Madison College degree-credit students are encouraged to participate in the Student Satisfaction Inventory, a survey conducted at the college every two years. The survey begins Feb.19 and runs through March 8.

Although survey participation is voluntary, the results provide essential information and direction to retention, student services and strategic planning initiatives.

Madison College has used the Student Satisfaction Inventory for the last 14 years. It is typically administered every two years.

“Our college looks to our students for insight that could only be gained as a part of the whole process,” said Zong Her, director of Institutional Research and Data Management.

Her says surveys are the best way to improve college, saying they are essential to learning how to enhance the school.

“We take your feedback seriously. When you share your voice, we leverage and use it,” Her said.

The survey, which has approximately 60 questions and takes 20 minutes to complete, is run by the Ruffalo Noel Levitz Co. It compiles survey data so the college can see how it fares against similar schools nationwide.

Starting Feb.19, students will be emailed a live link to participate in the survey.
Students who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win various prizes.

Madison College uses the information generated from the Student Satisfaction Inventory to drive key improvements to the overall student experience. Examples of recent improvements made based on previous surveys include:

• Implementing the textbook rental program.
• Adding comfortable student spaces.
• Adding family-friendly study rooms.
• Simplifying the admission form.

Her said the college would like a 25% response rate, meaning close to 2,500 completed surveys, so they can have “meaningful data.” Her said improvements can only be made after hearing the students’ voices.