NEW ENTERING STUDENT SURVEY
FALL 1999

The survey was administered to new freshmen  and new transfer students at each of the five early registration sessions held in May and June 1999. The web delivered survey was completed by 262 of the 308 students who participated in the registration sessions for a response rate of 85.1%. System problems prevented some students from completing the survey.

DIRECTIONS. The following questions provide information helpful to UMC in providing programs and services to better serve students. Please answer each question to the best of your ability.

1. What is your name?

2. What was/is your approximate overall high school grade average

    A- A- to A (3.50-4.00)
    49
    18.85
    B- B to A- (3.00-3.49)
    81
    31.15
    C- B- to B (2.50-2.99)
    69
    26.54
    D- C to B- (2.00-2.49)
    51
    19.62
    E- C- to C (1.50-1.99)
    9
    3.46
    F- D to C- (1.00-1.49)
    1
    0.38
    G- Below D (0.00-0.99)
    0
    0.00
    Total
    260
    100.00
     
3. How many miles from UMC is your permanent residence (i.e., parents or own home)? 4. Do you think you have a disability?
A- No
236
91.12
B- Yes, impaired mobility
2
0.77
C- Yes, impaired hearing
2
0.77
D- Yes, impaired vision not corrected with glasses or contacts
4
1.54
E- Yes, learning disability
11
4.25
F- Yes, epilepsy
0
0.00
G- Yes, other, please specify... 
  • attention deficit disorder, clinical depression
  • Speech impediment
  • reading and spelling
3
1.16
H- Yes, prefer not to respond
1
0.39
Total
259
100.00
 
5. What is the highest degree you ultimately plan to earn, either at UMC or some other college?
    A- Don't plan to earn a degree
    1
    0.38
    B- Associate (two-year degree)
    15
    5.77
    C- Bachelors (four-year degree)
    214
    82.31
    D- Masters (beyond four-year degree)
    21
    8.08
    E- Professional or Doctoral degree (e.g. law, medicine, etc.)
    9
    3.46
    Total
    260
    100.00
     
6. For what purpose did you enter UMC (select only one)?
A- No definite purpose in mind
15
5.86
B- To take a few courses for self-improvement
3
1.17
C- To take courses necessary for transferring to another college
14
5.47
D- To obtain an Associate Degree (two-year degree) and transfer to another college
5
1.95
E- To obtain an Associate Degree (two-year degree) and obtain employment after graduation
18
7.03
F- To obtain a Baccalaureate Degree (four-year degree) and transfer to another college to take graduate work (e.g., Masters, Doctorate, Law, Medicine)
30
11.72
G- To obtain a Baccalaureate Degree (four-year degree) and obtain employment after graduation
164
64.06
H- Other, please specify... 
  • Horticulture Department
  • work
  • PSEO
  • good ag school
  • To play football
  • sports Scholarship
  • a friend's dad talked to me about it
7
2.73
Total
256
100.00
 
7. What were your reasons for choosing to attend UMC (choose all that apply)?
Size
168
15.15
Type of academic programs available
153
13.80
Use of notebook computers and related technology
147
13.26
 Location
123
11.09
Availability of scholarship or financial aid
78
7.03
Social atmosphere
69
6.22
Academic reputation
68
6.13
Cost
65
5.86
To participate as a member of an athletic team
53
4.78
Advice of parents or relatives
46
4.15
Admission standards
33
2.98
Availability of on-campus housing
30
2.71
 To be with friends
29
2.61
Advice of high school personnel
28
2.52
Other, please specify... 
  • Equine Science 
  • was acepted 
  • This is a great ag school!
  • offers my type of career 
  • pseo requires mn school 
  • Was the only college in the area with the major I wanted 
  • Hated High School 
  • Equine Science program 
  • All around good school 
  • /equine /science 
  • play sports 
  • I like the campus. 
  • helpfulness of everyone on campus 
  • BECAUSE IT IS THE COLLEGE THAT HAS HOTEL RESTAURANT MGT.
  • major 
  • equine science 
  • Offers Equine Science as a major 
  • transver 
18
1.62
Availability of on-campus childcare
1
0.09
Total
1109
100.00
Average # choices chosen per response
4.35
  
