Reprint from: DETC Bulletin Number 9 - March 16, 2005
Each year, institutions accredited by the DETC must engage in a formal “outcomes assessment” process where, among other outcomes-measuring activities, they must survey a random selection of their students to elicit their level of satisfaction with their studies.
Since most DETC students are adult learners who have roles other than that of being a student, they are in a unique position to judge whether they are realizing their learning goals and if they are satisfied with their studies at their alma mater.
The minimum acceptable percentage for accreditation purposes is that two out of three respondents (or 67%) to a survey that contains 3 questions mandated by the Accrediting Commission must answer positively (Yes) about their experiences. The results below present the average (mean) for all the DETC institutions reporting for 2004. In many cases, individual institution survey results indicated 100% student satisfaction.
The results for 2004 for the student satisfaction surveys are:
Question 1. Did you achieve, or will you have achieved upon completing your studies, the goals you had when you started the course or program?
Degree-Awarding Institutions: 95% said Yes.
Postsecondary Institutions: 93% said Yes.
Question 2. Would you recommend these studies to a friend?
Degree-Awarding Institutions: 96% said Yes.
Postsecondary Institutions: 96% said Yes.
Question 3. All things considered, were you satisfied with your studies?
Degree-Awarding Institutions: 96% said Yes.
Postsecondary Institutions: 97% said Yes.
Said Commission Chair Henry Spille: �The results of the 2004 DETC outcomes surveys document that DETC institutions are delivering on their promises to their students. These survey results are solid evidence that DETC accredited institutions are giving value and are worthy of public confidence. We congratulate the DETC institutions on this fine record.�
Michael P. Lambert, Executive Director
