2009-2015 graduate survey summary cayuga community college€¦ · 2009 – 2015 graduate survey...

2009-2015 GRADUATE SURVEY SUMMARY Cayuga Community College

DECEMBER 2015

College Mission: We are Cayuga Community College, dedicated to providing students with diverse learning opportunities to discover their passions and advance

their personal and professional growth.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

To Our Community ________________________________________________________________ 1

Survey Overview __________________________________________________________________ 4

Student Outcomes Summary _____________________________________________________ 5

Educational Outcomes ____________________________________________________________ 6

Employment Outcomes ___________________________________________________________ 9

Financial Aid _____________________________________________________________________ 11

Survey Respondent Background _______________________________________________ 13

Appendix A - Primary Outcomes by Graduation Year ________________________ 16

Appendix B – Transfer Institutions ____________________________________________ 17

Appendix C – Representative Employers by Sector __________________________ 18

2009 – 2015 GRADUATE SURVEY SUMMARY

Page 1 Cayuga Community College December 2015

To Our Community

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Cayuga Community College enrolls over 4,000 students each academic year. During the

past 10 years, over 5,300 degrees and certificates have been awarded.

The Cayuga Community College Alumni Association and Office of Institutional Research

and Planning collaborated to create and conduct the 2009-2015 Graduate Survey. Input

was sought from many individuals for the purpose of designing questions that would be

useful in understanding student outcomes.

Two hundred sixty six (266) responses were collected and analyzed. Eighty-one percent

(80.6%) responded that they had been employed subsequent to graduation. Of those

students (266), six indicated that they were self-employed and eleven graduates reported

that they held two or three part-time positions.

Current Activity-Mark all that apply. (N = 266) Number %

Employed (full time) 116 35.2%

Employed (part time) 68 20.6%

Continuing my education (college/technical) 89 27.0%

Serving in the Armed Forces 1 0.3%

Unemployed (seeking employment) 32 9.7%

Unemployed (not seeking employment) 6 1.8%

Other 18 5.5%

Mark all that Apply Total 330 100.0%

Generally, graduates who responded are very satisfied with their educational experiences

at Cayuga Community College. Over ninety percent (90.8%) indicated that Cayuga

Community College helped them meet their educational goals.

THE BEST THING

When graduates responded to the question, “What was the best thing about your overall

Cayuga Community College collegiate experience,” respondents frequently indicated that

their professors’ accessibility, knowledge, helpfulness, caring, and ability to motivate was



highly valued. Graduates reported that supportive staff, small classes, convenient location,

and cost were also important to them. Many graduates commented that the course

content itself and gaining career skills were useful. The flexibility of academic offerings

benefitted those who wanted to enroll in both online and on-campus programs as well as

those who wished to pursue their education in combination with a work schedule.

Intangible gains such as developing self-confidence and feeling a sense of accomplishment

and achievement were also reported. Graduates emphasized that participating in clubs,

college organizations, tutoring, and athletics made them feel involved and created a sense

of camaraderie. Many graduates reported making connections with faculty, staff and other

students as a result of their enrollment as “the best thing.”

ONE IMPROVEMENT

When asked what one thing Cayuga Community College could do to improve, graduates

offered many suggestions about instruction, co-curricular activities, advisement, and

other support. Graduates frequently suggested that improvements could be made

regarding the number, variety, and scheduling of classes and degrees. The level of

academic challenge could be increased according to four graduates.

Suggestions about co-curricular activities included a request for more cultural

experiences, an increase in the number of clubs and activities, and for additional

encouragement to participate in those activities. Advisement improvements that were

recommended included helping students identify and communicate with advisors.

Improving the content of advisement communications was also viewed as essential.

Other improvements requested by graduates included: better daycare, more support for

non-traditional students, and equivalent college publications for online students.

Graduates frequently mentioned that assistance with career development and

employment as areas that required improvement. Respondents perceived the value of

internships and thought that more internship opportunities could be developed.

