- NC State conducted its
annual survey of sophomore students during the spring 2004 semester. Almost
60 percent (59.8%) of eligible sophomores responded. The margin of error for
the results is low (±1.1 at the 95% confidence level).
- Over 90 percent of respondents rated the intellectual environment at NC State as
strong or very strong (92.3%). A similar number said that NC State is satisfying
their goals for intellectual growth (90.0%), and rated the overall education they
were getting at NC State as good or excellent (90.1%).
- Over 90 percent of respondents reported that they plan to continue their education
at NC State; only about 15% had seriously considered leaving the University. The most
common reasons for thinking about leaving related to personal issues (e.g., emotional,
medical) or a desire for different or stronger academic programs.
- Three-fourths or more of respondents rated NC State's contribution to 35 of 36
knowledge, skills, and personal development goals as good or excellent. In general,
goals related to general education and personal development received higher ratings
than goals related to students' world view. Highest ratings went to NC State's helping
them develop their independence and self-reliance, and to realizing their potential for
success. Lower ratings were given to the extent to which NC State had advanced their
appreciation for the arts and their exercising public responsibility.
- Three-fourths of respondents gave positive ratings to the overall quality of instruction
at NC State. Sophomore students' evaluations of faculty members' contributions to
various aspects of student learning have continued to grow more positive over the years
of the survey. In the current survey, respondents gave highest ratings for faculty members
setting high expectations to learn and encouraging devoting time and energy to coursework.
- White respondents were twice as likely as African American respondents to strongly agree
that NC State is committed to helping minorities succeed (49.6% vs 21.2%), and that NC State
leadership fosters diversity on campus (31.6% vs 16.2%).
- About 50 percent of respondents said they were employed during the academic year. About
two-thirds of them were working off-campus, for an average of 17.2 hours per week, compared to an
average of 11.4 hours for those working on campus. A plurality of those employed during the
academic year say they work to pay their living expenses.
For more information on the 2004 Sophomore Student Survey contact:
Dr. Nancy Whelchel, Coordinator for Survey Research
University Planning and Analysis
Box 7002
NCSU
Phone: (919) 515-4184
Email:
Nancy_Whelchel@ncsu.edu
Posted: September, 2004
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