 
8. Of these reasons which one was the single most important consideration in choosing to attend UMC?
Type of academic programs available
79
30.98
Size
39
15.29
Location
30
11.76
To participate as a member of an athletic team
26
10.20
Use of notebook computers and related technology
21
8.24
Other, please specify... 
  • offers my career choice
  • Was the only college in the area with my major
  • Hated High School
  • Equine Program
  • Equine Science program
  • Equine science
  • Scholarship
  • to hang out with my brother!!
  • equine science
  • Major
  • transver
  • football
12
4.71
Availability of baccalaureate (four-year) degrees
11
4.31
Social atmosphere
9
3.53
Cost
8
3.14
Academic reputation
6
2.35
Admission standards
5
1.96
Availability of scholarship or financial aid
3
1.18
Advice of parents or relatives
2
0.78
To be with friends
2
0.78
Advice of high school personnel
1
0.39
Availability of on-campus childcare
1
0.39
Availability of on-campus housing
0
0.00
Total
255
100.00

UMC provides many services and programs to assist students with a variety of issues. Please indicate whether or not you would like assistance with any of the following items while you attend UMC.

9. I would like help deciding on my education and career plans

    A- Yes
    170
    66.15
    B- No
    87
    33.85
    Total
    257
    100.00
     
10 I would like help expressing my ideas in writing
    A- Yes
    75
    29.64
    B- No
    178
    70.36
    Total
    253
    100.00
     
11. I would like help improving my reading speed and comprehension
    A- Yes
    93
    36.47
    B- No
    162
    63.53
    Total
    255
    100.00
     
12. I would like help improving my study skills
    A- Yes
    138
    54.33
    B- No
    116
    45.67
    Total
    254
    100.00
     
13. I would like help improving my mathematical skills
    A- Yes
    153
    59.77
    B- No
    103
    40.23
    Total
    256
    100.00
     
14. I would like help with personal concerns
    A- Yes
    41
    16.08
    B- No
    214
    83.92
    Total
    255
    100.00
     
15. I would like to meet with another college student (such as a peer mentor or student ambassador) and discuss questions that I may have.
    A- Yes
    68
    26.88
    B- No
    185
    73.12
    Total
    253
    100.00
     
16. I would like to know how to arrange for tutors for some of my classes.
    A- Yes
    143
    55.86
    B- No
    113
    44.14
    Total
    256
    100.00
     
Indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:

17. I have decided what to do with my life.

    A- Strongly agree
    44
    17.12
    B- Agree
    129
    50.19
    C- Neutral
    60
    23.35
    D- Disagree
    24
    9.34
    E- Strongly disagree
    0
    0.00
    Total
    257
    100.00
     
18. I can identify career areas that fit my skills, abilities, and interests.
    A- Strongly agree
    47
    18.50
    B- Agree
    155
    61.02
    C- Neutral
    47
    18.50
    D- Disagree
    5
    1.97
    E- Strongly disagree
    0
    0.00
    Total
    254
    100.00
     
19. I know what the educational or training requirements are for the jobs I'm interested in.
    A- Strongly agree
    31
    12.35
    B- Agree
    112
    44.62
    C- Neutral
    87
    34.66
    D- Disagree
    21
    8.37
    E- Strongly disagree
    0
    0.00
    Total
    251
    100.00
     
20. I possess effective job seeking skills (interviewing, resume writing, etc.).
    A- Strongly agree
    15
    5.93
    B- Agree
    116
    45.85
    C- Neutral
    100
    39.53
    D- Disagree
    21
    8.30
    E- Strongly disagree
    1
    0.40
    Total
    253
    100.00
     
