ALBUQUERQUE TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE
Faces of The Future
2000-2001
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
This report summarizes the results of surveys administered to a random sample
of 333 students enrolled in credit and non-credit courses at Albuquerque
Technical Vocational Institute (hereafter referred to as TVI) during the fall of
2000. This survey is the result of a cooperative venture between American
College Testing (ACT) and the American Association of Community Colleges
(AACC). The objective of this national research initiative was to gather data on
students enrolled in community colleges. These students represent almost half of
all U.S. undergraduates.
The survey has been administered twice. Nationwide, over 250 colleges and
150,000 students have participated. TVI has participated in both rounds of the
survey administration. A comparison of the 1999 results to the 2000 results
indicate the survey instrument is quite stable across the 2 administrations both
nationwide and for TVI students. The office of Institutional Planning and
Research participated in this project with the following objectives:
•
•
•
•
to gather demographic student data that were not currently available
from other sources in the following general areas:
1. educational/academic background,
2. current student circumstances, and
3. student goals;
to obtain information enabling TVI to compare results with averages
from other institutions that participated in the ACT Faces of the Future
Survey;
to assess student satisfaction with services and programs; and
to obtain trend data as TVI seeks to improve services to students.
The key findings are listed below:
TVI serves a diverse group of students who have a wide range of educational
goals both personal and professional. TVI plays a substantial role in preparing
students for the workplace. TVI students clearly value the importance of
education and recognize the role it plays in their intellectual growth, personal
development, and career advancement.
•
•
•
Half of TVI students are first generation college students; further, they
report an earned a high school diploma (74%) at approximately twice
the rate of their parents (35% for Mothers; 28% for Fathers).
Students rank to develop my mind and intellectual abilities and to meet
requirements for my chosen occupation as the primary reasons for
taking current course or program at TVI.
Students indicate a variety of reasons for taking classes at TVI; the
largest majority (89%) of students list job-related reasons, one-third
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
1
•
(33%) are interested in transfer to a 4-year institution, and three-tenths
(30%) take classes for personal enrichment or self-improvement.
Almost one-fifth (18%) of TVI students currently attend more than one
educational institution in pursuit of their educational goals.
Respondents attend classes in spite of experiencing a larger degree of
challenges as compared to those faced by typical community college students
across the nation.
•
•
•
•
Students report having fewer resources available from outside sources
to help pay for classes as compared to the national sample; almost
one-half (47%) of TVI students consider their own income or savings
as the major source of funds as opposed to one-third (33%) of typical
community college students.
Nearly three-quarters of TVI students (73%) are employed while
attending classes; further, they report working long hours. Over onehalf of employed TVI students (54%) work more than 31 hours per
week as compared to less than one-half (48%) in the national sample.
TVI students have larger households as compared to the national data
sample. Almost one-third (32%) of TVI students have children living
with them requiring support; one-fifth (20%) of national sample
students report children living with them.
A majority of students identify life-changing events occurring during the
last two years, including job change or loss, death of immediate family
member, and change in marital status.
TVI students are generally positive about their experiences with the community
college. Students of all ages and backgrounds report growth in academic and
workplace skills. Overall, TVI students are well satisfied with most aspects of
their community college experience and report a higher level of satisfaction than
do typical community college students nationwide. TVI has reason to be proud of
the high levels of satisfaction that students report with those areas that are at the
core of our institutional educational mission: high-quality instruction, positive
academic experiences, and opportunities for intellectual growth and personal
development.
•
•
TVI respondents report their experience with TVI has positively
contributed to increasing academic competence, learning job-related
skills needed for current or future job, enriching intellectual life, and
identifying the training/skills required for career opportunities. Further,
they report that TVI has contributed to their growth in these areas at a
higher level than do the students in the national data sample.
The majority of TVI students would recommend this community college
to friends and relatives, feel they are treated with respect by TVI
employees, and report computing services/facilities are available at
convenient times.
2 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
1
I.
INTRODUCTION
Objectives
Methodology
Format of the Report
List of Tables and Figures
4
4
4
5
6
II.
REPORT
SECTION 1: Educational/Academic Background
Highest education level attained
Other type of educational institution enrolled
Additional information
SECTION 2: Current Student Circumstances
Employment
Resources
Life circumstances
SECTION 3: Student Goals/Reasons
Goals
Reasons
SECTION 4: Current College Experience
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III.
APPENDIX : Demographic Information
TVI Specific Questions
30
33
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
3
I.
Introduction
ACT designed the survey instrument at the request of and in collaboration with
representatives from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
in 1998. The survey was first administered in fall of 1999 to over 100,000
students from 245 community colleges in 41 states. The second annual Faces of
the Future Survey was administered during the fall of 2000 to 50,000 students
from 104 community and 2-year colleges across the nation.
Objectives:
The Office of Institutional Planning and Research participated in this project with
the following objectives:
•
to gather demographic student data that were not currently available from
other sources;
•
to obtain comparative information from the national sample enabling TVI
to compare results with data from other institutions;
•
to access student satisfaction with TVI; and
•
to obtain continuing data for trend studies as TVI seeks to improve
services to students.