Graduates mentioned facilities and service improvements. Graduates thought that fitness

center access, food options and student areas could be expanded. The lack of security in

classrooms was noted as a concern by one graduate. Student housing was identified as a

potential improvement. Overall, suggestions were made about expanding the office hours



in the following areas: library, business office, financial aid, registrar and advisement.

Additional assistance from counselors and financial aid personnel was requested.

A few students thought that the cost of attendance could be reduced. In addition, textbook

prices were identified as excessive, especially when a faculty member did not use the

textbook extensively for the course. A request was made to communicate more broadly

that scholarships were available to students.

SUMMARY

Cayuga Community College has confirmed that students who attend the college are

realizing their educational goals. In accordance with the college mission, graduates have

demonstrated personal and professional growth by earning additional degrees and

working in careers related to their Cayuga Community College studies. A majority of those

who have accessed financial aid feel that they have the capacity to meet their repayment

obligations.

We thank all of those who participated in the survey. If you have any questions about the

information included in this report, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Mary J. Kriever Carol Runge, D.M. Director of Alumni Affairs Director of Institutional Research and Planning Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Cayuga Community College Alumni

mailto:[email protected]



Survey Overview

SURVEY PROCEDURE

Graduates responded to the 2009-2015 graduate survey between July 23 and October 8,

2015. In July, emails with a link to the survey were sent to graduates. In September, a

postcard was mailed to over 3,500 graduates with valid postal addresses. The survey was

officially closed on October 22, 2015. Two respondents from each graduation year were

randomly selected to receive a $50 gift card.

NUMBER OF RESPONSES

269 individual survey responses were received. Responses from three individuals who

submitted two survey responses were removed from the database.

Graduate Year Number Graduates Response Rate

2009 19 476 4.0%

2010 26 581 4.5%

2011 41 573 7.2%

2012 41 648 6.3%

2013 42 593 7.1%

2014 49 540 9.1%

2015 48 458 10.5%

Grand Total 266 3,869 6.9%

On average, seven percent of those who were invited to complete the survey responded.

Because the number of responses from each class was a small number, aggregate

information is presented in this report.



Student Outcomes Summary

Overall, Did Your Cayuga Community College Program Help You Meet Your Educational Goals?

Response Number % % of those who responded

No 21 7.9% 9.2%

Yes 208 78.2% 90.8%

Did not answer 37 13.9% 100.0%

Total 266 100.0%

Overall, Did Cayuga Community College Help You Meet Your Career Goals?


No 62 23.3% 27.0%

Yes 168 63.2% 73.0%


Total 266 100.0%

Has Your Education At Cayuga Community College Improved Your Life?


Definitely Yes 119 44.7% 51.7%

Probably Yes 63 23.7% 27.4%

Uncertain 29 10.9% 12.6%

Probably No 10 3.8% 4.3%

Definitely No 9 3.4% 3.9%


Total 266 100.0%

Responses by class year for these three questions are reported in Appendix A.



Educational Outcomes

ACADEMIC GROWTH

How much did your educational experience at Cayuga Community College contribute to

your growth in each of the following areas?

Area

Percentages

Very Much Somewhat

Very Much &

Somewhat Very Little NA N

Written Communication 47.4% 42.2% 89.6% 8.3% 2.2% 230 Locate/Interpret/Analyze and Apply Information 45.9% 43.7% 89.5% 7.9% 2.6% 229

Oral Communication 43.9% 41.7% 85.5% 10.5% 3.9% 228

Development of Well-Reasoned Arguments 39.2% 37.4% 76.7% 14.5% 8.8% 227

Creative Works of the Imagination 37.1% 39.3% 76.4% 13.5% 10.0% 229

Mathematical Equations 37.1% 35.8% 72.9% 17.9% 9.2% 229

Personal Physical and Mental Health 35.8% 37.1% 72.9% 18.8% 8.3% 229

Diversity within our Culture 35.8% 36.7% 72.5% 17.9% 9.6% 229

Basic Operations of a Personal Computer 34.1% 31.9% 65.9% 21.0% 13.1% 229 Use and Application of the Scientific Method 31.0% 36.7% 67.7% 19.7% 12.7% 229

