GRCC

Grand Rapids Community College
Institutional Research and Planning

IR&P Home Reports IR Staff Environmental Scanning

Grad-1 All 1995-96

Return to: GRCC Board of Trustee's Reports
Return to: Institutional Research Homepage

**Demographics for ALL GRADUATES:**
		Number	Percent
Gender	Male	*509*	*39.6%*
Gender	Female	*776*	*60.4%*
Ethnic Group	White - Not of Hispanic Origin	*1140*	*88.7%*
	Black - Not of Hispanic Origin	68	*5.3%*
	Hispanic	19	*1.5%*
	Asian or Pacific Islander	26	*2.0%*
	American Indian or Alaskan Native	9	*.7%*
	Non-Resident Alien	13	*1.0%*
	Unknown	10	*.8%*
Age	16-19	1	*.1%*
	20-24	*604*	*47.0%*
	25-29	*258*	*20.1%*
	30-34	*124*	*9.6%*
	35-44	*203*	*15.8%*
	45-54	83	*6.5%*
	55-64	9	*.7%*
	Unknown	3	*.2%*
Total Graduates		*1285*	*100.0%*

**Demographics for SURVEY RESPONDENTS*:**
		Number	Percent
Gender	Male	*216*	*33.9%*
Gender	Female	*422*	*66.1%*
Ethnic Group	White - Not of Hispanic Origin	*587*	*92.0%*
	Black - Not of Hispanic Origin	23	*3.6%*
	Hispanic	6	*.9%*
	Asian or Pacific Islander	12	*1.9%*
	American Indian or Alaskan Native	3	*.5%*
	Non-Resident Alien	5	*.8%*
	Unknown	2	*.3%*
Age	20-24	*302*	*47.3%*
	25-29	*109*	*17.1%*
	30-34	55	*8.6%*
	35-44	*110*	*17.2%*
	45-54	55	*8.6%*
	55-64	5	*.8%*
	Unknown	2	*.3%*
Total Respondents		*638*	*100.0%*
*Compare with demographics for ALL GRADUATES to determine representativeness of respondents.

Section A: General Information

**What influenced your decision to attend GRCC? Check all that apply.**
		Number	Percent
Offered the courses I wanted	Yes	*353*	*55.3%*
Offered the courses I wanted	No	*285*	*44.7%*
Low cost	Yes	*520*	*81.5%*
Low cost	No	*118*	*18.5%*
Good reputation	Yes	*288*	*45.1%*
Good reputation	No	*350*	*54.9%*
Availability of scholarship or financial aid	Yes	*141*	*22.1%*
Availability of scholarship or financial aid	No	*497*	*77.9%*
Conveniently located	Yes	*418*	*65.5%*
Conveniently located	No	*220*	*34.5%*
Advice of parents, relatives, or friends	Yes	*146*	*22.9%*
Advice of parents, relatives, or friends	No	*492*	*77.1%*
Advice of HS teacher or counselor	Yes	38	*6.0%*
Advice of HS teacher or counselor	No	*600*	*94.0%*
Recommended by employer	Yes	18	*2.8%*
Recommended by employer	No	*620*	*97.2%*
Wanted to be with friends	Yes	26	*4.1%*
Wanted to be with friends	No	*612*	*95.9%*
Could work while attending	Yes	*334*	*52.4%*
Could work while attending	No	*304*	*47.6%*
Liked the social atmosphere	Yes	23	*3.6%*
Liked the social atmosphere	No	*615*	*96.4%*
Other	Yes	53	*8.3%*
Other	No	*585*	*91.7%*
All Respondents		*638*	*100.0%*