Methodology:
Closely mirroring the previous methodology, the Faces of the Future Survey was
administered in the fall of 2000, during the 10th week of the term, to TVI students
enrolled in a random sample of courses. To ensure a representative sample,
courses offered at each of the four campuses were identified. These courses
included both day and evening sections. The sample included a total of 35
courses. Instructors administered the surveys during regularly scheduled class
time.
Of the 750 surveys sent out, 333 (44%) were completed and returned. ACT
provided optical scanning for the instruments. The data were returned to the
office of Institutional Planning and Research for further analysis and report
writing.
4 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
Format of the report:
Although ACT returned a data analysis for all 126 items on the instrument, some
were separated by “credit” versus “non-credit” students, while others were not.
Respondents were categorized as credit or non-credit students based upon the
selection of type of course enrollment in the general background section. A
respondent indicating enrollment in any credit course was included in the credit
group whereas a respondent indicating enrollment in at least one non-credit
course (and not enrolled in any credit courses) was included in the non-credit
group. Due to the low number of TVI students (n=33) self-selecting the noncredit category, results included in the report section of this document are
reported as group data, that is, aggregate results are reported for both credit and
non-credit student groups together. Graphs and tables provided by ACT
separating the credit versus non-credit groups are found in Appendix B. Care
must be exercised in drawing conclusions from the non-credit data based upon
the small and thereby unrepresentative sample for TVI non-credit students.
Demographic comparisons to the overall TVI student population were
problematic due to the differences in data collection methods. For example, age
and ethnic categories on the survey are not consistent with categories reported in
the TVI Fact Book 1999-2000.
This report summarizes the results of the AACC/ACT Faces of the Future Survey
in four sections. In each of the sections results are first reported for TVI students’
responses. If the analysis indicated noteworthy differences between TVI students
and the national data samples, these differences are noted by a bulleted and
italicized comment immediately following. For those areas in which differences
were not found, comparisons are not included. Section 1 presents information on
general academic background of students. Section 2 examines current student
context including employment, financial resources, and degree of problems
encountered while attending school. Section 3 reviews student goals; the final
section assesses student experiences with TVI. Results from the national
sample must be interpreted carefully. Students from other institutions may not
have the same needs and expectations as TVI students.
Section tables contain percent or average data for both the TVI sample and the
national data sample, if available. All students did not respond to every item on
the survey. Blank responses were omitted. Results were computed for valid data
only.
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
5
List of tables and figures:
Table
Number
Table 1
Figure 1
Figure 2
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Figure 3
Table 5
Figure 4
Figure 5
Table 6
Figure 6
Table 7
Table 8
Table 9
Table 10
Figure 7
Table 11
Table 12
Table 13
Table 14
Figure 8
Table 15
Table 16
Table 17
Table 18
Figure 9
Appendix
Table Title
For Responses to Faces of the Future Survey for
Fall 2000
Highest academic degree earned
Highest educational level attained for TVI
students/parents
Other type of educational institution currently enrolled
Other type of educational institution currently enrolled
Native language English
Internet use
Students employed full time and part time
Employment status at this time
Hours per week working while taking this course – TVI
students
Hours per week working while taking this course –
national data sample
Employment information
Times typically work at primary job
Student’s total annual income
Sources of funds to pay for classes
Life circumstances
Degree of problems encountered while taking courses
Top-five problems while taking classes
Importance to accomplish various goals
Reason for taking classes
Reason for taking course/program
College experiences contribution to growth
Contribution to learning computer use
Sources learned about this college
Importance of factors to attend this college
Agreement with statements about this college
Satisfaction with this college
Satisfaction with the community college
Respondent demographics
TVI specific questions
6 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
Page
Number
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9
9
10
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11
12
13
13
14
15
16
17
19
20
20
21
22
23
25
26
26
27
28
29
29
30
33
II.
REPORT
SECTION 1: Educational/ Academic Background
Highest education level attained:
One-half of TVI students are first generation college students. Almost threequarters of TVI students (74%) report a high school diploma or GED as the
highest degree earned by Fall term, 2000; further, these respondents report
earning these diplomas at a higher rate when compared to those earned by their
parents (35% for Mothers; 28% for Fathers; see Figure 1).
•
TVI students report a somewhat lower percentage of earned Associate’s
and Bachelor’s degrees (7%) than the national sample (12%). On the
other hand, twice as many TVI students (16%) report an earned
Vocational/ Technical certificate as compared to the national sample (8%).
Table 1: Highest academic degree earned - Fall 2000
Degree
TVI Students
None
1%
High school
65%
diploma
GED
9%
Vocational/
16%
technical certificate
Associate or other
4%
2-year degree
Bachelor’s or other
3%
4-year degree
Master’s/ Doctoral/
2%
professional
degree
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
National Data
6%
66%
6%
8%
7%
5%
2%
7
Figure 1: Highest education level attained for TVI students/parents - Fall 2000
Advanced
degree
4-year degree
2-year degree
Father
Mother
TVI student
Vo/Tech
certificate
HS/GED
None
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Table 1 (cont.)