21. I have developed my personal values and a philosophy of life.
    A- Strongly agree
    57
    22.53
    B- Agree
    131
    51.78
    C- Neutral
    57
    22.53
    D- Disagree
    7
    2.77
    E- Strongly disagree
    1
    0.40
    Total
    253
    100.00
     
22. I know how to handle stress and anxiety in my life.
    A- Strongly agree
    45
    17.72
    B- Agree
    139
    54.72
    C- Neutral
    57
    22.44
    D- Disagree
    10
    3.94
    E- Strongly disagree
    3
    1.18
    Total
    254
    100.00
     
23. I can make decisions effectively.
    A- Strongly agree
    54
    21.51
    B- Agree
    163
    64.94
    C- Neutral
    30
    11.95
    D- Disagree
    4
    1.59
    E- Strongly disagree
    0
    0.00
    Total
    251
    100.00
     
24. I can solve personal problems effectively.
    A- Strongly agree
    52
    20.47
    B- Agree
    165
    64.96
    C- Neutral
    35
    13.78
    D- Disagree
    2
    0.79
    E- Strongly disagree
    0
    0.00
    Total
    254
    100.00
     
25. I can manage time effectively.
    A- Strongly agree
    32
    12.65
    B- Agree
    138
    54.55
    C- Neutral
    67
    26.48
    D- Disagree
    14
    5.53
    E- Strongly disagree
    2
    0.79
    Total
    253
    100.00
     
26. I stay physically fit and maintain good health habits.
    A- Strongly agree
    71
    27.84
    B- Agree
    116
    45.49
    C- Neutral
    57
    22.35
    D- Disagree
    11
    4.31
    E- Strongly disagree
    0
    0.00
    Total
    255
    100.00
     
27. I possess good leadership skills.
    A- Strongly agree
    59
    23.05
    B- Agree
    111
    43.36
    C- Neutral
    80
    31.25
    D- Disagree
    5
    1.95
    E- Strongly disagree
    1
    0.39
    Total
    256
    100.00
     
28. I know how to get along with people with whom I live/work.
    A- Strongly agree
    96
    37.80
    B- Agree
    147
    57.87
    C- Neutral
    11
    4.33
    D- Disagree
    0
    0.00
    E- Strongly disagree
    0
    0.00
    Total
    254
    100.00
     
29. I make friends easily.
    A- Strongly agree
    61
    24.21
    B- Agree
    150
    59.52
    C- Neutral
    36
    14.29
    D- Disagree
    5
    1.98
    E- Strongly disagree
    0
    0.00
    Total
    252
    100.00
     
30. I know how to live and work with others who have different values and goals than mine.
    A- Strongly agree
    54
    21.09
    B- Agree
    167
    65.23
    C- Neutral
    34
    13.28
    D- Disagree
    0
    0.00
    E- Strongly disagree
    1
    0.39
    Total
    256
    100.00
     
31. I understand and appreciate different philosophies, cultures and ways of life.
    A- Strongly agree
    71
    27.63
    B- Agree
    143
    55.64
    C- Neutral
    40
    15.56
    D- Disagree
    2
    0.78
    E- Strongly disagree
    1
    0.39
    Total
    257
    100.00
     
32. I work effectively with others as a member of a team.
    A- Strongly agree
    86
    33.86
    B- Agree
    144
    56.69
    C- Neutral
    23
    9.06
    D- Disagree
    1
    0.39
    E- Strongly disagree
    0
    0.00
    Total
    254
    100.00
     
33. I have participated in service learning or volunteer activities in my high school, community, or at another educational institution.
    A- Strongly agree
    67
    26.27
    B- Agree
    120
    47.06
    C- Neutral
    42
    16.47
    D- Disagree
    22
    8.63
    E- Strongly disagree
    4
    1.57
    Total
    255
    100.00
     
34. I feel confident that I can deal effectively with any conflict that may arise with my college roommate.
    A- Strongly agree
    49
    19.07
    B- Agree
    161
    62.65
    C- Neutral
    45
    17.51
    D- Disagree
    2
    0.78
    E- Strongly disagree
    0
    0.00
    Total
    257
    100.00
     
