Students report undergraduate satisfaction

The Council on the Princeton University Community (CPUC) gathered Monday to hear Vice Provost Jed Marsh present the results of the Princeton Experience Survey, a comprehensive look at undergraduate and graduate academic and campus life.

The survey found that students generally have positive experiences with academics, resources and faculty, but are frustrated with diversity and housing issues.

Marsh said he views the survey as "a tool to look at how students perceive their time at Princeton," and to gauge what areas of student life the University can improve and what recommendations it should make to relevant departments and groups.

The web-based survey focused on students' experiences through a combination of free response and multiple choice questions. About 800 graduate students and 800 undergraduates responded to each survey in February 2001 and March 2003.

"The survey largely confirmed what we had been guessing on an anecdotal basis — that, namely, students are pretty happy, but not everybody is happy with the social life on campus," Provost Chris Eisgruber '83 said.

Undergraduate Life

Many of the surveyed undergraduates positively described their experiences with academics, the libraries and residential college systems.

However, students also recognized shortcomings in University life and gave mixed reviews of diversity issues, the room draw system and social life.

The results demonstrated that over half of minority students and a third of white students wanted more racial, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity among the student body.

The survey also showed that about 20 percent of students had a significantly negative experience with Bicker or University Greek life.

"The eating clubs are independent, and so the University doesn't have much influence over their decisions, cultures or who they select as members," said Janet Dickerson, vice president for student life. However, she stressed the University's dedication to providing alternative social venues through the Frist Campus Center and the Carl A. Fields Center, which sponsors parties and cultural activities.

The University's main proposal to address student criticisms of upperclass housing and dining issues has been the four-year residential college system, slated to begin in 2007 after the completion of Whitman College.

Although Eisgruber said the University views diversity as "a constant mission," he added that the administration is focusing efforts on faculty hiring because "we believe that a more diverse faculty will attract a more diverse student body."

Graduate Life

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Graduate students also expressed satisfaction regarding academics, faculty and the overall intellectual community.

Also, about 45 percent of graduates rated their teaching experiences as significantly positive, "which does not happen at most universities," Marsh said.

Parking, housing and dining options were listed as some of the most negative graduate experiences.

While Eisgruber acknowledged that some problems persist, he pointed to the newly constructed Lawrence Apartments and the shuttle route added in 2003 as evidence the University is attempting to address these concerns.

About 40 percent of graduate students rated their social lives "acceptable," but Marsh said some students "considered themselves second-class citizens" and complained that the Princeton community lacked social venues appropriate for graduate students.

Results from the Princeton Experience survey are available on the CPUC's website.

The meeting also featured the introduction of Danielle Gray, the new assistant dean of the Graduate School and of John Kolligian, the new director of counseling services at University Health Services.