Highest academic degree earned by parents
Mother
TVI Students
National Data
Less than high
school diploma
High school
diploma or GED
Some college, no
certificate or
degree
Vocational/
Technical
certificate
Associate or other
2-year degree
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s/ Doctoral/
professional
degree
Father
TVI Students
National Data
17%
17%
22%
19%
35%
35%
28%
33%
18%
16%
13%
14%
5%
6%
12%
7%
9%
9%
8%
6%
9%
7%
11%
6%
9%
8%
13%
8%
8 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
Other type of educational institution enrolled:
As can be seen from Figure 2, over four-fifths of students (82%) are currently
enrolled only at TVI, however, almost one-fifth of respondents (18%) are enrolled
in more than one educational institution: vocational/technical college or another
community college (13%), 4-year college/university (3%), high school (1%), and
other (1%).
•
Fewer students in the national sample are concurrently enrolled at another
educational institution (13%) as compared to TVI students (18%).
Figure 2: Percentage of students currently enrolled in additional educational
institutions - Fall 2000
Other
2%
1%
4-year college
3%
3%
2%
Vo/tech school
12%
Another
Community
College
3%
1%
HS
3%
1%
National data
TVI student
87%
82%
None
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Table 2: Other type of educational institution currently enrolled - Fall 2000
Other Type
None
High school
Another community
college
Vocational/ technical
school
4-year college/
university
Other
TVI Students
82%
1%
1%
National Data
87%
3%
3%
12%
2%
3%
3%
1%
2%
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
9
Additional information:
A slightly higher percentage of TVI students speak English as a second language
(14%) as compared to the national sample (11%).
As can be seen from Table 4, over one-half of TVI respondents (55%) indicate
using the Internet daily (26%) or several times a week (29%). Just over onequarter indicate using it several times a month (8%), once a month (8%), or
never (11%). TVI students report using the Internet at slightly lower rates as
compared to the national data. For example, just over one-quarter of TVI
students (26%) indicate using the Internet daily as compared to almost one-third
(32%) of students in the national sample report.
Table 3: Native language English - Fall 2000
Response
Percent
TVI Students
Native Language
English?
Yes
86%
No
14%
National Data
89%
11%
Table 4: Internet use - Fall 2000
Response
How Often Do You Use The Internet
TVI Students
National Data
Never
11%
10%
Several times a
8%
7%
month
Once a month
8%
8%
Once a week
18%
14%
Several times a
29%
29%
week
Daily
26%
32%
10 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
SECTION 2: Current Student Circumstances
Employment:
As can be seen from Table 5, almost three-quarters of TVI students are
employed (73%) while attending school. Further, almost one-half (48%) consider
their primary status to be that of an employee/worker or self-employed as
opposed to that of a student (see Table 6). Over one-half of students (51%) are
working 31-50 hours per week while attending classes. Over one-third of TVI
students (35%) have held their current jobs more than 3 years.
•
While TVI students report a similar percentage of combined full-time and
part-time employment (73%) as compared to the national sample (70%), it
is noteworthy that employed TVI students report working longer hours.
Over one-half of employed TVI students (54%) report working 31 or more
hours per week while attending school as compared to less than one-half
(48%) in the national sample. (See Figures 3-4).
•
Over two-fifths (44%) of TVI students indicate they are working full-time
positions as compared to two-fifths of students (40%) in the national
sample. (See Table 6).
Figure 3: Percentage of students employed full time versus part time – Fall 2000
70%
56%
60%
50%
40%
44%
60%
40%
TVI students
National data
30%
20%
10%
0%
Employed Full
Time
Employed Part
Time
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
11
Over one-half of TVI students report working weekdays (e.g. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); while slightly less than one-quarter indicate
working evenings (second shift).
•
A larger percentage of TVI students (53%) report working daytime hours
(e.g. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) as compared to the national
sample (44%). Less than one-fourth work evening hours (24%) as
compared to a higher percentage (34%) in the national sample. See
Figure 5.
Table 5: Employment status at this time - Fall 2000
Status
Caring for my
family/ home full
time
Employed parttime
Employed full-time
Unemployed –
seeking
employment
Unemployed – not
seeking
employment
TVI Students
9%
National Data
9%
38%
39%
35%
11%
31%
11%
7%
10%
12 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
Figure 4: Hours per week working while taking this course for TVI students - Fall
2000
41-50 hours
29%
Over 50 hours
3%
Don't Know
7%
1-10 hours
7%
31-40 hours
22%
11-20 hours
15%
21-30 hours
17%
Figure 5: Hours per week working while taking this course for national data - Fall
2000
41-50 hours
25%
Over 50 hours
5%
Don't Know
7%
1-10 hours
7%
31-40 hours
18%
11-20 hours
18%
21-30 hours
20%
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
13
Table 6: Employment information (for employed students) - Fall 2000
Response
Percent
TVI Students
National Data
A student
52%
61%
An employee/
48%
39%
worker/ self-emp
Number of jobs held (Mark all that apply)
1 full-time
42%
39%
2 full-time
2%
1%
1 part-time
38%
41%
2 part-time
5%
9%
3 or more part-time
1%
1%
Occasional jobs
10%
9%
Hours currently working per week
Don’t know (e.g.