**Section A (continued)**
		Number	Percent
If you could start college over, would you choose to attend GRCC?	No response	9	*1.4%*
	Definitely yes	*287*	*45.0%*
	Probably yes	*251*	*39.3%*
	Uncertain	64	*10.0%*
	Probably no	23	*3.6%*
	Definitely no	4	*.6%*
What was your primary enrollment status while attending GRCC?	No response	13	*2.0%*
	Full-time student	*400*	*62.7%*
	Part-time student	*225*	*35.3%*
Did you attend classes in the daytime or evening?	No response	5	*.8%*
	Daytime	*176*	*27.6%*
	Evening	77	*12.1%*
	Day & evening	*380*	*59.6%*
All Respondents		*638*	*100.0%*

**Section A (continued)**
		Number	Percent
At the time you first entered GRCC, which of the following was true of you?	No response	27	*4.2%*
	Entered directly from high school	*297*	*46.6%*
	Entered after working for a period of time	*146*	*22.9%*
	Entered after spending time as homemaker	68	*10.7%*
	Transferred from another 2-year college	16	*2.5%*
	Transferred from another 4-year college or university	47	*7.4%*
	Other	37	*5.8%*
Which of the following best describes your current status?	No response	7	*1.1%*
	Employed in the military	2	*.3%*
	Employed in a job related to the program taken at GRCC	*205*	*32.1%*
	Employed in a job NOT related to the program taken at GRCC	79	*12.4%*
	Continuing educ., not employed	63	*9.9%*
	Continuing educ. & employed in a job related to program	*112*	*17.6%*
	Continuing educ. & employed in a job NOT related to program	*152*	*23.8%*
	Unemployed, seeking work	7	*1.1%*
	Unemployed, not seeking work	11	*1.7%*
Do you plan to attend GRCC in the future?	No response	16	*2.5%*
	Yes	*108*	*16.9%*
	No	*290*	*45.5%*
	Not sure	*224*	*35.1%*
All Respondents		*638*	*100.0%*

Section B: Educational Experiences

**Indicate your level of satisfaction with the following College services or procedures:**
		Number	Percent
Library Services	No response	10	*1.6%*
	No experience with service	87	*13.6%*
	Very satisfied	*157*	*24.6%*
	Satisfied	*350*	*54.9%*
	Dissatisfied	32	*5.0%*
	Very dissatisfied	2	*.3%*
Job Placement Office	No response	11	*1.7%*
	No experience with service	*412*	*64.6%*
	Very satisfied	46	*7.2%*
	Satisfied	*131*	*20.5%*
	Dissatisfied	27	*4.2%*
	Very dissatisfied	11	*1.7%*
Financial Aid Office	No response	13	*2.0%*
	No experience with service	*279*	*43.7%*
	Very satisfied	*115*	*18.0%*
	Satisfied	*186*	*29.2%*
	Dissatisfied	33	*5.2%*
	Very dissatisfied	12	*1.9%*
Career Resource Center	No response	15	*2.4%*
	No experience with service	*417*	*65.4%*
	Very satisfied	48	*7.5%*
	Satisfied	*137*	*21.5%*
	Dissatisfied	18	*2.8%*
	Very dissatisfied	3	*.5%*
All Respondents		*638*	*100.0%*

**Indicate your level of satisfaction with the following College services or procedures (continued):**
		Number	Percent
Student Activities Office	No response	14	*2.2%*
	No experience with service	*317*	*49.7%*
	Very satisfied	81	*12.7%*
	Satisfied	*214*	*33.5%*
	Dissatisfied	10	*1.6%*
	Very dissatisfied	2	*.3%*
Information Office	No response	15	*2.4%*
	No experience with service	*174*	*27.3%*
	Very satisfied	*135*	*21.2%*
	Satisfied	*296*	*46.4%*
	Dissatisfied	17	*2.7%*
	Very dissatisfied	1	*.2%*
Student Services Office (Deans)	No response	21	*3.3%*
	No experience with service	*357*	*56.0%*
	Very satisfied	74	*11.6%*
	Satisfied	*161*	*25.2%*
	Dissatisfied	18	*2.8%*
	Very dissatisfied	7	*1.1%*
Admissions Office	No response	24	*3.8%*
	No experience with service	59	*9.2%*
	Very satisfied	*173*	*27.1%*
	Satisfied	*350*	*54.9%*
	Dissatisfied	23	*3.6%*
	Very dissatisfied	9	*1.4%*
All Respondents		*638*	*100.0%*

