GSS History
SurveyMonkey Version 3 (December 2007 to August 2013)
- Ineffective questions were revised or deleted (see sample survey)
- The GSS was reorganized made user-friendly for graduating students
- Results were shared with all departments using online survey report links for each graduation cohort
- Online links to survey results were added to BYU–Hawaii accreditation website
- Questions and survey results usage continue to be evaluated and monitored
SurveyMonkey Version 2 (December 2006 to August 2007)
- Student research team (mentored by Dr. Ronald M. Miller, Psychology Department) reviewed survey and results from 2003 to 2006
- Questions were randomly assigned in the survey (scrambled)
- Instrument was tested for statistical reliability and validity
- A factor analysis was completed
- Additional questions were added to assess intercultural understanding and leadership
- A survey for campus departments was conducted to see how useful the Graduating Student Survey was to departments and how it could be improved (see survey results)
- Report summaries were completed for several departments undergoing program review
SurveyMonkey Version 1 (December 2003 to December 2006)
- Easier way to create/modify surveys and share immediate feedback
- A few questions were revised or updated
- Response scale was revised to a six-point scale (“Very Poor” to “Excellent”)
- A paper version was added in 2004 to reach students living in remote areas without access to computers (see sample survey)
- GE assessment questions were added in 2006
- Results were shared with all departments using online survey report links for each graduation cohort
First On-line Version (Sept. 2001 to June 2003)
- Generally used the same questions as the paper version but in an online format
- Students typed their own responses
- Required hard code programming on the University’s website (took a great deal of time and energy to develop and implement)
- Difficulty changing questions or distributing information to departments
- PacPair presentation of survey in May 2002 (compared on-line vs. paper survey results)
Revised Version (Jan. to Aug., 2001)
- Scan-able
- Used to Benchmark satisfaction with University services
- Aligned to University mission
- BYU IR office (Provo) provided reports and statistical analysis of the data (see July 2001 report)
First GSS Version (1999-2000)
- Created first survey with assistance of the IR office
- Printed on a scan-able form using Testing Center scanners to create the data file for analysis
- Questions focused on retention
- Flexible 7-pt. Scale (“Very Low” to “Very High”)
Essay (1999 and prior years)
- Graded by English Faculty
- Students self-select one of seven essays
- In 1999, the Reading/Writing Center was asked by the IR office to summarize essay comments and to provide student feedback on programs and the University as a whole (This was a very difficult task to do with open-ended essays questions not initially designed for this purpose)