Exit Surveys and Alumni Surveys

From the Geology Department, Miami University

Purpose

To assess student opinions on curriculum, research opportunities, advising, etc., and (for alumni) on the perceived quality and success of their educational experience after the fact.

Implementation

Exit Surveys are given (hard copy) to all graduating undergraduate majors/minors and graduate students during their final semester in residence. Alumni surveys are sent out every 5-6 years; traditionally in hard copy but we will likely move to web-based in the near future.

Use of the Data

Exit Surveys are tabulated annually to identify any issues that need to be addressed and/or discussed by the faculty and to look for suggestions for improvement (formative assessment). Alumni Surveys are used more for Academic Program Review purposes (summative assessment) every six years or so.

Effectiveness

Both instruments have worked well and tend to complement each other.

Instruments

Download the Exit and Alumni Surveys (Acrobat (PDF) 99kB Feb9 09)