Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/889209
Examining Student Satisfaction The Priorities Survey for Online Learners (PSOL) is a student satisfaction survey nationally administered by Ruffalo Noel-Levitz. The PSOL is the only survey instrument designed specifically for students enrolled in online learning programs that allows national comparisons with other online distance learning institutions. PSOL results are compared nationally with more than 118,332 students across 132 institutions (as of Spring 2015). The PSOL includes 36 inventory items in which students are asked to rate NCU's programs and services on both importance and satisfaction levels using a seven-point scale. The PSOL queries student views of enrollment services, institutional perceptions, academic services, instructional services, and student services and allows respondents to provide feedback regarding their educational experiences in the form of typed responses at the end of the survey. Ten of the items are defined by NCU. Each year the results of the PSOL are assessed as part of each Academic Program Review (APR). Examining any gaps between the importance students place on a given item and their satisfaction with it can be useful in strategic planning in terms of where to focus time and resources. The PSOL was conducted by the Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness in November of 2016. The survey was administered to a sample population of students who had completed at least one course. Below is a summary of average satisfaction scores for items concerning faculty from the 2016 survey. It may be interesting for faculty to examine the nuances of the program(s) they teach compared to other programs or the Department as a whole. It is noteworthy that while overall satisfaction is high, the lowest rated item for both departments was regarding the frequency of student/instructor interaction. Elaine Willerton, PhD Assessment Director, SSBS Note: Data from Northcentral University. Portions of this writing were excerpted from the Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness report "2016 Priorities for Online Learners (PSOL)." Table 1. Student satisfaction ratings (response rate in parentheses)