**Indicate your level of satisfaction with the following College services or procedures (continued):**
		Number	Percent
Academic Support Services	No response	15	*2.4%*
	No experience with service	*350*	*54.9%*
	Very satisfied	*122*	*19.1%*
	Satisfied	*135*	*21.2%*
	Dissatisfied	8	*1.3%*
	Very dissatisfied	8	*1.3%*
Academic Advising	No response	19	*3.0%*
	No experience with service	*179*	*28.1%*
	Very satisfied	*113*	*17.7%*
	Satisfied	*215*	*33.7%*
	Dissatisfied	81	*12.7%*
	Very dissatisfied	31	*4.9%*
Personal Counseling Services	No response	19	*3.0%*
	No experience with service	*387*	*60.7%*
	Very satisfied	66	*10.3%*
	Satisfied	*118*	*18.5%*
	Dissatisfied	33	*5.2%*
	Very dissatisfied	15	*2.4%*
Registration Procedures	No response	7	*1.1%*
	No experience with service	24	*3.8%*
	Very satisfied	*160*	*25.1%*
	Satisfied	*387*	*60.7%*
	Dissatisfied	43	*6.7%*
	Very dissatisfied	17	*2.7%*
Campus Computer Labs	No response	13	*2.0%*
	No experience with service	*200*	*31.3%*
	Very satisfied	*159*	*24.9%*
	Satisfied	*230*	*36.1%*
	Dissatisfied	30	*4.7%*
	Very dissatisfied	6	*.9%*
All Respondents		*638*	*100.0%*

**Indicate the extent to which you agree/disagree with the following statements about GRCC:**
		Number	Percent
I encountered few course scheduling or course availability problems.	No response	6	*.9%*
	No opinion	26	*4.1%*
	Strongly agree	*160*	*25.1%*
	Agree	*327*	*51.3%*
	Disagree	93	*14.6%*
	Strongly disagree	26	*4.1%*
In general, I was able to take classes at times convenient to my schedule.	No response	4	*.6%*
	No opinion	6	*.9%*
	Strongly agree	*207*	*32.4%*
	Agree	*364*	*57.1%*
	Disagree	46	*7.2%*
	Strongly disagree	11	*1.7%*
GRCC understands the needs of older/non-traditional students.	No response	14	*2.2%*
	No opinion	*158*	*24.8%*
	Strongly agree	*166*	*26.0%*
	Agree	*244*	*38.2%*
	Disagree	43	*6.7%*
	Strongly disagree	13	*2.0%*
Faculty/staff expressed concern for me as an individual.	No response	13	*2.0%*
	No opinion	46	*7.2%*
	Strongly agree	*197*	*30.9%*
	Agree	*307*	*48.1%*
	Disagree	62	*9.7%*
	Strongly disagree	13	*2.0%*
Most faculty were readily available to meet with me outside of class time.	No response	9	*1.4%*
	No opinion	81	*12.7%*
	Strongly agree	*202*	*31.7%*
	Agree	*286*	*44.8%*
	Disagree	54	*8.5%*
	Strongly disagree	6	*.9%*
There is a sense of personal safety & security on campus.	No response	10	*1.6%*
	No opinion	52	*8.2%*
	Strongly agree	*107*	*16.8%*
	Agree	*383*	*60.0%*
	Disagree	74	*11.6%*
	Strongly disagree	12	*1.9%*
All Respondents		*638*	*100.0%*

