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WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) students are more satisfied than counterparts across the nation and at ten other Wisconsin technical colleges that used a survey instrument to measure student satisfaction. An overview of the Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) survey was presented to the MSTC Board of Directors by Dr. Bill Lindroth, Dean, General Education & Director of Institutional Research, during the board’s monthly meeting, held Monday evening.
According to Dr. Lindroth, the college conducted the SSI survey in 2002, 2003 and in March 2006. “In this survey, we compared results in 2006 to those in 2003 to measure any changes in student satisfaction that might have occurred.” He added that the SSI survey was completed in March by 830 MSTC students at the Marshfield, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids campuses and at the college’s learning center in Adams. “Our primary purpose of the 2006 survey is to compare MSTC student satisfaction between 2003 and 2006; to compare MSTC students to that of students nationally and at the state level; and to identify opportunities for improvement,” said Dr. Lindroth. “The SSI report documents the positive work that everyone does here. Overall, MSTC students are significantly more satisfied with their experience at MSTC than are other students at two-year colleges across the U.S. or throughout Wisconsin.”
The SSI survey includes 12 topical scales of measurement: Student Centeredness, Instructional Effectiveness, Responsiveness to Diverse Populations, Campus Support Services, Safety and Security, Academic Advising/Counseling, Admissions and Financial Aid, Academic Services, Registration Effectiveness, Services Excellence, Concern for the Individual and Campus Climate. “Between 2003 and 2006, the satisfaction levels of students at MSTC on the 12 major indices measured by the survey remained constant, with an improvement in satisfaction with Academic Services,” said Dr. Lindroth. “There are also opportunities for us to improve, as is the case with all organizations, and the report makes note of these situations as well,” he added. “Of special note is the dramatic improvement in access to computer labs. This result was achieved without major investment, demonstrating that there are opportunities for meaningful improvements for students.”
According to Dr. Lindroth, information from the survey will be used to probe more deeply with students and staff about student expectations and satisfaction. He said the results of the 2006 SSI will be used in future surveys as a step in a trend line of performance at MSTC. “Our next steps include identifying opportunities for improvement, forming student focus groups to gather information and search for best practices at other colleges we might adopt at MSTC.”
| In other news… |
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The board adopted a resolution authorizing MSTC to participate in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) operated by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC). The resolution states that as labor economists and employers are predicting a growing shortage of skilled labor in Wisconsin over the coming decades, Wisconsin’s technical colleges could assist the state in meeting this demand for skilled workers by attracting nonresidents who, like most graduates of Wisconsin’s technical colleges, would be more likely to remain in Wisconsin after completing their studies than graduates of other postsecondary institutions. According to Connie Willfahrt, Vice President of Student Affairs & Information Technology, the MSEP would provide expanded opportunities for students from other Midwestern states to attend Wisconsin technical colleges at a reduced rate of tuition compared to the current non-resident tuition and fees. “We see this action as an opportunity to open our doors to other Midwestern students who may not have been able to afford out-of-state tuition to enroll in attend our unique programs,” said Willfahrt. She added that no Wisconsin resident will be displaced from an associate degree program offered by Mid-State Technical College by the enrollment of an MSEP student. |
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MSTC has entered into an articulation agreement with the University of Phoenix. According to Dr. Sue Budjac, Vice President of Academic Affairs, MSTC is committed to creating articulation opportunities with four-year institutions to provide students with choices to further their education. “Currently, MSTC has program articulation agreements with 23 private and public four-year educational institutions. Our agreement with the University of Phoenix, similar to the college’s other agreements, creates enhanced educational opportunities for students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree after completion of their associate’s degree at MSTC.” |
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| The next Mid-State Technical College Board of Directors meeting will be held Monday, October 16 at the Wisconsin Rapids campus. Committee meetings are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m., with the regular Board meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. To learn more about MSTC programs and services, please call 888.575.6782 or visit the college’s website at mstc.edu. |
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