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Communications : Past Articles of Interest |
Parent survey results: out-of-classroom
experiences make an impact
From the Fall 2006 Parent Newsletter
Every two years, the University of Minnesota surveys parents to find out how
well it's serving them and what issues are of greatest concern to family members.
Last spring, when we conducted the most recent survey, we also asked parents
if there was a faculty or staff member, activity, or organization that had
made a particularly positive contribution to their student's experience at
the University.
Just as every student at the U is different, what impacts each student is also
different. Parents noted an individual professor who had inspired their student,
an academic adviser who had guided the student to a major that matched her
interest and abilities, a coach who had served as a treasured mentor, or a
Community Adviser who helped their student find the solution to a troubling
problem.
More than any other response, however, parents identified non-academic opportunities
as the most influential aspect of their student's University experience. Membership
in a fraternity or sorority, parents said, provided their students with leadership
opportunities and a positive support group.
"Since joining a sorority, my daughter
has been much happier," stated one parent. "She
longed to be a part of 'something,' to meet a larger group
of people, have more experiences, and help the community."
Participation in the marching band, a choral group, or the jazz
band allowed students to find friends and expand their musical
talents.
The marching band has been wonderful," said
another parent. "[My child] has a community to belong
to. Great kids, and the directors are the best."
On-campus jobs—working as a security officer, a lab assistant,
or an undergraduate teaching assistant—provided career skills
and a support system.
"My son's job with the parking department
has been very valuable in terms of a learning experience,
getting work experience, and meeting great people. More than
I would have expected from working with parking."
Recreational activities and club sports provided students with
more than exercise. According to one parent:
"The men's crew club seems to be a
very important part of my son's University experience. He's
really learned to balance his studies, social life, and the
responsibilities [that come] with being part of that team."
Living-learning communities in the residence halls also provided
the extra touch for some students.
"The Women in Science and Engineering
house in Comstock Hall was an excellent way for my daughters
during their freshman year to meet other females who shared
similar interests in the sciences. From this group they formed
friendships that have continued."
The demands of academics, social, and personal time can be challenging
for students to handle, but balance is critical. One parent, trying
to identify what had made the greatest contribution to her student's
experience, wrote:
"Where do I begin? Everything from
her on-campus job as a swim instructor, great advising to
get her into Carlson School of Management, everyone's information
and support to get her excited about study abroad (she's
currently in Spain), everything about the business fraternity—she's
working very hard but having the time of her life!"
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Results from University
Parent survey,
spring 2006
Level of satisfaction with communication for parents
Very satisfied:
65.9 percent
Satisfied:
32.5 percent
Dissatisfied:
1 percent
Very dissatisfied:
0.6 percent
Level of satisfaction with programs and services for parents
Very satisfied:
52.7 percent
Satisfied: 45.6 percent
Dissatisfied: 1.3 percent
Very dissatisfied:
0.5 percent
Level of agreement with statement: "I feel the University of Minnesota
includes parents in the University community."
Strongly agree:
48.1 percent
Agree:
49.1 percent
Disagree:
2.4 percent
Strongly disagree:
0.5 percent |
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