Temple Now

How many hours a week do you spend studying? How often do you meet with your professors? How honest are you, really?

These questions and more were asked on the triennial Temple University Student Questionnaire, which was given to undergraduate students this past spring. (Not asked was “What does triennial mean?” Anyone? Anyone? Every three years!)

The university uses the questionnaire to learn how Temple can best serve you, students. In years past, your responses led to increased class offerings and new parking spaces. And because you asked for it, data from Student Feedback Forms are now available to students who complete all of their e-SFFs.

This year, we’re happy to say more of you (6,035 in total) answered the questionnaire than any of the past four times it was given. The results are in; here’s what you had to say.

• You like us; you really like us! Almost 90 percent of you say you’ve received good treatment at Temple, and nearly 88 percent of you say your experience here has been positive.
   

• The three most important things to you are... (1) the overall quality of education you receive at Temple, (2) the quality of courses in your major and 3) learning the skills you need to compete in the job market. About 87, 86 and 82 percent of you, respectively, are either very or somewhat satisfied with each of those things.
   

• Speaking of the job market, about 85 percent of you feel Temple’s Philadelphia location provides you with professional opportunities such as internships and co-ops. A sample quote: “I feel that the university has given me the proper tools to succeed in my career.”
   

• You’re happy with advising! Your biggest rise in satisfaction this year was with the availability of academic advisors. Most of you are also satisfied with the ease of viewing grades and with the services and resources of the library.
   

• Apparently, you’re all honest, upstanding citizens. More than 95 percent of you either strongly or somewhat agree that you uphold the principles of honesty and integrity inside and outside the classroom. That’s the most you agree with anything on the questionnaire.
   

• To answer the other two questions at the top of this story, you spend about 20 hours a week studying, and most of you meet with faculty (or email them) occasionally.
   

• Of course, not all the news is good. According to the questionnaire, you feel we have room to improve on the availability of open course sections, financial aid and opportunities for on-campus employment.
   

• Compared to the last questionnaire, more of you this year say you plan to graduate on time (that is, you plan to Fly in 4).
   

• Diversity also matters to you. Eighty-three percent of you are either very or somewhat satisfied that Temple’s diverse student body has enhanced your educational experience. “The diversity here is amazing,” says one student, “something truly great about Temple.”