing center 1 Pharmacy intern 1Teaching Medical transcriptionist 1Teacher 43 Infant care 1Teacher assistant 12 Counseling assistant 1Substitute teacher 10 Certified nurse assistant 1Preschool/headstart teacher 3 Adult day health assistant 1Special education teacher 3 HR and/or social work 20Tutor 2 Social work 7Community health educator 1 Human resources/services 6Health educator 1 AmeriCorps 3Naturalist/teacher 1 Human Resource Management 2Para-educator 1 Family services advocate 1Reading tutor (para-professional) 1 Social work - program manager 1Teacher/ Youth Care Worker 1Teacher: Americorps 1Teacher: Peace Corps 1Teaching and Research Assistant 1Teaching and Sales (2 jobs) 1WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 10What type of work do you do? (cont.)Law-enforcement related 5 Other 9Detention manager 1 Conservation 1Immigration officer 1 Environmental restoration 1Law enforcement 1 Environmental service 1Security Assistant 1 Non-profit 1Security Overseas 1 Residence hall director 1Technology 12 Self employed 1Chemist 2 Teen advocate 1Research assistant 2 Volunteer coordinator 1Environmental technician 1 Work on campus 1Genetics lab technician 1 Unskilled 5Geology/engineer assistant 1 Bike messenger 1Labratory analyst 1 Cashier 1Quality control lab technician 1 Checker 1Quality Engineer 1 Produce clerk 1Researcher 1 Warehouse shipper 1Veterinary technician 1Trades 20Maintenance 3Automotive technician 2Bus driver 2Baker 1Bike messenger 1Commercial Fishing 1Finish carpenter 1Fuel supervisor 1General contractor 1Handyman 1Insulation technologist 1Junior landscape architect 1Nanny 1Plant nursery staff 1Plumber 1Yard clean up 1TOTAL 404WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYAPPENDIX A:ALUMNI SURVEY FORMWESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 12First, we would like to ask some questions about your current activities.      1.  Are you currently attending school or waiting to attend school?   Yes    skip to 3   No 2.  Are you planning to become a full-time student in the near future?   Yes   No  3. Which of the following best describes you at this time?    I am currently employed for pay or self employed.      I am unemployed and looking for work.     skip to 6    I am not employed and not looking for work at this time.    skip to 6   4. What type of work do you do?    (e.g. accountant, teacher)            ____________________________________ 5. How many hours a week do you normally work?       _______HOURS/ WEEK                6. In the next ten years, do you plan to continue your education any further?  Yes   No    skip to 8 7. What is the highest level of education you plan to attain in the next 10 years? (choose one)    Another bachelors degree    a certification program     a masters degree    or any degree beyond a masters such as a PhD, MD or JD   8.  In a typical month, how many hours do you spend volunteering in your community, if at all?    _______HOURS/ month               On an average day, approximately how many hours, if any, do you spend using a computer…  9a.  At work?    _______ hours (please use zero for none and decimals to indicate partial hours – e.g. 2.5 etc.)     9b.  At home?   _______ hours 10. Do you have Internet access from home?   Yes   No  11.   How well would you say your education at Western prepared you for working with computers?    Very well   Moderately well   Somewhat well   Not at all well   Don’t know  WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 132 12. Now please rate yourself, as accurately as possible, on each of the qualities below.    •  First, rate yourself at the time when you initially entered Western (scale at left).    •  Second, rate yourself now (scale at right).    For each rating, please use a 0-10 scale, where 0 means very little knowledge or ability in that area,   10 means full mastery, and 5 means average mastery for someone of your age and experience.     When you entered Western      Now  0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  a. Writing effectively. 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10 b. Speaking effectively 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10     0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10 c. Critically analyzing written information  0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10 d. Defining and solving problems 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10 e. Working and/or learning independently 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10 f. Working cooperatively in a group 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   g. Understanding and applying scientific 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  principles and methods 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   h. Understanding and applying 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   quantitative principles /methods 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   i. Understanding and appreciating 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  differing philosophies/cultures 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   j. Understanding the interaction of 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  society and the environment 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   k. Working effectively with technology, 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  especially computers 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   l. Using management/leadership 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10  capabilities 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10 m. Understanding organizations and 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10    how people behave in them    Currently, how would you rate yourself…      a. Using a broad range of knowledge,       ideas, and perspectives gained from 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   outside your major field          o. Using the knowledge, ideas and     perspectives gained from your major 0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   field      WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 143 Now we have some questions about your experiences at Western.  13. Did you have more than one major at Western?   Yes   skip to 15        No    14. How satisfied are you with the following aspects of your major at Western:        Not Don’t     Not    Very Mostly  Somewhat at all Know Applicable   a. The availability of courses              b. The quality of instruction              c. How well you were challenged to do          your very best              d. How well you learned problem solving          and critical thinking              e. Departmental/faculty advising          concerning courses              f. How well the department facilitated          students’ progress through the major              Skip to 17  For Students with Multiple Majors: 15a. What was your first major?  (first major):         15b. What was your second major?   (second major):         16a. How satisfied are you with the following aspects of your first major at Western:        Not Don’t     Not    Very Mostly  Somewhat at all Know Applicable   a. The availability of courses              b. The quality of instruction              c. How well you were challenged to do          your very best              d. How well you learned problem solving          and critical thinking              e. Departmental/faculty advising          concerning courses              f. How well the department facilitated          students’ progress through the major              WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 154 16b.  How satisfied are you with the following aspects of your second major at Western:        Not Don’t     Not    Very Mostly  Somewhat at all Know Applicable   a. The availability of courses              b. The quality of instruction              c. How well you were challenged to do          your very best              d. How well you learned problem solving          and critical thinking              e. Departmental/faculty advising          concerning courses              f. How well the department facilitated          students’ progress through the major               17. Overall, how satisfied are you with . . . .                    Some-        Not      Don’t Know/      Very       Mostly          What         At all   Not Applicable  a. Undergraduate courses at Western            b. Professors at Western            c. Academic advising at Western            d. Career and employment advising at Western            e. Western/Bellingham as a place to live            f. The amount of ethnic and cultural diversity            in the student body            g. Western Washington University, in total            18.  If you could make your college choice over, would you still choose to enroll at WWU?      Definitely yes    Probably would    Probably not    Definitely not    Don’t know  WESTERN ALUMNI, CLASS OF 2003 - SPRING 2004 SURVEYPAGE 165 Please add any additional comments here:              Thank you for your participation!    To return your questionnaire,  please use the postage-paid envelope provided, or send to:  Office of Survey Research Western Washington University Bellingham, WA 98225-9081  Questions?  Contact Dr. Pamela Jull, Director at (360) 650-3618 or Pamela.Jull@wwu.edu    Mailing Sequence Number:     (This number is essential to prevent repeated mailings after your survey has been returned.  It will not compromise the confidentiality of your questionnaire.) 

Western Alumni, Class of 2003 - Spring 2004 Survey Findings

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Western Alumni, Class of 2003 - Spring 2004 Survey Findings

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