Graduate tracer studies have come to represent one of the key approaches for enhancing study programme effectiveness in contemporary higher education. This has led to a surge in graduate tracer studies by Ghanaian higher education institutions. However, reflective practices on challenges and lessons from these studies are lacking. Through…

As candidates in the 2012 election debated issues raised by the state of the US economy, unemployment statistics and job creation took center stage. The problems under discussion posed (and continue to pose) a particularly clear and pressing challenge to the nation's graduate schools. While the US enjoys a reputation for having the most dynamic…

This report focuses on findings from the 5-year use of the Graduating Student Questionnaire (GSI) by member schools of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and in the interpretation of these findings. The GSI is used in the ATS Student Information Project along with the Entering Student Questionnaire. At the end of the 2000-2001 academic…

The document presents tabulations of data obtained by means of a 14-page questionnaire mailed to a random sample of 1960, 1965, and 1970 Memorial University of Newfoundland graduates, in 1972. Five hundred usable returns were obtained out of a potential 950, and information on biographic and demographic characteristics, career development,…

A mail survey of 125 former teacher education students was conducted to examine subjects' perceptions of and responses to the survey. The effects of techniques thought to motivate mail survey participation on responses and potential respondent bias were examined. (TJH)

A timely and coordinated system to conduct placement and followup studies was developed by Hillsborough Community College. The project was intended to increase the response rate of program completers and leavers and the placement rate of program completers in order to meet the placement rate set by the 1983 Florida legislation. Vocational faculty…

This inquiry was conducted to examine influences on perceptions of survey subjects regarding ideographic characteristics of the subjects, incentives to enhance mail returns, and multiple requests for information. A mail survey sent to 297 former education students from a large university produced responses from 48.3% of the sample. The ideographic…

The procedure is described for a followup of the graduates of the University of New Mexico Department of Special Education; which was conducted in order to evaluate the academic programs. The components are comprised of: developing survey instruments; maintaining a correct mailing list; obtaining basic followup information; obtaining extensive…

This report presents an analysis of the debt levels and debt burdens of recent 4-year college graduates, based on student-reported data from five national surveys taken over the period 1977 to 1990. Report sections first describe the data and methodology of the study; second, present these findings and identify specific sub-groups most likely to…

Techniques used by large and small institutions to trace and keep track of alumni are outlined, based on data from a national survey. Additionally, two articles on recordkeeping are presented. For 19 of the 27 institutions surveyed, information is provided on: institutional data regarding alumni population, staff assigned to tracing lost alumni,…

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) conducted a study of 1,358 bachelor's degree graduates of the class of 1986 to examine two factors: (1) age at entrance and graduation, and (2) length of time required for graduation from several specified beginning points. The study required four sets of data: demographic, age related data, time-frame…

A plan was developed to improve followup study response rates by refining techniques for data collection and improving student motivation to respond to daily requests. Factors affecting response rate to followup surveys were investigated, and alternative approaches were recommended. Findings indicated that current procedures--two mailouts of…

Compares the exercise attitudes, knowledge, and habits of 1,833 alumni from 4 colleges, 3 of which had varying degrees of required conceptually based physical education. Results indicate that physical education programs with a required concepts of physical activity course appear to affect alumni values and attitudes about exercise. (GLR)

The chief accomplishment of the Texas Automated Follow-Up System in program year 1994-95 was a major expansion of services to secondary education. Data were collected on the results achieved by former seniors who exited high schools in 25 volunteer districts. Because the pilot districts were not necessarily representative of all school districts…

Methods and instruments used by teacher preparation institutions in conducting graduate follow-up studies were investigated, and an effort was made to determine the institutions' satisfaction with the methodology and results of their current follow-up procedures. A survey instrument was constructed that addressed eight questions related to…