Rights and Responsibilities as a Citizen 27.8% 33.5% 61.3% 23.5% 15.2% 230

American History 27.3% 31.7% 59.0% 20.3% 20.7% 227

World History 23.5% 31.0% 54.4% 20.8% 24.8% 226

Global Issues 20.9% 37.4% 58.3% 25.2% 16.5% 230

Graduates reported high percentages of growth in areas related to communications and

analytical thinking. Fewer graduates indicated that their studies led to growth in history

and global issues.



Educational Outcomes (Continued)

TRANSFER

One hundred twenty two (122) graduates reported that they transferred after graduation.

Of these students, 53 indicated that they earned a degree from another institution. Of

those who described their subsequent degree, a majority (41 of 50) indicated that they

earned a Bachelor’s degree.

Degree Earned from Another Institution

Associate's degree 1

Bachelor's degree 41

Master's degree 7

Technical Program (certificate/diploma) 1

Grand Total 50

No, 46%Yes,

54%

After graduation, did you transfer?N=227



Educational Outcomes (Continued)

Ninety-three percent (93.3%) of survey respondents reported that Cayuga Community College

prepared them adequately, more than adequately, or very well for further study.

Approximately fifty percent (50.8%) agreed that Cayuga Community College prepared them very

well for further study.

More than Adequately

20.0%

Adequately22.5%

Less than Adequately

4.2%Very Poorly

2.5%

Very Well50.8%

How well did Cayuga CC prepare you for further study? (N = 120)



Employment Outcomes

EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR

Please see Appendix C for a representative list of employers by sector.

Education, 13.4%

Financial/Banking/Insurance, 4.9%

Government/Municipal, 7.0%

Healthcare, 16.9%

Hospitality/Food Service/Tourism,

7.0%

Human Services, 10.6%

Manufacturing, 7.0%

Military, 0.7%Other, 2.1%

Professional Svcs/Small

Business, 14.1%

Retail, 12.7%

Security/Protection/Corrections, 3.5%

EMPLOYMENT BY SECTOR (N = 143)



Employment Outcomes (Continued)

EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION

Graduates who worked in a position related to their Cayuga Community College programs

reported a greater sense of being prepared. One hundred percent (100.0%) of those

whose positions were highly related reported that Cayuga Community College prepared

them Very Well or Adequately for the work.

Very Well & Adequately %

Poorly & Not at All %

Does Not Apply - Job Not Related to my program

Did not Answer

Total

(N = 170)

Highly Related 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% Moderately Related 96.7% 0.0% 3.3% 100.0%

Slightly Related 60.6% 15.2% 21.2% 3.0% 100.0%

Not Related at All 19.6% 17.6% 62.7% 100.0%

Total 67.6% 8.2% 23.5% 0.6% 100.0%

Graduates were employed in a variety of positions.

Employment Category Number %

Executive/Manager/Supervisor 21 13.5%

Nursing 21 13.5%

Education 18 11.6%

Administrative Assistant/Clerical 15 9.7%

Technical 15 9.7%

Human Services 9 5.8%

Assistant/Associate/Analyst 7 4.5%

Financial 7 4.5%

Hospitality/Food Service 7 4.5%

Professional Services 7 4.5%

Customer Service 6 3.9%

Other 6 3.9%

Protective Svcs/Corrections/Security 5 3.2%

Sales 5 3.2%

Transportation/Maintenance 4 2.6%

Self-employed 2 1.3%

Total 155 100.0%



Financial Aid

HOW MUCH DO YOU OWE ON A STUDENT LOAN FOR YOUR CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDIES?

