University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey

April 27, 2016

As you may know, the University of California is currently conducting its biennial University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES). UCUES is a UC system-wide census online survey of undergraduates focused on academic engagement and the unique experience at research universities. Our students answer questions about all aspects of their UCSB experience, including academic and co-curricular involvement as well as interactions with their major departments.

I write today to request your assistance in conveying the importance of this survey to your students. In the past, UCSB students’ high rate of satisfaction with their undergraduate experience has been an important factor in recruiting excellent students. At present, the response rate for UCSB students is roughly 11%, which is well below the final response rate we need to achieve. In order for our campus to get the most value from this survey, we need to have a high proportion of our students participate. Having a larger number of responses will allow survey data to be disaggregated to the department level. UCUES has the potential to be used for departmental self-assessments and is a valuable resource for making decisions on crucial matters for our campus.

Attached is a model letter that you might find helpful in sending an encouraging e-mail to your students about participating in the UCUES survey. Emailing students on your departmental e-mail distribution list will go a long way to increasing our response rate.

Should you have any questions about UCUES, please contact Associate Director of Institutional Research Laurel Wilder (x2144, laurel.wilder@bap.ucsb.edu) or Survey Research Analyst Christopher Seaman (x2730, christopher.seaman@ucsb.edu).

Thank you for your support. We appreciate your assistance with this matter.
 

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