News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Rene Abadie Date: 7/31/03   SOUTHEASTERN NETS HIGH SCORES IN STATEWIDE STUDENT SURVEY       HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University received two first place rankings among University of Louisiana System schools on key indicators contained in a recent statewide survey of student satisfaction with universities and their services and programs.       The university ranked above the UL System, state and national averages in two categories contained in the American College Testing Service “Louisiana Student Opinion Survey.”        The university received a mean rating of 4.03 on a 5-point Likert scale (5 = Very Satisfied, 1 = Very Dissatisfied) by its students when asked to evaluate “this college in general” compared to a national average of 3.7 and a Louisiana average score of 3.79. The category asked questions designed to evaluate the institution on a variety of factors, including attitude of non-teaching staff toward students, concern for students as individuals, student government, racial harmony and campus media. Southeastern tied with Louisiana Tech for the first ranking. Southeastern’s rating also shows improvement over last year’s 3.98 score in the same category.         Southeastern also ranked first among all UL institutions on student level of satisfaction with services and programs. The university received a higher than average score (3.76) in this category compared to the national average of 3.69 and the state average of 3.67.       The report is based on data collected from more than 62,000 students surveyed nationwide, 12,500 from Louisiana and 8,047 from the eight institutions in the University of Louisiana System, which includes Southeastern. A total of 1,176 students from Southeastern participated in the survey.       The university also received higher than average marks from students for categories in academic services, admission and registration procedures, personal security and safety on the campus, and facilities.       “These results are verification that Southeastern has achieved a high level of quality in its academic programs and student services,” said John Crain, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “We will continue to seek ways to improve programs and services, but are very pleased with these results. The fact that we rated higher than the state or national average on the institution in general is especially encouraging.”       In academic services, Southeastern was ranked above the national and state averages for class sizes relative to the type of course (Southeastern, 4.20; national, 4.04; state, 3.95), attitude of faculty toward students (Southeastern, 4.00; national 3.89; state, 3.80;), instruction in the student’ major field (Southeastern, 3.94; national 3.88; state, 3.85) preparation for future occupation (Southeastern, 3.76; national, 3.68; state, 3.67), and variety of courses offered (Southeastern, 3.71; national, 3.57; state, 3.58).       Southeastern was rated higher than the national and state averages in general college services, including library facilities and services, academic support services, including tutorial services; student health, computer services and food services.       In the areas of admissions and registration, Southeastern was rated higher than the national and state averages in its college catalog and admissions publications, accuracy of information received before enrolling, billing and fee payment procedures and general registration procedures.            “Our move to online application, registration and fee payment has simplified this process for students significantly,” Crain said. “The once-traditional long lines for registration and fee payment have largely disappeared with the ability for students to do this from any Internet-linked computer.”       In the area of personal security and safety on campus, Southeastern received a 3.77 score, compared to the national average of 3.64 and the state average of 3.40. The university also ranked higher than the national and state averages regarding rules governing student conduct and how student activity fees are used. In addition, Southeastern ranked higher than the national and state averages for all areas evaluated in the facilities category, which included athletic facilities, the student union, bookstore, classroom and lab facilities, availability of student housing, and the general condition of buildings and grounds.       The data was released by the Louisiana Board of Regents and is available online at www.regents.state.la.us. The University of Louisiana System data is available online at www.ulsystem.net. Return to News Releases