Outstanding CCC Student Loans Number %

$0 (Zero) 12 5.5%

>$0 and <=$5,000 10 4.5%

>$5,000 and <=$10,000 18 8.2%

>=$10,000 and <$20,000 26 11.8%

>=$20,000 12 5.5%

Unsure/Don't Know/Unreported 18 8.2%

No Loan 124 56.4%

Number of Responses 220 100.0%

A majority (56.4%) of graduates indicated that they were not currently repaying a student loan.

HOW MUCH DO YOU OWE ON ALL YOUR STUDENT LOANS, INCLUDING YOUR CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE LOANS?

All Outstanding Student Loans Number %

>=$0 and <$10,000 17 7.7%

>=$10,000 and <$20,000 21 9.5%

>=$20,000 and <$40,000 23 10.5%

>=$40,000 and <$60,000 12 5.5%

>=$60,000 7 3.2%

Unsure/Don't Know/Unreported 16 7.3%

No Loan 124 56.4%

Grand Total 220 100.0%

When the amount of Cayuga Community College outstanding student loans was calculated

as a percentage of all outstanding student loans, the median percentage of Cayuga

Community College outstanding loans equaled 55.6% (of 72 graduate respondents). The

mode (most frequent) percentage for Cayuga Community College outstanding student

loans equaled 100%.



Financial Aid (Continued)

Graduates were asked if their current salary was sufficient to meet a loan payment. Of the

91 responses, 38.4% indicated that their current salary was not sufficient. Fifty six

respondents (61.6%) reported that their current salary was sufficient to meet a loan

payment.

The distribution of respondents who answered that a current salary was sufficient

compared to those who reported that a current salary was not sufficient were similar.

However, the percentage of AAS degree earners who reported a sufficient salary for loan

repayment was somewhat higher.

Salary is Sufficient to Repay Student Loans

Degree No Yes

AA 34.3% 33.9%

AAS 40.0% 46.4%

AS 25.7% 19.6%

100.0% 100.0%

As income levels increase, students report an increased capacity to repay outstanding

student loans.

Salary is Sufficient to Repay Student

Loans

Current Salary No Yes

Less than $20,000 12 10

$20,000 to $39,999 8 20

$40,000 to $59,999 6 17

>=$60,000 7

Total 35 56



Survey Respondent Background

The total number of awards earned by survey respondents equaled 285 AA, AS, AAS degrees or

certificates.

Award Number

AA-Liberal Arts and Social Science: Adolescence Education 2

AA-Liberal Arts and Social Science: Childhood Education 6

AA-Liberal Arts and Social Science: Humanities and Social Science 105

AAS-Accounting 6

AAS-Business Administration 27

AAS-Computer Hardware/Software 3

AAS-Computer Information Systems 3

AAS-Criminal Justice - Corrections 8

AAS-Criminal Justice - Police Science 11

AAS-Early Childhood 4

AAS-Electrical Technology 2

AAS-Mechanical Technology 3

AAS-Nursing 19

AAS-Telecomm-Audio/Radio 7

AAS-Telecomm-Broadcast 7

AAS-Telecomm Technology 1

AS-Business Administration 16

AS-Computer Science 9

AS-Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 4

AS-Liberal Arts and Science: Health Science 5

AS-Liberal Arts and Science: Math 4

AS-Liberal Arts and Science: Math and Science 25

AS-Studio Art and Design 5

Certificate-Criminal Justice 1

Certificate-General Business 1

Other 1

Grand Total 285

Note: 19 respondents earned two degrees.



Survey Respondent Background (Continued)

Thirty-two percent (32.3%, 70/217) of survey respondents previously enrolled in college

courses offered by a high school. Twenty percent (19.8%, 43/217) had enrolled in Cayuga

Advantage high school courses.

A majority (87.6%) of respondents were primarily full-time students. Thirteen percent of

respondents earned a Cayuga Community College degree while enrolled primarily online.

Over fifty percent (55.8%) were enrolled on the Auburn campus and thirty percent

(30.4%) were enrolled on the Fulton campus.