**Indicate the extent to which you agree/disagree with the following statements about GRCC (continued):**
		Number	Percent
Academic success is nurtured at GRCC.	No response	12	*1.9%*
	No opinion	86	*13.5%*
	Strongly agree	*144*	*22.6%*
	Agree	*349*	*54.7%*
	Disagree	42	*6.6%*
	Strongly disagree	5	*.8%*
The campus atmosphere reflected sensitivity of ethnic and other differences.	No response	9	*1.4%*
	No opinion	*145*	*22.7%*
	Strongly agree	*123*	*19.3%*
	Agree	*332*	*52.0%*
	Disagree	26	*4.1%*
	Strongly disagree	3	*.5%*
GRCC had an intellectually stimulating atmosphere.	No response	10	*1.6%*
	No opinion	69	*10.8%*
	Strongly agree	98	*15.4%*
	Agree	*354*	*55.5%*
	Disagree	98	*15.4%*
	Strongly disagree	9	*1.4%*
A variety of instructional approaches were used to meet my learning needs.	No response	8	*1.3%*
	No opinion	47	*7.4%*
	Strongly agree	*150*	*23.5%*
	Agree	*362*	*56.7%*
	Disagree	59	*9.2%*
	Strongly disagree	12	*1.9%*
Class size relative to the type of course was appropriate.	No response	4	*.6%*
	No opinion	9	*1.4%*
	Strongly agree	*230*	*36.1%*
	Agree	*363*	*56.9%*
	Disagree	28	*4.4%*
	Strongly disagree	4	*.6%*
All Respondents		*638*	*100.0%*

**Indicate the extent to which you agree/disagree with the following statements about GRCC (continued):**
		Number	Percent
The amount and type of lab equipment available for student use was appropriate.	No response	7	*1.1%*
	No opinion	73	*11.4%*
	Strongly agree	*160*	*25.1%*
	Agree	*333*	*52.2%*
	Disagree	61	*9.6%*
	Strongly disagree	4	*.6%*
Up-to-date library materials were available and easily accessible.	No response	7	*1.1%*
	No opinion	*137*	*21.5%*
	Strongly agree	*113*	*17.7%*
	Agree	*309*	*48.4%*
	Disagree	59	*9.2%*
	Strongly disagree	13	*2.0%*
My personal goals of attending GRCC were met during my time at GRCC.	No response	6	*.9%*
	No opinion	20	*3.1%*
	Strongly agree	*244*	*38.2%*
	Agree	*340*	*53.3%*
	Disagree	24	*3.8%*
	Strongly disagree	4	*.6%*
GRCC courses reflected the contributions of diverse people/cultures.	No response	9	*1.4%*
	No opinion	*130*	*20.4%*
	Strongly agree	*133*	*20.8%*
	Agree	*335*	*52.5%*
	Disagree	31	*4.9%*
Overall, GRCC met or exceeded my expectations for quality.	No response	6	*.9%*
	No opinion	17	*2.7%*
	Strongly agree	*187*	*29.3%*
	Agree	*391*	*61.3%*
	Disagree	35	*5.5%*
	Strongly disagree	2	*.3%*
All Respondents		*638*	*100.0%*

For the following general skills which students might expect to develop while at GRCC, indicate the importance of each skill, as well as the impact of your experience at GRCC on your development of this skill*:
	Mean
Ability to think critically and creatively: IMPORTANCE	*3.8*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*3.0*
Ability to recognize and use effective written communication skills: IMPORTANCE	*3.7*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*3.1*
Ability to demonstrate awareness, appreciation: IMPORTANCE	*3.3*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*2.8*
Ability to analyze and draw conclusions from various types of data: IMPORTANCE	*3.6*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*3.0*
Ability to access and use a variety of information sources: IMPORTANCE	*3.5*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*2.9*
Ability to develop and use effective leadership skills: IMPORTANCE	*3.5*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*2.7*
Ability to recognize and use effective verbal communication skills: IMPORTANCE	*3.7*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*3.0*
Ability to define and solve problems: IMPORTANCE	*3.7*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*3.0*
Appreciating and exercising my rights and responsibilities as a citizen: IMPORTANCE	*3.2*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*2.5*
Working cooperatively in groups or as a team: IMPORTANCE	*3.6*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*3.0*
Make and exercise a lifelong commitment to learning: IMPORTANCE	*3.6*
IMPACT of GRCC experience	*3.0*
*Scale: 1 - No importance/no impact to 4 - Major importance/major impact

