3R3 Performance Results for Relationship Building

The Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) conducted every three years is the primary indicator of STI student satisfaction. Results are very positive, particularly when compared nationally with other two-year institutions (See Table 3.3). Ratings are based on a 7 point rating system with 7 meaning “very satisfied” and 1 meaning “not satisfied at all.” *.05 ** .01 *** .001 indicate that the difference to the national mean is statistically significant.

Table 3.3 SSI Category Score Results Above National Mean (2008)

Survey Category	STI	National
Student Centeredness	5.41*	5.34
Campus Support Services	5.10***	4.94
Safety and Security	5.09*	4.97
Academic Advising/Counseling	5.44***	5.19
Admissions and Financial Aid	5.25***	5.10
Service Excellence	5.31*	5.23
Concern for the Individual	5.37***	5.21
Campus Climate	5.38***	5.27

Table 3.4 indicates the SSI areas where STI falls significantly below the national mean:

Table 3.4 SSI Category Score Results Below National Mean (2008)

Survey Category	STI	National
Responsiveness to Diverse Populations	5.32	5.43**
Academic Services	5.25	5.42***

STI has worked to improve the understanding among faculty and staff regarding diverse populations by holding in-service training on diversity issues, particularly with respect to students with disabilities. Recently, an entire in-service day was dedicated to the topic of Understanding Poverty, another on Students as Customers, and a third on Generation Next. To better assist part-time, evening, weekend and online students, STI has hired an Evening and Online Enrollment Coordinator.

STI also uses student enrollment, retention and graduation rates as indirect measures of student satisfaction. Student enrollment numbers have been strong with a large increase in fall 2009, moving the institute from 2,138 students in fall 2008 to 2,489 students in fall 2009. STI’s retention rate from fall to fall semesters for new (first time and transfer) students was 63% for fall 2009. STI’s graduate rates after three years was 53%. STI’s full-time, first-time, degree seeking graduate rate of 47% is in line with the 46% graduate rate average for South Dakota public higher education (IPEDS 2005 Cohort).

In fall 2009, STI implemented an Exit Interview process for students who leave STI prior to graduation to gather additional information regarding student satisfaction. The first results of this process will be available in fall 2010.

STI uses an Employer Survey to measure the satisfaction of our external stakeholders and a Campus Climate Survey to measure the satisfaction of internal stakeholders.