To: UMMADVISORS@LISTS.UMN.EDU

 

Advisors,

 

Annual planning seems an appropriate time to consider how students assess the advising they receive. Freshmen are pleased with most of their advising, but an important percentage of them would like to know what they can expect from you and what you expect from them. Here's what the attached 2004 freshman assessment administered in December through FYS tells us:

 

327 (of 385) students responded (85%). As usual, almost 98% of the respondents knew their advisor's name. Though they are required to meet with their advisors only twice during fall term (during orientation and spring registration), 41% met additional times.

 

The positive responses to #9, "My adviser refers me to other staff or offices when necessary," rose to 74%, a dramatic gain of 12.6%. In most other categories, the percentages rose slightly or remained about the same. Individual advisors (92% agree) are "on time for appointments" (#3) and (#4) "keep regular office hours"(92.6% agree). Advisors discuss academic goals (#6-82.3%), provide academic information (#7-84.7%), and seem interested in helping the student succeed (#8-86.5%).

 

Three questions drew the highest negative ratings.

 5. My advisor took time to become acquainted with me. 22.3 percent disagreed.

 10. My advisor explained what is expected of me as an advisee. 35.2% disagreed.

 11. My advisor explained what I can expect from my advisor. 29.7 % disagreed.

If you haven't addressed expectations, consider doing that in your interactions with advisees these next few weeks.

 

Since the freshman assessment was initiated in 2000, the mean combined positive rating (agree or strongly agree) has risen 12.5%, three points since 2003. The mean negative rating (disagree or strongly disagree) has dropped nine points,1.7 points since 2003. Every day in every way, we're getting better and better. Hurrah!

 

 Karla Klinger, Advising

 

 

Assessment of Advising in Fall Semester 2004

 

1.  Do you know the name of your adviser?    320 yes (97.9%)   5 no (1.5%)

 

2.  How often have you met with your adviser?  (Choose one) 323/327

      1.2%__During Orientation only

      56.5%__During Orientation and before registration for spring

      40.1%__Additional times

      .9%__Never

 

                                                                                                                        5               4            3                     2                     1

For the statements below, circle the appropriate response.                    Strongly agree    Agree    Disagree   Strongly disagree  Does not apply

 

3.  My adviser is on time for appointments.                                                    5               4               3                     2                     1

      327/327                                                                                               58.7%        33.6%        4.3%               1.2%                2.1%

4.  My adviser keeps regular office hours.                                                      5               4               3                     2                     1

      325/327                                                                                               55.0%        37.6%        1.8%               1.2%                3.7%

5.  My adviser took time to become acquainted with me.                                5               4               3                     2                     1

      327/327                                                                                               39.1%        38.2%       16.8%              5.5%                 .3%

6.  My adviser discusses my academic goals and ways to meet them.              5               4               3                     2                     1

      327/327                                                                                               45.9%        36.4%       11.3%              5.5%                 .9%

7.  My adviser provides me with information about academic

      requirements and choices.                                                                         5               4               3                     2                     1

      327/327                                                                                               46.5%       38.2%        9.8%               4.6%                .9%

8.  My adviser seems interested in helping me succeed academically.             5               4               3                     2                     1

      327/327                                                                                               49.5%        37.0%       10.1%              2.8%                 .6%

9.  My adviser refers me to other staff or offices when necessary.                   5               4               3                     2                     1

      326/327                                                                                               41,0%        33.6%       11.3%              4.0%                9.8%

10.  My adviser explained what is expected of me as an advisee.                    5               4               3                     2                     1

      325/327                                                                                               24.8%        36.4%       26.0%              9.2%                3.1%

11.  My adviser explained what I can expect from my adviser.                       5               4               3                     2                     1

      325/327                                                                                               30.0%          37.0%        21.4%            8.3%                 2.8%

     

 

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