35. What is the highest level of education completed by your father or mother?
    A- Grade school or less
    2
    0.77
    B- Some high school
    7
    2.69
    C- High school diploma or equivalent
    72
    27.69
    D- Business or trade school (certificate or diploma)
    17
    6.54
    E- Some college
    37
    14.23
    F- Associate degree (two-year)
    41
    15.77
    G- Bachelor's degree (four-year)
    62
    23.85
    H- Some graduate or professional school
    6
    2.31
    I- Completed graduate or professional school (Masters, doctorate, JD, LLD, etc.)
    7
    2.69
    J- Don't know
    9
    3.46
    Total
    260
    100.00
     
36. Of all the colleges I considered attending UMC was my:
    A- First choice
    191
    73.18
    B- Second choice
    56
    21.46
    C- Third choice
    13
    4.98
    D- Fourth or lower choice
    1
    0.38
    Total
    261
    100.00
     
37. What one other college did you most seriously consider attending before choosing UMC?
    North Dakota State University
    29
    University of North Dakota
    29
    University of Wisconsin, River Falls
    12
    Bemidji State University
    11
    Moorhead State University
    11
    North Dakota State College of Science
    7
    St. Cloud State University
    7
    University of Minnesota, Duluth
    7
    University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
    7
    South Dakota State University
    4
    Southwest State University
    4
    Mankato State
    3
    Mayville State
    3
    Ridgewater CC
    3
    University of Manitoba
    3
    University of Wisconsin, Madison
    3
    Minot State-Bottineau
    2
    Colorado State University
    2
    Concordia, Moorhead
    2
    Medical Inst. of Min.
    2
    Northland Community and Tech College
    2
    University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
    2
    University of Minnesota, St.Paul
    2
    University of Minnesota, Morris
    2
    University of Wisconsin, Stout
    2
    Winona State University
    2
    Air Force Academy
    1
    Arizona ST.
    1
    Bethany
    1
    Carrol College
    1
    Dickinson State University
    1
    Fergus Falls CC
    1
    Guelph University
    1
    Gustavus Adolphusg
    1
    Hibbing Community College
    1
    Iowa State University
    1
    Jamestown College
    1
    Minnesota west tech.
    1
    Minot State University
    1
    Missisippi State College
    1
    Montana U
    1
    Nebraska
    1
    Itasca Community College
    1
    Normandale
    1
    Northern State University
    1
    Northwest Tech
    1
    Northwestern
    1
    Providence Bible College
    1
    Rainy River Community College
    1
    University of Arizona
    1
    University of Kentucky, Lexington
    1
    University of Mary
    1
    University of Nevada Reno
    1
    University of North Carolina, Charlotte
    1
    University of North Dakota - Lake Region
    1
    University of Wyoming, Laramie
    1
    Valley City State University
    1
    Vermillion CC
    1
    Washington University, St. Louis
    1
     
38. Please add any comments or suggestions you may have:
  • Don't do this survey next year.
    		•
  • Family housing
    		•
  • getting the computers earlier so we can get used to them before school starts
    		•
  • I am very excited to be able to attend UMC. I am looking forward to school starting.
    		•
  • I have heard a lot of good comments
    		•
  • I really like working with youth and computors.I am also a Impact Americorps Member.
    		•
  • i transfered from BSU.
    		•
  • I would like UMC to have a better livestock program. I would like to see some more livestock, and hopefully more hands on experience. I've heard from people that its not much hands on experience, like NDSU.
    		•
  • Mary Sass and Matt Smith are neat!!!!!
    		•
  • Mary Sass rocks!
    		•
  • thanks
    		•
  • Thanks for all the help. Please continue being friendly and helpful to the students.
    		•
  • These computers are really helpful
    		•
  • These questionnaire things are really fun! Thanks!
    		•