1999 Alumni Survey
Introduction
In Spring 1999, the Offices of Assessment and Institutional Research surveyed 783 alumni who received bachelor's degrees in December 1995, May 1996 and August 1996. 33% of the surveys were returned. As you review the results that follow, note the striking similarity to the Graduating Senior Survey data.
Highlights
- 89% "agree" or "strongly agree" that they have learned to view learning as a lifelong experience.
- 82% "agree" or "strongly agree" that their experiences and course work at UW-Green Bay encouraged them to think creatively and innovatively.
- 83% "agree" or "strongly agree" that UW-Green Bay provides a strong interdisciplinary, problem-focused education.
- 53% would return to UW-Green Bay and complete the same major if they started college over; 17% would return to UW-Green Bay but choose another major.
- 90% gave an A or B to the quality of the teaching in their major (mean = 3.4).
- 42% have been accepted for, are currently enrolled in, or have already completed a graduate/professional degree program.
- 85% are working full-time and 8% are working part-time.
- Slightly more than half (52%) work in positions that are "very related" to their major and 31% work in positions that are "somewhat related" to their major.
- 73% report being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their current job.
- The median salary of respondents working full-time is about $30,000.
Are alumni well prepared? How important are the skills and knowledge developed at UW-Green Bay to their current work?
The top five skills for which alumni gave marks of "excellent or "good" were:
- written communication skills (77%)
- critical analysis skills (76%)
- problem-solving skills (75%)
- understanding the impact of social institutions and values (63%)
- reading skills (61%)
The skills and knowledge considered "very important" or "important" to their current work included:
- problem-solving skills (95%)
- listening skills (91%)
- critical analysis skills (91%)
- leadership and management skills (89%)
- written communication skills (89%)
Table 1. Academic Preparation
| Item, skill, or knowledge area | % Receiving "Excellent" or "Good" Preparation Ratings | % Rating Item "Important" or "Very Important" to Current Work |
|---|---|---|
| Problem solving | 75% | 95% |
| Critical analysis | 76% | 91% |
| Understanding . . . | ||
| Biology/physical environment concepts | 53% | 30% |
| Impact of science and technology | 44% | 49% |
| Social, political, geographic, and economic structures | 42% | 38% |
| Impact of social institutions and values | 63% | 49% |
| Significance of major events in Western civilization | 29% | 22% |
| Literature | 41% | 22% |
| The role of humanities in identifying and clarifying values | 48% | 40% |
| Fine Arts | 36% | 16% |
| Global issues | 40% | 30% |
| Cultural diversity | 58% | 52% |
| Written communication | 77% | 89% |
| Public speaking | 59% | 76% |
| Reading skills | 61% | 83% |
| Listening skills | 60% | 91% |
| Leadership and management skills | 51% | 89% |