There are plenty of positives at Lethbridge College as the 2017-18 academic year is now underway. As students settle into their studies, a recent survey shows that nearly 80 per cent of students are satisfied with their experience at Lethbridge College.
According to a Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory conducted earlier this year, 78 per cent of Lethbridge College students indicated that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their experience at Lethbridge College, which is up one per cent over 2016. Further, 75 per cent of respondents said if they had to do it over, they would enroll in the college again. Both numbers are well above the average Canadian benchmarks. The response rate from students was 23 per cent, which is a representative sample well above the national average, resulting in more than 1,000 replies to the survey.
“This is the second year that we have conducted the Student Satisfaction Inventory and for both years we have had very positive satisfaction results,” says Shelley Carter-Rose, Director of Student Services. “The inventory is an international benchmarking survey and Lethbridge College has exceeded the national averages in all 12 categories.”
The highest satisfaction came in the Academic Services area, where 85 per cent (nine per cent higher than the national average) of students were satisfied with educational resources such as the Learning Café, Buchanan Library, study areas, IT and Accessibility Services.
“Getting these scores from our students is the result of a full team effort from all employees at the college, in and out of the classroom,” says Carter-Rose. ”While we scored very well in all categories, the college is committed to continuous improvement and will focus our efforts on four areas that students have identified as high importance.”
The survey results come as Lethbridge College announces that its total student enrolment for the fall 2017 semester is 5,416 students, which includes those students enrolled in diploma, degree and certificate, apprenticeship, upgrading and continuing and professional education programs.
The total college post-secondary level enrolment, which includes students taking diploma, degree and certificate programs, is 4,340 students, which is up from 4,288 last fall, an increase of just over one per cent.
“A consistent student population is a good sign that we are offering programs that meet the needs of our students, city, region and province,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “We are constantly talking with our students and industry partners to ensure that our programs and curriculum are filling industry needs and that we are providing our students with pathways to successful careers once they complete their college programs.”
The survey results come as Lethbridge College announces that its total student enrolment for the fall 2017 semester is 5,416 students, which includes those students enrolled in certificate, diploma, degree, apprenticeship, upgrading, and continuing and professional education programs.
Among the individual programs experiencing increases this semester are the recently-introduced Ecosystem Management – Bachelor of Applied Science Degree, which has increased enrolment from 11 students to 26, Justice Studies – Applied Degree (28 per cent increase), Interior Design Technology (40 per cent increase), Computer Information Technology (26 per cent), Digital Communications and Media (23 per cent) and General Studies (12 per cent).
Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory
Key Lethbridge College findings
- 78 per cent of Lethbridge College students indicated that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their experience at Lethbridge College, which is up one per cent over 2016.
- 75 per cent of respondents said if they had to do it over, they would enroll in the college again.
- The response rate from students was 23 per cent, which is a representative sample well above the national average, resulting in more than 1,000 replies to the survey.
- The highest satisfaction came in the Academic Services area, where 85 per cent (nine per cent higher than the national average) of students were satisfied with educational resources such as the Learning Café, Buchanan Library, study areas, IT and Accessibility Services.
- 84 per cent of Lethbridge College students reported satisfaction when replying to questions about Student Centeredness, which measures the institution’s attitude towards students and making them feel welcomed and valued.
- 83 per cent of the students reported satisfaction when answering questions about Responsiveness to Diverse Population, which assesses the institution’s commitment to specific groups of students, such as under-represented populations, students with disabilities, commuters, part-time students and adult learners.
- The students also identified areas of strength at Lethbridge College, which include faculty who are knowledgeable in their fields; a safe and secure campus; the ability to experience intellectual growth; properly scheduled class and lab meeting times; and having practical experiences provided in diploma programs.