Campus Full Time (>= 12 credits) Part Time Total

Auburn 49.3% 6.5% 55.8%

Fulton 29.0% 1.4% 30.4%

Online 9.2% 4.6% 13.8%

Total 87.6% 12.4% 100.0%

Over eighty percent (83.4%) enrolled in at least one online learning experience.

Percent Online Number

0% (none) 36

1 - 25% 129

26 - 50% 16

51 - 75% 7

76 - 100% 29



Survey Respondent Background (Continued)

Minority Not a Minority Total

Number % Number % Number %

Female 13 6.4% 142 70.0% 155 76.4%

Greater than or equal to age 25 9 4.4% 94 46.3% 103 50.7%

Less than age 25 4 2.0% 48 23.6% 52 25.6%

Male 8 3.9% 40 19.7% 48 23.6%

Greater than or equal to age 25 7 3.4% 29 14.3% 36 17.7%

Less than age 25 1 0.5% 11 5.4% 12 5.9%

Total 21 10.3% 182 89.7% 203 100.0%

Cayuga County35.5%

Onondaga County12.4%

Oswego County24.4%

Other New York State County

18.0%

Outside of New York State

9.7%

Current Residence (N = 217)



Appendix A - Primary Outcomes by Graduation Year

Overall, did your Cayuga Community College program help you meet your educational goals?

Yes No Total

Year Number % Number % Responses

2009 15 83.3% 3 16.7% 18

2010 18 81.8% 4 18.2% 22

2011 31 96.9% 1 3.1% 32

2012 34 100.0% 0 0.0% 34

2013 30 81.1% 7 18.9% 37

2014 42 91.3% 4 8.7% 46

2015 38 95.0% 2 5.0% 40

Total 208 90.8% 21 9.2% 229

Overall, did Cayuga Community College help you meet your career goals?

Yes No Total

Year Number % Number % Responses

2009 13 72.2% 5 27.8% 18

2010 14 63.6% 8 36.4% 22

2011 24 75.0% 8 25.0% 32

2012 27 79.4% 7 20.6% 34

2013 26 70.3% 11 29.7% 37

2014 32 69.6% 14 30.4% 46

2015 32 78.0% 9 22.0% 41

Total 168 73.0% 62 27.0% 230

Has your education at Cayuga Community College improved the quality of your life?

Definitely Probably

Def/Prob Yes Uncertain Definitely Probably

Def/Prob No

Yes Yes % Uncertain % No No % Total

2009 9 4 72.2% 2 11.1% 1 2 16.7% 18

2010 11 2 59.1% 4 18.2% 2 3 22.7% 22

2011 14 9 71.9% 9 28.1% 0.0% 32

2012 22 9 91.2% 2 5.9% 1 2.9% 34

2013 20 9 78.4% 2 5.4% 4 2 16.2% 37

2014 20 19 84.8% 6 13.0% 1 2.2% 46

2015 23 11 82.9% 4 9.8% 1 2 7.3% 41

Total 119 63 79.1% 29 12.6% 9 10 8.3% 230



Appendix B – Transfer Institutions

Survey Respondent Transfer Institutions

Arizona State University

Columbia College

Eastern Kentucky University

Florida Atlantic University

Ithaca College

Keuka College

Le Moyne College

Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Richland Community College; Amberton

Roberts Wesleyan College

Rochester Institute of Technology

Saint Leo University

Siena College

Southern New

Southern New Hampshire University

St. John Fisher College

St. Joseph's Hospital College of

Sullivan University (Lexington

SUNY Albany

SUNY Brockport

SUNY Broome

SUNY Buffalo State

SUNY Cortland

SUNY Delhi

SUNY Empire State (12)

SUNY Fredonia

SUNY Monroe CC

SUNY Oswego (29)

SUNY Polytechnic

SUNY Potsdam

SUNY Upstate Medical University

Syracuse University

Syracuse University

University of Massachusetts Lowell

University of Pennsylvania

University of Phoenix

Wells College

Number of Graduates < 10 if not identified in ().



