Survey Says Students More Satisfied at Claflin University Than Average for National Peer Institutions

Claflin University students are more satisfied with their on-campus experiences and services than many college students enrolled in similar institutions across the nation, according to the results of the latest Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory.

The survey – administered during the spring 2014 semester to all students enrolled at the University – showed Claflin with an overall satisfaction three percent higher than the national peer group. The University also showed significant improvement over its 2012 survey results, in which the institution received an overall increase in satisfaction of five percent in two years.

“In the survey, students assess Claflin in 12 different areas. Everything that touches the student is what they actually assess,” said Bridget Dewees, director of testing and assessment at Claflin. “Claflin exceeds national four-year Eastern schools in every category and national four-year private schools in 11 out of 12 categories.”

In 2011, the University kicked off its Student Success Initiative, and Dewees said a team appointed by President Henry N. Tisdale works continuously on ways to improve student services and campus life at Claflin. The initiative is charged with redesigning Claflin’s approach to managing student support services and success. The initiative supports three transformative outcomes – to improve retention and graduation rates, improve student learning outcomes, and improve stakeholder satisfaction and engagement.

“Claflin’s core values include a focus on excellence, customer service and excellent academic programs,” she said. “The results indicate that the University is well on its way to meeting and exceeding customer satisfaction in all key strategic areas.

“I feel like this instrument – the Student Satisfaction Inventory – validates the work we have done for the last two years.”

The survey takes an in-depth look at academic advising, service excellence and student support services, among other areas. Students are asked about, for example, campus life and experiences offered on campus, the concern the University shows for them as individuals, the institution’s ability to enroll them in an effective manner, the availability of financial aid, the effectiveness of the registration process, the school’s responsiveness to diverse populations, and safety and security on campus.

Some 16 percent of the University’s students responded to the Student Satisfaction Inventory. Dewees said it was a good cross-section of Claflin’s population, with responses from all classes and schools.

“It is very important to compare yourself to peers in order to gain a clear picture of what the industry standards are. I am happy to report that we are above the four-year college’s national average and more excited that we have exceeded our own 2012 ratings,” she said. “In several areas, we had some significant growth for which we can be proud.

“The students are validating that our efforts have been effective, and everything we do is for them. I feel like Claflin is well on its way to reaching its goal of higher student satisfaction across the board.”