7%
7%
working occasional
jobs, hours per week
vary)
1-10 hours per week
7%
7%
11-20 hours per
15%
18%
week
21-30 hours per
17%
20%
week
31-40 hours per
22%
18%
week
41-50 hours per
29%
25%
week
Over 50 hours per
3%
5%
week
Times typically work at primary job
Weekdays (e.g. 8:00
53%
44%
am to 4:00 pm or
9:00 am to 5:00 pm)
Evenings (second
24%
34%
shift)
Overnight (third
2%
4%
shift)
Other
21%
18%
Years held current primary job
TVI Students
National Data
Less than 1 year
38%
40%
1-2 years
27%
28%
3-4 years
15%
15%
5-10 years
8%
9%
More than 10 years
12%
8%
14 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
Figure 6: Times typically work at primary job - Fall 2000
60%
50%
40%
TVI student
30%
National Data
20%
10%
0%
Weekdays 8-4 or
9-5)
Evenings
Overnight
Other
Resources:
Over one-third (38%) of TVI students report earning $9,999 or less annually.
Over one-half (54%) earn $14,999 or less. When reporting annual combined
income from all sources, one-quarter (25%) report this income at $19,999 or less.
(See Table 7).
•
Less than one-fifth (17%) of TVI students report a combined income from
all sources at $14,999 or less as compared to just over one-tenth (12%) of
students in the national data sample.
Almost one-half of TVI students (47%) report their own income or savings as a
major source of funds to pay for classes at TVI; a similar amount report student
financial aid (46%) as a major source of funds.
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
15
•
As can be see from Table 8, TVI students appear to have fewer resources
available from outside funds as compared to students in the national data
sample. Almost one-half (47%) of TVI students consider their own income
or savings as the major source of funds to pay for TVI classes as opposed
to one-third (33%) of students in the national data sample.
For those students who are employed, less than one-fifth (19%) receives partial
(7%) or full (12%) tuition reimbursement from their employers. A majority of
employed TVI students (70%) do not report employer assistance of any kind in
paying for school-related expenses.
Table 7: Student’s total annual income - Fall 2000
Category
Percent
TVI
National
TVI
Student’s
Data
Student’s
Annual
Student’s
Income
Income
Annual
From All
Income
Sources
$9,999 or Less
$10,000 – $14,999
$15,000 – $19,999
$20,000 – $29,999
$30,000 – $39,999
$40,000 – $49,999
$50,000 – $59,999
$60,000 – $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 or More
I Don’t Know
Prefer Not To
Respond
38%
18%
9%
12%
4%
1%
1%
1%
1%
<1%
41%
12%
8%
10%
5%
3%
2%
1%
1%
1%
15%
17%
16 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
10%
7%
8%
11%
12%
5%
7%
6%
2%
2%
18%
12%
National
Data
Student’s
Income
From All
Sources
7%
5%
5%
8%
8%
7%
6%
7%
5%
6%
21%
14%
Table 8: Source of funds to pay for classes - Fall 2000
Source of Funds for TVI Students
Percent
Major Source
Moderate
Minor Source
of Funds
Source of
of Funds
Funds
47%
20%
18%
Not a Source
of Funds
My own
15%
income/savings
Spouse’s/ significant
12%
8%
5%
75%
other’s
income/savings
Parent’ (s) income/
12%
12%
17%
59%
savings
Employer
6%
7%
8%
79%
contributions
Student financial aid
46%
9%
3%
42%
Other loans
7%
5%
4%
84%
Public assistance
6%
2%
3%
89%
Other
4%
3%
<1%
93%
Source of Funds for National Data Sample Students
Percent
Source of Funds
Percent
Major Source
Moderate
Minor Source Not a Source
of Funds
Source of
of Funds
of Funds
Funds
My own
33%
17%
23%
28%
income/savings
Spouse’s/ significant
9%
6%
8%
77%
other’s
income/savings
Parent’ (s) income/
25%
12%
13%
50%
savings
Employer
7%
6%
7%
80%
contributions
Student financial aid
44%
10%
7%
40%
Other loans
6%
6%
6%
82%
Public assistance
4%
2%
3%
91%
Other
5%
2%
2%
91%
Your employer will pay for (for employed students) (Mark all that apply)
TVI Students
National Data
Employer does not
70%
69%
pay for any education/
training expenses
All of tuition
12%
8%
Part of tuition
7%
8%
Books and materials
7%
5%
Transportation
2%
2%
Dependent care
1%
1%
Other
10%
7%
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
17
Life Circumstances:
As can be seen from Table 9, three-tenths of TVI students (30%) have children
or stepchildren currently living with them; almost one-half are the major wage
earner in their household; further, many report life-changing experiences
occurring in the last two years; three-fifths have experienced a job loss or job
change; and one-quarter have experienced the death of an immediate family
member.
•
This is especially noteworthy in comparison to with national data. Threetenths (30%) of TVI students say they have children currently living with
them as opposed to only one-fifth (20%) of community college students
nationwide. Just over one-third of national sample respondents (35%)
report themselves as the major wage earner in the household, in contrast
to a larger percentage of TVI students (45%) who indicate they are the
major source of income.