Appendix C – Representative Employers by Sector

The following list is comprised of a sample of employers by sector as reported by survey respondents. One hundred forty-two (142) individuals provided employer information.

EDUCATION

Cayuga Community College (6) * SUNY Oswego (2) * Fulton School District (2) * Auburn Enlarged School

District * Jordan Elbridge Central School District * Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES (2) * Port Byron Central School

District * Cayuga County Community College Foundation * Faculty Student Association of Cayuga

Community College * Cedarville University * Rochester Institute of Technology * Tower School of English

FINANCIAL/BANKING/INSURANCE

Berkshire Hathaway * Empower Federal Credit Union * Fulton Savings Bank * Knauf Shaw LLP Attorneys at

Law * New York Life * Savannah Bank * Wayne Coop Insurance Company

GOVERNMENT/MUNICIPAL

U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons * U.S. Federal Court System * State of Arizona * City of

Ithaca * Town of Phelps * Mohawk Council of Akwesasne * Albany Public Library * Seymour Public Library

HEALTHCARE

Auburn Community Hospital (4) * Oswego Hospital (2) * Oswego Health Manor (3) * St. Joseph’s Hospital

Health Center (2) * Summerwood Medical * Syracuse Veteran’s Hospital * University of NM Hospital * NY

Upstate Medical University (4) * Cortland Regional Medical Center * Access to Home Healthcare * East Hill

Family Medical, Inc. * Grand View Health * Oswego County Health Department *

HOSPITALITY/FOOD SERVICE/TOURISM

Belhurst Castle * Best Western * Bluewater Grill * Cayuga County Office of Tourism * Fajita Grill * Mesa

Grande Taqueria * Olive Garden * Walt Disney Parks and Resorts * Universal Studios

HUMAN SERVICES

Fulton Community Development Agency * Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes * Hillside Family of

Agencies (2) * Hillside Children’s Center (2) * Country Roots Child Care * New York State Justice Center for

the Protection of People with Special Needs * Riverview Children’s Center * Seneca Cayuga ARC *

Skaneateles Early Childhood Center * Sweetheart Daycare YMCA * YMCA



Appendix C – Representative Employers by Sector (Continued)

MANUFACTURING

American Steel and Aluminum * AmeriCorps Novellis * Bristol-Myers Squibb * Cayuga Milk Ingredients *

Emerald Equipment Systems * ITT Goulds Pumps * Mackenzie Childs * Welch Allyn Inc. (3) * ZF/TRW

Automotive

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES/SMALL BUSINESS

Community Computer Services (2) *Dependable Disposal * Lawn and pet care * John Welch Enterprise *

Kelly Connect * Latorra, Paul & McCann Advertisting * Mustang Lighting, Inc. * Myshopangel * Nasiff

Associates, Inc. * Ready to Run Designs * SaxBST, LLP * Schwan’s Home Food Service * Smiley’s Town and

Country * The Partners Group * Fulton Screen Printing

RETAIL

B and T Sports Shop * JCPENNY * Auburn Movieplex * Byrne Dairy * Forever 21 * Fox Dealerships * Fuccillo

Nissan * Kinney Drugs * Marshalls * Massage Envy * Onco360 Pharmacy * Sams Club * Uncle Bob’s Storage *

Walmart (2) * Wegman’s Food Markets, Inc. (2)

SECURITY/PROTECTION/CORRECTIONS

Finger Lakes Mall Security * GRS Secure Solutions * International Fire Shield * Lea County Correctional

Facility * Rapid Response Monitoring

OTHER

Marine Corps * Loretto * Country Club of Ithaca * 92nd Y * Auxiliary Services * Consumer Reports * FedEx *

Gannett * Advocates, Inc. * ARISE * Sodexo * News Channel 9 * BathFitter * Shotz

2009-2015 graduate survey summary cayuga community college€¦ · 2009 – 2015 graduate survey...

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