First-Year Experiences and Senior Transitions Topical Module (2024)

Copyright © 2024 Trustees of Indiana University 

This module includes a set of items only for first-year students and a set only for seniors (based on institution-reported class level), with questions adapted from the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement and the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (with partial support from the National Endowment for the Arts), respectively. The first-year items focus on academic perseverance, help-seeking behaviors, and institutional commitment, while the senior items explore post-graduation plans, links between the academic major and future plans, and confidence in skill development.

First-Year Experiences

1. During the current school year, about how often have you done the following?
Response options: Very often, Often, Sometimes, Never
a. Studied when there were other interesting things to do 
b. Found additional information for course assignments when you didn't
understand the material 
c. Participated in course discussions, even when you didn't’t feel like it 
d. Asked instructors for help when you struggled with course assignments 
e. Finished something you had started when you encountered challenges 
f. Stayed positive, even when you did poorly on a test or assignment

2. During the current school year, how difficult have the following been for you? 
Response options: Not at all difficult (1) to Very difficult (6)
a. Learning course material
b. Managing your time
c. Getting help with school work
d. Interacting with faculty

3. During the current school year, about how often have you sought help with coursework from the following sources?
Response options: Very often, Often, Sometimes, Never
a. Faculty members
b. Academic advisors
c. Learning support services (tutoring, writing center, success coaching, etc.)
d. Friends or other students
e. Family members
f. Other persons or offices

4. During the current school year, did you take a course intended for first-year students as described below?
Response options: Yes, No, Unsure
a. A course that introduces students to college and helps develop success skills (study skills, goal setting, time management, etc.)
b. A first-year seminar or other course focused on a specialized topic or academic subject that emphasizes discussion and analysis

5a. During the current school year, have you seriously considered leaving this institution?
Response options: Yes, No

5b. [If answered “Yes”] Why did you consider leaving? (Select all that apply.)
Response options: Academics are too difficult; Academics are too easy; Other academic issues (major not offered, course availability, advising, credit transfer, etc.); Financial concerns (costs or financial aid); To change your career options (transfer to another school or program, military service, etc.); Difficulty managing demands of school and work; Too much emphasis on partying; Not enough opportunities to socialize and have fun; Experiences with faculty and staff; Experiences with other students; Campus climate, location, or culture; Unsafe or hostile environment; Personal reasons (family issues, physical or mental health, homesickness, stress, etc.); A reason not listed above, please specify: [text box]

6.  How important is it to you that you graduate from this institution?Response options: Not important (1) to Very important (6)

Senior Transitions

1. Do you expect to graduate this spring or summer? 
Response options: Yes, No

1a. After graduation, what best describes your immediate plans? 
Response options: Full-time employment, Part-time employment, Graduate or professional school, Military service, Service or volunteer activity (AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Teach for America, etc.), Internship (paid or unpaid), Travel or gap year, No plans at this time, Other, please specify: [text box]

1b. [If answered "Full-time employment” or “Part-time employment”] Do you already have a job for after graduation?
Response options: No; Yes, I will start a new job; Yes, I will continue in my current job

2. To what extent have courses in your major(s) prepared you for your post-graduation plans?
Response options: Very much, Quite a bit, Some, Very little

3. Do you intend to work eventually in a field related to your major(s)?
Response options: Yes, No, Unsure

4. Do you plan to be self-employed, an independent contractor, or a freelance worker someday?
Response options: Yes, No, Unsure

5. Do you plan to start your own business (nonprofit or for-profit) someday?
Response options: Yes, No, Unsure

6. How much confidence do you have in your ability to complete tasks requiring the following skills and abilities?
Response options: Very much, Quite a bit, Some, Very little
a. Critical thinking and analysis of arguments and information
b. Creative thinking and problem solving
c. Research skills
d. Clear writing
e. Persuasive speaking
f. Technological skills
g. Financial and business management skills
h. Entrepreneurial skills
i. Leadership skills 
j. Networking and relationship building

7. To what extent has your coursework in your major(s) emphasized the following?
Response options: Very much, Quite a bit, Some, Very little
a. Generating new ideas or brainstorming
b. Taking risks in your coursework without fear of penalty
c. Evaluating multiple approaches to a problem
d. Inventing new methods to arrive at unconventional solutions

8. Have you been creating an ePortfolio or other collection that includes samples of your work over time, shows your progress, and helps you reflect on the knowledge and skills you have gained?
Response options: Yes, No, Unsure

9. Is there anything your institution could have done better to prepare you for your career or further education? Please describe. [text box]

10. Which of the following types of honors have you achieved or are you currently participating in at your institution? 
Response options: Dean's List or other recognition for high GPA, Honors program with a special honors curriculum or honors program/college completion requirements, Honors track in your major or department, Collegiate honor society specific to your major or discipline, Collegiate honor society for leadership or general academic achievement outside of your major or discipline (Mortar Board, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, etc.), Other, please specify: [text box], I have not been involved in or received any of these