In identifying life-changing events respondents’ experience while taking classes,
students were asked to mark all such events which had occurred during the last
two years in 9 areas. Nearly three fifths of TVI students (55%) have experienced
loss or change of job; over one-fifth have experienced changes with family status
through marriage (6%), divorce/separation (8%) and/or birth/ adoption of
child(ren) (7%); one-fifth (20%) the death of an immediate family member. Fewer
reported major illness or other disabling condition (6%), assumed responsibility
for person with illness or other disabling condition (4%) and/or retirement (3%).
•
For seven of the areas; change or loss or job, death of an immediate
family member, divorce/separation, assumed responsibility for person with
illness or other disabling condition, major illness or other disabling
condition, and retirement, TVI students report a higher percentage of
occurrence of these events. For example, 55% of TVI students report
change or loss of job as compared to just over two fifths (41%) of national
percentages. For one area, birth/adoption of child(ren) the percentage is
equal; for marriage the percentage is only slightly less than the national
sample.
Table 9 provides information on current life circumstances.
18 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
Table 9: Life circumstances - Fall 2000
Who Lives With You (Mark all that apply)
TVI Students
National Data
I live alone
10%
6%
Spouse/significant other
31%
20%
Parent(s)
31%
30%
Friend(s)/roommate
10%
6%
Brother(s)/ sister(s)
16%
14%
My child(ren)/ stepchild
12%
8%
(ren) age birth - 5
My child(ren)/ stepchild
14%
9%
(ren) age 6-17
My child(ren)/
6%
3%
stepchild(ren) age 18 and
older
Other relative
4%
3%
Major Wage Earner(s) in Your Household (Mark all that apply)
Self
45%
35%
Spouse/ significant other
22%
20%
Parent(s)/ guardian
27%
40%
Other
9%
5%
During the Past Two Years, Have You Experienced (Mark all that apply)
TVI Students/
TVI Students/
National
Number
Percent
Sample Data
Percent
Marriage
16
6%
7%
Change or loss of job
Birth/ adoption of
child(ren)
Death of immediate
family member
Divorce/ separation
Assumed primary
responsibility for person
with illness or other
disabling condition
Major illness or other
disabling condition
Retirement
Other
141
19
55%
7%
41%
7%
53
20%
16%
20
9
8%
4%
6%
3%
16
6%
5%
7
54
3%
21%
1%
14%
(Column totals do not equal 100% due to multiple answers)
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
19
One of the survey questions listed 12 areas of potential problems encountered by
students enrolled in classes. Respondents rated each problem area indicating
the degree to which it was a problem for them. Table 10 shows that each of the
top three ranking problem areas relate to financial issues: cost and/or availability
of books and materials, personal financial problems, and cost of computer.
Respondents also rank job-related responsibilities and transportation problems
(parking, access to public transportation, etc.) in the top five ranking list (see
Figure 7).
•
TVI students’ average rankings for the degree of problems encountered
are higher in eleven of the twelve areas as compared to the national data.
This may indicate TVI students are attending classes in spite of a greater
degree of reported problems and difficulties as compared to those faced
by the typical community college student nationwide.
Table 10: Degree of problems encountered while taking courses – Fall 2000
Problem
Rank*
TVI Students
National Data
Cost and/or availability of books
2.46/1
2.16/2
and related materials
Personal financial problems
2.42/2
2.28/1
Cost of computer
2.38/3
2.02/4
Transportation problems (parking,
2.37/4
1.75/9
access to public transportation, etc.)
Job-related responsibilities
2.06/5
2.01/5
Family responsibilities
2.04/6
1.94/7
Finding acceptable child or other
1.96/7
1.95/6
dependent (e.g. parent) care
Cost of transportation
1.94/8
1.82/8
Cost of child or other dependent
1.94/9
2.05/3
(e.g. parent) care
Other
1.83/10
1.56/11
Medical expenses
1.73/11
1.62/10
Health-related problems
1.57/12
1.51/12
*Averages base on valid responses only. (Problem Scale: 4=major problem, 3=moderate
problem, 2=minor problem, 1=not a problem)
20 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
Figure 7: Top-five problems associated with taking classes at TVI as percentage
of respondents reporting each as a problem– Fall 2000
Job-related
Responsibilities
Transportation
Problems
Cost of
Computer
Personal
Financial
Problems
Cost of
Books/Materials
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
SECTION 3: Student Goals/ Reasons
Goals:
To have time for my personal/family interests and to be self-reliant rank as the
two most important goals for TVI students to accomplish. Students also rank
have a steady, secure job, and to help others who are in need as important
goals. Respondents rank these items on an importance scale where 5=very
important, 3=moderately important, and 1=not important.
