3R6 Comparative Results

Areas on the most recent Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (2008) where STI rated at or higher than national two year institutions include:

Table 3.8 SSI Ratings Higher than the National Mean (2008)

Question:	STI	National
Faculty are interested in my academic problems.	5.32***	5.16
Most students feel a sense of belonging here.	5.37*	5.28
The college shows concern for students as individuals.	5.26***	5.10
The campus staff are caring and helpful.	5.47	5.40
It is an enjoyable experience to be a student on this campus.	5.48	5.47
Students are made to feel welcome on this campus.	5.56	5.53
Administrators are approachable to students.	5.33*	5.22
Child care facilities are available on campus.	4.96***	4.46
Personnel in the Veterans Services program are helpful.	4.69*	4.57
This campus provides effective support services for displaced homemakers.	4.79	4.74
The career services office provides students with the help they need to get a job.	5.20***	4.98
The student center is a comfortable place for students to spend their leisure time.	5.29*	5.17
There are adequate services to help me decide upon a career.	5.35***	5.18
People on this campus respect and are supportive of each other.	5.36**	5.24
The campus is safe and secure for all students.	5.64***	5.50
I generally know what’s happening on campus.	5.29***	4.90
This institution has a good reputation in the community.	5.72**	5.60

Scale: Ratings are based on a 7 point rating sytem with 7 meaning “very satisfied” and 1 meaning “not satisfied at all.”
* ** *** indicates the difference to the national mean is statistically significant.

Students report a strong sense of feeling welcomed, safe, and supported. They report high satisfaction with a majority of support services including career, child care, Veterans, and displaced homemaker services. The comfortable physical environment may also contribute to their overall satisfaction.

Areas falling below the national mean, and areas STI is working to improve, include:

Table 3.9 SSI Ratings Lower than the National Mean (2008)

Question	STI	National
Institution’s commitment to part-time students.	5.37	5.55***
Institution’s commitment to evening students.	5.25	5.44***
Institution’s commitment to older, returning learners.	5.46	5.51
Institution’s commitment to under-represented populations.	5.29	5.33
Institution’s commitment to commuters.	5.14	5.33
Institution’s commitment to students with disabilities.	5.41	5.44
Library resources and services are adequate.	5.25	5.56***
There are a sufficient number of study areas on campus.	5.32	5.33
Library staff are helpful and approachable.	5.22	5.48***
Computer labs are adequate and accessible.	5.13	5.54***
The equipment in the lab facilities is kept up to date.	5.37	5.42
Tutoring services are readily available.	5.14	5.36***

In many of these instances, STI provides the necessary services for students; however, some of these services are underutilized either due to lack of student knowledge regarding availability, communication of services, the time services are offered, etc. Several of these areas have been or are currently being addressed with changes described in 3I 1 .