2005 Alumni Survey Results

Executive Summary

Homecoming 2006

 

Survey was distributed to all alumni for whom the school had addresses.  In total, 249 surveys were collected.  We received 27 surveys from alumni of the RGN Junior College.  Sixty-three percent of alumni who responded were boarding students.

 

Decades

Number of Surveys

Percentage of Respondents

1920s

1

.5%

1930s

12

5%

1940s

43

17%

1950s

30

12%

1960s

27

11%

1970s

35

14%

1980s

40

16%

1990s

40

16%

2000s

21

8.5%

 

 

43% alumni surveyed had family members who attended RGNS.

 

23% of RGNS alumni surveyed served in the military.

 

Upon graduation 75% attended some form of post-secondary education and 13% attended graduate school.

 

Reasons for attending RGNS


Academic program

46%

Christian education

33%

Campus setting

39%

Friendly student body/faculty

31%

Arts or sports program

14%

Financial Aid was provided

33%

Farm Family

6%

Work program

19%

Public School

13%

Parent’s decision

25%


 

By in large the most enduring memories recounted by alumni included:  relationships, chapel/vespers programs, values of campus community, work program, and beautiful campus.

The most meaningful accomplishments recounted by alumni included:  building confidence and leadership, graduation, establishing values and building character, and achieving independence.

 

45% of alumni respondents have returned to campus less than 10 times.

 

Motivations to participate in the Alumni Association

Regional events

27%

Involvement with students

15%

Family friendly activities

16%

Being asked to serve

26%

Travel program

13%

Nothing

14%

 

Suggestions for improving Homecoming:  chairs from each decade, host a dance in the gym, sporting events, family friendly activities, add new components for younger alumni, Saturday church service, outdoor activities (hiking, canoeing), more class/decade gatherings.

 

Alumni report they would come to campus more often if there were more alumni events with opportunities to see classmates and faculty.  About 50% of alumni suggested Homecoming be in the early summer.  About 25% suggested fall and the remaining 25% suggested spring.

 

86% of respondents want the magazine to contain more information about alumni and former faculty.  55% would like to see information about current students and faculty.  48% want to learn more about current plans of the school.

 

Opinions and Attitudes regarding RGNS


Prepared me well academically

94%

Prepared me well for life

88%

Work program was good for me

86%

Worship component was meaningful

89%


 

Attitudes regarding the Strategic Plan                                                    Agree/Strongly Agree

Offering competitive compensation to our faculty should be a high priority

90%

Achieving greater ethnic diversity in the student body should be a high priority

63%

Achieving greater ethnic diversity among the faculty should be a high priority

61%

Achieving greater socio-economic diversity in the student body should be a priority

58%

Increasing funding for financial aid should be a high priority

85%

Remodeling Hodgson Hall should be a high priority

80%

Building a Middle School should be a high priority

52%

Adding a gym space should be a high priority

61%

Investing in technology should be a high priority

90%

Encouraging students to be involved in community service should be a high priority

92%

Continuing to provide a rigorous academic education should be a high priority

96%

 

28% of respondents ranked RGNS in the top 25% of their philanthropic interests.  43% ranked RGNS in the top 50% of their philanthropic interests.

 

69% of alumni respondents said RGNS solicits for donations with appropriate frequency.

 

The most frequently reported reason for not supporting RGNS financially was a lack of personal resources.

 

Items Deserving/Very Deserving of Philanthropic Support


Campus and Buildings

68%

Faculty/Staff Compensation

66%

Student Financial Aid

74%

Computers/Technology

69%

Athletics

56%

Library books/materials

69%

Chapel and Religious Program

63%

Farm Program

58%

Dorm Renovations

56%