Table 11: Importance to accomplish various goals - Fall 2000
Goal
TVI Students
Importance
Average/
Rank
To have time for my personal/family interests
4.75/1
To be self-reliant
4.74/2
To have a steady, secure job
4.67/3
To help others who are in need
4.20/4
To be a parent
3.90/5
To meet new and interesting people
3.84/6
To make a lot of money
3.82/7
To be active in my community
3.34/8
To own and operate my own business
2.97/9
To make a theoretical or practical contribution
2.44/10
to science
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
National Data
Importance
Average/
Rank
4.70/1
4.57/3
4.69/2
4.17/4
4.03/5
3.88/7
4.01/6
3.26/8
2.92/9
2.26/10
21
(Importance Scale: 5=very important, 3=moderately important, 1=not important)
Reasons:
TVI appears to be playing a substantial role in preparing students for the
workplace. Almost one-half of students report that their reasons for taking
classes are related to their future work/job (48%) or their current work/job (12%),
to complete a vocational/technical program (18%) or maintaining a license or
certification (11%). On the other hand, students attend TVI for diverse reasons.
Students also report degree attainment and transfer credits as important reasons
for attending the community college; seeking an associate’s degree (36%) and/or
transfer credits to a 4-year college (33%) are also cited as reasons by a majority
of students (69%). It is noteworthy that two-fifths of students (40%) are taking
classes for personal enrichment or self-improvement (30%), for no definite
purpose in mind (2%) or other reasons (8%).
TVI students attend specific courses and programs to enhance the opportunity
for intellectual growth. They rank to develop my mind and intellectual abilities as
the most important reason for taking their current course or program; this is
followed by to increase my earning power and to study new and different
subjects. Three of the top five reasons are related to occupation and earning
power. See Table 13. For the most part, these correspond closely with the
rankings typically assigned by the national data sample.
Table 12: Reason for taking classes – Fall 2000
Reason
To take courses related to future work/job
To obtain an associate degree
To transfer to a 4-year college
To take courses for personal enrichment or selfimprovement
To complete a vocational/technical program
To take courses related to current work/job
To maintain a license or certification
No definite purpose in mind
Other
To prepare for a GED or high school diploma
*Column totals do not equal 100% due to multiple answers
22 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
TVI
Students
48%
36%
33%
30%
National
Data
41%
33%
41%
23%
18%
12%
11%
2%
6%
0%
6%
12%
8%
3%
8%
4%
Table 13: Reasons to take current course/program - Fall 2000
Reason
TVI
Students’
Average/
Ranking
To develop my mind and intellectual abilities
3.30/1
To meet requirements for my chosen occupation
3.26/2
To increase my earning power
3.08/3
To study new and different subjects
2.85/4
To make a career change
2.56/5
To meet new/interesting people
2.17/6
To develop my computer/technology skills
2.05/7
To advance in my current job
1.90/8
Parents and/or relatives wanted me to continue
1.69/9
my education
Needed to enter workforce after major life change
1.40/10
High school teacher’s and/or counselor’s
1.32/11
encouragement
Wanted to enter workforce after children grown
1.26/12
Other
1.24/13
To learn the English language and culture
1.18/14
Required by employer
1.15/15
National
Data
Average/
Ranking
3.11/2
3.17/1
2.83/3
2.56/4
2.25/5
2.16/6
2.01/7
1.68/9
1.95/8
1.35/11
1.52/10
1.22/14
1.23/13
1.24/12
1.18/15
(Reason Scale: 4=major reason, 3=moderate reason, 2=minor reason, 1=not a reason)
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
23
SECTION 4: Current College Experience
A large majority of students (90%) are satisfied (43%) or very satisfied (47%) with
TVI; less than one-tenth (8%) are neutral and few (2%) are dissatisfied or very
dissatisfied with the community college.
TVI students believe the community college has made a positive contribution to
increases in their growth in academic competence, learning of job-related skills,
intellectual enrichment and personal development. (See Table 14). The majority
of students in all demographic groups report that their experiences at TVI have
made a moderate or major contribution to their learning both personal and workrelated computer skills.
•
As can be seen from that table, students report their experience at TVI
has contributed to their growth in all eleven areas at a higher level than
that of the national data sample.
One-third (33%) of TVI students report learning about the community college
from family members and friends. The second source from which they gain
information about TVI is college catalogs, brochures and fliers, (23%) while fewer
(14%) learned from high school teachers or counselors.
Cost of attending this college is ranked as the primary factor for choosing TVI;
other important factors include; particular program of study, the variety of courses
offered, and the academic reputation of the college.
•
While cost of attending this college is also the most important factor for
choosing this college for the national sample, TVI students assign this
factor a higher average importance than do the national data sample.
This may be related to findings reported in previous sections which
indicate fewer resources available to TVI students compounded by a
larger number of dependents requiring support. TVI students rank
distance of the college from my permanent residence as a lower factor
(Average 3.11, rank=6), as compared to the national sample for whom
this was the factor assigned the second most important (Average 3.76,
rank=6).
TVI students are generally positive about the community college and their
experiences with programs, and services; further a large majority would
recommend TVI to friends and relatives. Respondents indicate a high level of
agreement with the statements that instructors treat students in my racial/ethnic
group with respect, this college has a good reputation in the community and
instructors/administrators treat students of my gender with respect.
24 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
•
As compared to the average (Mean=4.10) for the typical national
data community college students, TVI students (Mean=4.35) report
a higher level of satisfaction with the community college.
