The information below comes from Noel-Levitz. There is no information available regarding the importance ratings for these items from actual student surveys.


The Priorities Survey for Online Learners provides space for campuses to define up to 10 items which are specific to the institution. These items must be phrased positively so students can respond with an indication of the level of importance and the level of satisfaction. Following are sample items for your consideration which your campus may use as stated, or may use as a starting language to further customize your campus defined items. Many of these items have been created and used by client institutions for their own PSOL administrations. They are organized by topic areas to assist you with your review.

Topic: Academics

• General education/curriculum
• I am able to achieve my educational goals at this institution.
• I am able to receive adequate scholastic training and professional development through my academic program.
• Small class sizes allow for enough teacher-to-student interaction.
• Online courses are academically and intellectually challenging.
• My department offers appropriate concentration/specializations.
• I consistently have quality course experiences.
• I have or plan to participate in research activities or conduct research projects.
• I feel actively engaged in the learning process during my program of study.
• The amount of work required to succeed in an online course is appropriate.
• There are opportunities available to study abroad.
• Academic programs are well-connected with the businesses and industries they serve.
• I have been intellectually stimulated by the material in this class.
• The work required for my degree was valuable.
• Courses necessary to meet my degree objectives are offered.

Requirements

• Expectations for course performance are clearly outlined at the beginning of the class.
• Technical expectations (hardware, software, etc.) were clearly explained prior to enrolling in online classes.
• It is important that I have all assignments and expectations available at the beginning of an online course.

Career Planning

• There are opportunities in co-op, internships, student teaching, or other experiential learning experiences.
• My degree program is preparing me for the real world.

Instruction

• Instructors' expectations of student performance were clearly communicated.
• There is consistency in the quality of instruction from one online course to another.
• Online learning tools (i.e., discussion boards, assessments, submissions, e-mail, grade book) are easy to use.
• Interactive course wares such as simulations contribute to my understanding of course material.
• The online tutorials and orientations helped me in my courses.
• There are a variety of instructional approaches presented in my online courses.
• There are clear instructions provided at the beginning of my online courses.

Topic: Academic Advising

• My academic advisor is easy to contact.
• My faculty advisor offers the quality of academic advising that I desire.

Topic: Faculty/Staff

• Interactions I have with online instructors are useful to me in the learning process.
• Faculty demonstrate the relevance of the curriculum to real-world situations.
• The quality of student interaction with faculty is excellent.
• I feel comfortable going to staff with questions.
• I can receive timely responses for my questions from the staff.
• I am given regular assessment feedback to help gauge my learning progress in my online courses.
• Faculty care about me as an individual.
• My comments and feedback are valued by my online instructors.
• The online staff is responsive to the needs of students.
• Overall customer service at this institution is exceptional.

Topic: Campus/Student resources
Orientation

• The online orientation provided adequate information regarding resources to assist me in learning online.
• The orientation I attended on distance learning was adequate.
• This university provides adequate orientation to new online learners.
• I know more about what it takes to be a successful online learner as a result of the online orientation.
• The orientation to online courses prepared me to succeed in my online courses.

Academic support

• There are adequate services available to help me academically.
• Support services (i.e. tutoring, counseling, special needs, etc) are available at convenient times.
• Tutoring services offered are readily available.
• The evening, weekend, and daytime support available to me is helpful.
• Distance Learning staff is responsive to students needs.

Bookstore

• Procedures for purchasing textbooks online are convenient for me.
• Book and supply purchasing processes are satisfactory.
• Personnel in the college bookstore are helpful and available to assist me.

Library

• The library has provided me adequate access to academic resources.
• The hours the library is open meet my needs.
• Online library services adequately meet the needs of students.

Health/Counseling Services

• Personal and social counseling services are easily accessible.

Career Services

• This university is helping prepare me for success in my career.
• Career/counseling services for distance learning students are easily accessible / adequate.
• There are adequate services to help me identify job/career options related to my career goals.
• Adequate career planning services are available via the career services department.
• There are adequate services to help students decide upon a career.

Other:

• The institution provides quality opportunities for alumni involvement.
• As a distance education student, I feel a part of the campus community.

Topic: Facilities

• Classroom equipment or facilities are adequate.

Topic: Admissions

• The college admissions process is user friendly.
• My application for admission was handled in a timely manner.
• Admissions staff are knowledgeable about university programs and services.
• Admissions advisors accurately portray the college in their recruiting practices.
• Opportunities to visit the college and meet with instructors are made available at convenient times.
• All of my questions were answered prior to enrolling.

Registration

• Online courses in my major/program are available when it's my time to register.
• Course registrations are processed accurately.It is easy to register for courses at this campus.
• This institution provides ease in transferability of credits.
• Online registration is easy and accessible and assistance is provided if needed.
• Class change (drop/add) policies are reasonable.
  

Financial Aid

• Information from distance learning staff on financial aid procedures is clearly communicated to me.
• Based on information from the financial aid office, I understand the process and what is expected of me.
• My financial aid application was processed in a timely manner.
• Billing invoices and statements are easy to understand.
• Billing and payment procedures are timely.
  

Topic: Diversity

• The college environment is respectful of multicultural differences.
• A variety of multicultural events and activities are offered.
• Gender equity and equal opportunity exist in the classroom.

Topic: Technology

• There is sufficient technical assistance available when I need help.
• The website provides useful information about online programs and courses.
• Course web sites include a variety of materials or activities to help students learn the course content.
  

Demographic Items:

• Please indicate permanent resident area
• Please indicate your internet tool
• Please indicate primary campus location
• What company is your internet service provider