|
|
In early September 2004, we surveyed FYA-List subscribers to learn about their desires for the FYA-List. Subscribers were emailed a link directing them to a web-based survey. Ninety-two (of the over 1,000) subscribers completed the survey. Despite the relatively small sample, this survey offers some insight into subscriber expectations and desires for the list. Results from this survey are presented below.
Respondent Demographics
What is your professional title?
The majority of responding subscribers were directors of one kind or another, often of first-year experience programs or assessment, followed by coordinators and deans.
|
|
Primary Position (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| Academic affairs |
| Student affairs |
| Institutional research |
| Faculty member |
| Other |
|
|
|
34.8%
|
|
23.9%
|
|
22.8%
|
|
10.9%
|
|
7.6%
|
|
|
Public/Private (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| Public |
| Private |
| No response |
|
|
|
|
|
2/4 Year (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| 4-year institution |
| 2-year institution |
| No response |
|
|
|
|
|
FTE Undergrads (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| Fewer than 2,000 |
| 2,001 to 6,000 |
| 6,001 to 15,000 |
| More than 15,000 |
| No answer |
|
|
|
16.3%
|
|
23.9%
|
|
31.5%
|
|
20.7%
|
|
7.6%
|
|
|
|
| Responses to Questions
What is your primary reason for subscribing to the FYA-List?
The majority of respondents subscribed to the list primarily because it is related to their job. Others had a personal interest in assessment. The remainder of responses was split between those with a personal interest in the first college year and those conducting research of The First-Year Experience.
|
|
Reason for Subscribing (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| For my job - its related to my work |
| Personal interest in assessment |
| Personal interest in the first college year |
| Conducting research on The First-Year Experience |
| Other |
|
|
|
58.7%
|
|
18.5%
|
|
10.9%
|
|
10.9%
|
|
1.1%
|
|
|
|
What about the FYA-List do you find most valuable?
Discussion among subscribers was most frequently cited as being the most valuable part of the listserv. Also receiving a high level of support were the invited essays.
|
|
Most Valuable (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| Discussion among subscribers |
|
| Invited Essays |
| Posting of related information |
|
| Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Has the FYA-List been meeting your needs? If not, why?
The vast majority of respondents felt that the list has been meeting their needs. Those who felt otherwise indicated that it is mostly due to recent inactivity and “slow traffic” on the list. Other reasons related to list etiquette, specifically with regards to sending reply e-mails to the entire list.
|
|
List Meeting Needs? (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How can the FYA-List better serve your needs?
A variety of suggestions were made with regard to how the list can better serve its subscribers. Most frequently, respondents felt that more essays on a more regular basis, more information on assessment techniques, and suggestions for conducting assessment would be most helpful. Some would like to see more discussion among subscribers and more general activity on the list. List etiquette was also mentioned here, and subscribers have asked that personal conversations not take place on the list.
What subjects or authors would you like to see in future FYA-List invited essays?
There were a wide range of responses to this question. Suggested subjects included different types of assessment and descriptions of the various assessment methods being used at different institutions. Other respondents sought more content related to retention. A handful of authors were suggested, including George Kuh and Linda Suskie. Respondents also made more general suggestions, requesting essays from faculty and staff of color, FYE experts, and community college scholars.
Responses to this question also indicated that some subscribers were interested in general content (not specifically assessment) related to first-year programs. For these subscribers we suggest another of our listservs, the FYE-List. Visit http://www.sc.edu/fye/listservs/subscrib.html to subscribe.
What would you like the FYA-List postings to include?
Respondents indicated that they would like all available topics to be included in list postings. The invited essays garnered the most support, followed by discussions about the essays. Discussions about subscriber-initiated topics and announcements of events and products related to the first college year and/or assessment also received strong support.
|
|
Invited Essays (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| Yes |
|
| No |
| Indifferent |
| No response |
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion About Subscriber Initiated Topics (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| Yes |
|
| No |
| Indifferent |
| No response |
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion About Essays (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| Yes |
|
| No |
| Indifferent |
| No response |
|
|
|
|
|
Event/Product Announcements (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| Yes |
|
| No |
| Indifferent |
| No response |
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion About Topics Initiated by Administrators (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| Yes |
|
| No |
| Indifferent |
| No response |
|
|
|
|
|
Position Announcements (N=92)
|
|
Frequency
|
Percent
|
| Yes |
|
| No |
| Indifferent |
| No response |
|
|
|
|
By Stephanie Serven |
|
|
|