Table 14: College experience contribution to growth – Fall 2000
Contribution
TVI Students
Average
Contribution
Increasing my academic competence
4.12
Learning skills needed specifically for my
4.09
current or future job
Enriching my intellectual life
3.90
Identifying the training/ skills required for
3.86
career opportunities that fit my interests/
abilities
Developing self-confidence
3.62
Developing an openness to opinions other
3.25
than my own
Learning effective leadership skills
3.21
Communicating with others in the work
3.15
setting
Learning how to work effectively as a
3.10
member of a team
Learning to use a computer for my personal
3.09
tasks
Learning to use a computer for my work2.82
related tasks
National Data
Average
Contribution
3.87
3.76
3.56
3.57
3.40
3.12
3.07
3.00
2.94
2.87
2.75
(Contribution Scale: 5=major contribution, 3=moderate contribution, 1=no contribution)
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
25
Figure 8: Students reporting that TVI provided moderate to major contribution to
their growth in computer skills by percentage
60%
50%
Learning to use
computer for personal
tasks
40%
30%
Learning to use
computer for work
related tasks
20%
10%
0%
Enrolled Full Time
Enrolled Part Time
Table 15: Source(s) learned about this college - Fall 2000
Source
Percent
TVI Students
National
Data
Family Member/ Friend
33%
31%
College Catalogue/ Brochure/ Flier
23%
24%
High School Teacher/ Counselor
14%
16%
Co-Worker
3%
3%
Television/ Radio
2%
2%
Newspaper
1%
2%
Current/ Prospective Employer
1%
2%
Internet/ WWW
1%
2%
Other
21%
17%
26 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
Table 16: Importance of factors to attend this college Fall 2000
TVI Students
Factor
Average/
Importance
Rank
Cost of attending the college
4.16/1
A particular program of study
3.98/2
Variety of courses offered
3.65/3
Academic reputation of the college
3.29/4
Availability of financial aid or scholarship
3.22/5
Distance of the college from my permanent
3.11/6
residence
Entrance requirements
2.79/7
Type of community in which the college is
2.76/8
located
Size of the college
2.71/9
Opportunity for part-time work
2.48/10
Distance of the college from my place of
2.32/11
employment
Other
1.33/12
National Data
Average/
Importance
Rank
3.83/1
3.55/3
3.30/4
3.16/5
3.14/6
3.76/2
2.59/8
2.82/7
2.50/10
2.36/11
2.51/9
1.32/12
(Importance Scale: 5=very important, 3=moderate importance, 1=not at all important)
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
27
Table 17: Agreement with statements about this college - Fall 2000
TVI Students
Statement
Average/
Agreement
Rank
I would recommend this college to friends and
relatives
Instructors treat students in my racial/ethnic group
with respect
This college has a good reputation in the
community.
Instructor/ administrators treat students of my
gender with respect
I feel that I fit in at this college
Instruction is of high quality
Administrators and non-teaching staff treat
students in my racial/ethnic group with respect
My academic experiences have been positive
Students in my racial/ethnic group are treated with
respect by students in other racial/ethnic groups
I feel a sense of general safety and security while
on campus and attending classes
The registration process is student friendly
Overall, my program of study at this college has
been sufficiently challenging
Concern is shown for students as individuals
Computing services/ facilities are available at the
times I need them
Most instructors are available outside of class time
Courses are available at the times I can take them
Academic advising is of high quality
I received all the help I needed from the Financial
Aid Office personnel to make my application(s) for
financial aid.
I could not have attended this college without the
financial aid I received
4.38/1
National
Data
Average/
Agreement
Rank
4.09/3
4.25/2
4.14/1
4.20/3
3.96/7
4.19/4
4.12/2
4.12/5
4.10/6
4.09/7
3.92/9
3.84/11
4.07/4
4.09/8
4.05/9
3.95/8
3.99/6
4.02/10
4.05/5
3.99/11
3.97/12
3.77/15
3.78/14
3.93/13
3.93/14
3.81/12
3.87/10
3.83/15
3.66/16
3.61/17
3.55/18
3.80/13
3.62/16
3.48/18
3.55/17
3.36/19
3.45/19
(Agreement Scale: 5=strongly agree, 4=agree, 3=neutral, 2=disagree, 1=strongly disagree)
Students assign higher ratings for course availability, academic advising, and
helpfulness from Financial Aid personnel as compared to the 1999 survey
administration. On the other hand, the availability of computing services, while
higher than the national data sample, is slightly lower for the 2000 survey round.
28 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
Table 18: Satisfaction with this college - Fall 2000
Satisfaction
Percent
Scale
TVI Students
National Data
Very Satisfied
47%
33%
Satisfied
43%
50%
Neutral
8%
14%
Dissatisfied
1%
2%
Very Dissatisfied
1%
1%
Total Group
4.35
4.10
Average
(Satisfaction Scale: 5=very satisfied, 4=satisfied, 3=neutral, 2=dissatisfied, 1=very dissatisfied)
Figure 9: Satisfaction with the community college – Fall 2000
Very
Dissatisfied
1%
1%
Dissatisfied
2%
1%
Neutral
8%
National Data
TVI Students
14%
Satisfied
43%
33%
Very satisfied
0%
10%
20%
30%
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
40%
50%
47%
50%
60%
29
APPENDIX: Respondent Demographics
More than three-fifths (61%) of this TVI student sample is female.
