Student survey identifies strengths, areas for improvement in BC undergraduate experience
Ninety percent of Boston College undergraduate students said they were generally satisfied with the quality of teaching at the University, and 84 percent said they would recommend BC to others, according to data from the Student Experience Survey, released today by the Office of Institutional Research and Planning.
The survey, administered online from October through December of 2022, revealed, however, that more needs to be done to make students of color, low-income students, and LGBTQ+ students feel more welcome within the BC community.
Sponsored by Student Affairs and University Mission and Ministry and designed by a University-wide team of students, faculty, and administrators, the survey was originally created in 2018 to gain a better understanding of the BC student experience both inside and outside of the classroom, by examining students’ views on University community and culture, academics, mission, and student services. The 2022 survey yielded a 17 percent overall response rate, based on the participation of 1,684 students.
Among key findings regarding the BC community experience, 91 percent of students said they are treated fairly by others at BC; 87 percent said their cultural values and beliefs are accepted; and 81 percent agreed that they felt a sense of belonging to the BC campus community. Students with high financial need, however, generally rated these survey items less favorably than other students.
Ninety percent of Boston College undergraduate students said they were generally satisfied with the quality of teaching at the University, and 84 percent said they would recommend BC to others.
In response to questions regarding their academic experience, 90 percent of students reported that they were often or very often intellectually challenged in their courses, and 71 percent often or very often felt that their contributions were valued in class. While students rated their overall academic experience positively and responded that they were intellectually engaged, 91 percent of students agreed that BC is a competitive environment with many students experiencing some degree of academic and social pressures.
In addition, 73 percent of students surveyed agreed that they developed a stronger sense of purpose as a BC student and 91 percent said they had taken time during the week for reflection. More than half reported that they had participated in mission- or faith-based activities while at Boston College, and 80 percent said they had participated in volunteer work or community service.
Regarding student services, the majority of students reported being satisfied or very satisfied with services and programs in advising, extracurricular and career opportunities, health, counseling, and financial aid services. Students’ suggested areas for improvement included dining—with a particular desire to see lower meal costs and meal plan balance transfers from semester to semester—and housing, with requests for an improved housing lottery system and four years of guaranteed on-campus housing for all undergraduate students.
According to the survey, 95 percent of students agree or strongly agree that diversity is important to them, with 78 percent agreeing that their courses included diverse perspectives, and 61 percent agreeing that the BC community welcomes open discussions about issues of difference. Moreover, 64 percent of students were satisfied with the availability of programming and activities around diversity and inclusion on campus.
While BC students overall had a positive view of the BC campus environment, ratings were lower among students who identified as Black or African American and among students with high financial need.
“We plan to use this information to be sure that all students are seen, heard, and well served, including those who have been historically marginalized.”
Overall, student responses in the 2022 Student Experience Survey showed improvements from 2018 in diverse perspectives in courses and satisfaction with the availability of programing and activities around diversity and inclusion on campus, but lower rates of satisfaction with health services and food options in campus dining facilities.
“We have seen remarkable consistency in the results from the 2018 to the 2022 administration of the Student Experience Survey, and we are grateful to our students who participated because these data help us understand the student experience and act on areas of improvement,” said Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning Mara Hermano.
“While overall positive ratings for the BC being welcoming, safe, and having a strong sense of community increased since 2018, students who identified as AHANA or having high financial need reported having less favorable experiences in these aspects of the BC environment, which means we have more work to do. “
Vice President for Student Affairs Shawna Cooper Whitehead said the survey will provide a better understanding of the experience and the challenges students face on campus and will enable her staff to focus their efforts in the most productive manner possible.
“Student Affairs is pleased with the overall positive experiences of students at BC; however, we plan to use this information to be sure that all students are seen, heard, and well served, including those who have been historically marginalized,” said Cooper Whitehead. “As we launch our strategic plan in Student Affairs, we will continue to collaborate with Academic Affairs and University Mission and Ministry to support the holistic, formational education for which BC remains a national leader, including efforts to enhance a sense of belonging and priorities around the health and wellness of all of our students.”