Section C: Continuing Education

**The questions in this section ask about the college/university you are currently attending or have attended since leaving GRCC:**
		Number	Percent
Please indicate your current or most recently attended college or university since graduating from GRCC.	Aquinas College	29	*10.1%*
	Calvin College	3	*1.0%*
	Central Michigan University	9	*3.1%*
	Davenport College	18	*6.3%*
	Ferris State University	16	*5.6%*
	Grand Valley State University	*119*	*41.5%*
	Michigan State University	19	*6.6%*
	Michigan Tech University	2	*.7%*
	University of Michigan	9	*3.1%*
	Wayne State University	1	*.3%*
	Western Michigan University	15	*5.2%*
	GRCC for additional coursework	21	*7.3%*
	Cornerstone College	6	*2.1%*
	Trinity Christian College	1	*.3%*
	Hope College	1	*.3%*
	Kendall College	1	*.3%*
	Spring Arbor College	2	*.7%*
	Regents College - NY	2	*.7%*
	DePaul University	1	*.3%*
	Kalamazoo College	1	*.3%*
	Wild Rose College of Natural Healing	1	*.3%*
	Life University	1	*.3%*
	Lansing Community College	1	*.3%*
	Jefferson State Community College	1	*.3%*
	Mercy College of Detroit	1	*.3%*
	Worsham College	1	*.3%*
	Indiana State University	1	*.3%*
	Lawrence Tech University	2	*.7%*
	Oakland University	1	*.3%*
	Arizona State University	1	*.3%*
How well did GRCC prepare you to continue your education?	No response	13	*4.0%*
	Exceptionally well	64	*19.6%*
	More than adequately	*110*	*33.6%*
	Adequately	*131*	*40.1%*
	Less than adequately	7	*2.1%*
	Very poorly	2	*.6%*
What is the highest degree you eventually plan to obtain?	No response	19	*5.8%*
	Do not plan to obtain another degree	4	*1.2%*
	Bachelor's degree	*104*	*31.8%*
	Master's degree	*126*	*38.5%*
	Doctorate degree	25	*7.6%*
	Other	49	*15.0%*

Section D: Employment Experience

**If your current job is related to your field of study:**
		Number	Percent
Were you already employed in this position while attending GRCC?	No response	39	*12.3%*
	Yes	87	*27.4%*
	No	*191*	*60.3%*
How well did your GRCC experience prepare you for your current job?	No response	19	*6.0%*
	Exceptionally well	60	*18.9%*
	More than adequately	*113*	*35.6%*
	Adequately	*112*	*35.3%*
	Less than adequately	11	*3.5%*
	Very poorly	2	*.6%*

**If your current job is not related to your field of study, check each reason which applies:**
		Number	Percent
Not sufficiently qualified for a job	Yes	50	*21.6%*
Not sufficiently qualified for a job	No	*181*	*78.4%*
Preferred to work in another field	Yes	34	*14.7%*
Preferred to work in another field	No	*197*	*85.3%*
Found a better paying job	Yes	41	*17.7%*
Found a better paying job	No	*190*	*82.3%*
Could not find work in my field	Yes	30	*13.0%*
Could not find work in my field	No	*201*	*87.0%*
Working to finance my continuing education	Yes	*106*	*45.9%*
Working to finance my continuing education	No	*125*	*54.1%*

Return to: GRCC Board of Trustee's Reports
Return to: Institutional Research Homepage