•
As can be seen from Table A-2, TVI students are slightly older as
compared to the national sample; TVI=47% 22 or under as
compared to national data=54% 22 or under.
•
TVI students are currently employed in fields similar to the national
data sample with the noteworthy exception of Business related
occupation; fewer TVI students (21%) are employed in this field as
compared to a larger percent (29%) in the national data sample.
Nearly two-fifths (38%) of TVI respondents are first-term college students. Of the
students already completing terms at TVI, over two-fifths (43%) report completing
non-credit courses; over one-tenth (11%) reports completing 4 or more non-credit
courses.
Table A-1: Gender - Fall 2000
Gender
Female
Male
TVI
Students
61%
39%
Table A-2: Age - Fall 2000
Age
20 or under
21-22
23-24
25-26
27-29
30-34
35-39
40-45
46-49
50-59
60- or over
Percent
National Data
63%
37%
Percent
TVI
Students
33%
14%
8%
4%
6%
9%
4%
9%
5%
4%
4%
30 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
National Data
42%
12%
6%
5%
6%
8%
6%
6%
3%
4%
2%
Table A-3: Field of current primary career or job - Fall 2000
TVI Students
Current primary job or career
Agriculture
Appliance & equipment repair
Architecture and related fields
Arts, applied and applied visual
Arts, creative/ performing
Building maintenance and repair
Business, financial transactions
Business machines operation
Business, management and administrative
Business, marketing
Business, records and communication
Business storage
Communications and communications technology
Computer and information sciences
Construction and related trades
Education
Engineering and related technologies – not health
related
Equipment operation and repair
Health professions
Health specialties and technologies
Hospitality industry
Parks, recreation, leisure and fitness
Personal and customer services
Science and mathematics
Social & government services
Vehicle operation and repair
Other
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
National
Data
1%
1%
0%
2%
1%
1%
4%
1%
6%
7%
2%
1%
1%
1%
5%
5%
2%
2%
0%
1%
1%
1%
1%
5%
1%
8%
8%
5%
2%
1%
4%
3%
7%
2%
1%
14%
3%
7%
7%
6%
1%
7%
2%
15%
2%
11%
2%
7%
1%
7%
1%
4%
2%
13%
31
Table A-5: Terms completed at this college - Fall 2000
Terms
TVI Students
National Data
None
38%
42%
1
13%
14%
2
14%
17%
3
10%
10%
4
7%
7%
5 or more
18%
11%
Table A-6: Credit hours completed at this college - Fall 2000
Credit hours
TVI Students
National Data
None
36%
39%
1-12
23%
17%
13-30
18%
20%
31-50
13%
13%
More than 50
10%
10%
Table A-7: Non-credit hours completed at this college – Fall 2000
Non-credit hours
TVI
National Data
Students
None
57%
64%
1-3
32%
28%
4-6
8%
5%
7 or more
3%
3%
32 Faces of the Future Survey 2001
The survey instrument provided the opportunity for students to respond to
questions of specific interest to TVI. Of the 333 TVI students filling out the
survey, ACT reports scanning approximately only 196 responses for each.
Analysis is problematic due to this discrepancy. Response percentages and the
number of students responding in each category are included in the table below.
Table A-8: TVI specific questions – Fall 2000
Statement
1. TVI has helped me meet the goals I
came here to achieve.
2. Adequate financial aid is available
for most students.
3. Financial aid awards are announced
to students in time to be helpful in
college planning.
4. My experiences here have
contributed to my personal growth in
understanding different philosophies
and cultures.
5. Administrators are approachable to
students.
6. TVI uses feedback from students to
improve the college.
7. My experiences here have helped
me improve my oral communication
skills.
8. My experiences here have helped
me clarify my career goals.
9. My experiences here have helped
me develop computer skills
10. My experiences here have
equipped me to deal with possible
career changes.
Faces of the Future Survey 2001
Percent
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
37%
n=73
29%
n=57
18%
n=34
40%
n=78
31%
n=60
21%
n=41
20%
n=39
29%
n=57
45%
n=86
<1%
n=1
7%
n=14
10%
n=19
2%
n=4
4%
n=7
6%
n=12
26%
n=50
30%
n=59
40%
n=77
3%
n=6
1%
n=2
25%
n=48
22%
n=42
21%
n=40
38%
n=74
31%
n=61
38%
n=74
27%
n=52
38%
n=73
37%
n=72
5%
n=11
4%
n=8
2%
n=4
4%
n=9
5%
n=10
2%
n=4
36%
n=70
20%
n=39
27%
n=53
36%
n=72
30%
n=60
38%
n=74
25%
n=49
39%
n=76
29%
n=57
2%
n=3
6%
n=11
4%
n=7
1%
n=3
5%
n=11
2%
n=5
33