Student Satisfaction Analysis at the University of Rijeka

In accordance with the University of Rijeka Strategy 2014-2020 and the provisions outlined in the Quality of Study Manual, the Center for Quality Assurance and Improvement has been conducting an assessment of student satisfaction among graduates of undergraduate, graduate and integrated study programs of scientific-teaching constituents of the University of Rijekasince the academic year 2014/2015.

The assessment is carried out on a sample of all students who have successfully completed their study program, thus yielding relevant and reliable results. For the academic year 2017/2018, the questionnaire was completed by 93% of students who have finished their undergraduate, graduate or integrated study programs at the University of Rijeka – 1726 undergraduate and 1361 graduate students, or a total of 3442 students.

The questionnaire aims to assess satisfaction with particular aspects of the study and general satisfaction with study programs and study at the University of Rijeka. The results are processed as follows: index of satisfaction with aspects of study and index of general satisfaction with the study program are generated from one part of the answer. All particles showing satisfaction rate, and thus the satisfaction indices generated, are expressed on a scale of 1-5.

Assessment of satisfaction with aspects of studyexamines the extent to which students are satisfied with the study program and organization of study, content and obligatory and elective courses available, teaching methods, student-teacher rapport, assessment and evaluation of student work, availability of learning materials, and the possibility of gaining practical competencies and involvement in various forms beyond teaching activities.

The average index of satisfaction with aspects of study for the academic year 2017/2018 is 3.9 (stable over the last 3 years of the survey, with an increase compared to 2014/2015 results when it was 3.8). Students are most satisfied with teachers (student-teacher rapport, communication, encouraging motivation – mean grade 4.2), and advice and support given by teaching and administrative staff during the course of study (mean grade 4.1). Students are least satisfied with elective courses available (mean grade 3.6) and the possibility of gaining practical competencies (mean grade 3.4).

The general satisfaction questionnaire aims to assess the extent to which the study program met student expectations, contributed to their personal growth, equipped the students with skills necessary to work in the relevant profession and enter the labor market, prepared them for further study, and whether they would recommend the study program to future students.

The average of the general study satisfactionindex for the academic year 2017/2018 is 3.9 (also stable since the beginning of the survey). The students are most satisfied with the contribution of the study program to their personal growth (mean grade 4.2), motivation for further learning (mean grade 4.1) and recommending their study program to others (mean grade 4.0). Lower grades were given to the possibility of entering the labor market (mean grade 3.8) and the ability to work in the relevant field of work (mean grade 3.6).

The questionnaire also assesses student intentions after graduation, where 67% of students express their intention to look for a job, 19% intend to continue their education and 6% plan to start their own business.

The purpose of student satisfaction assessment is to analyze the state of the system and create a feedback effect on the system. The results of annual assessments are presented to and discussed by the bodies of the University (Expert Council of the Center for Studies, Quality Committee, Senate). Each of the University constituents receives detailed individual analyzes (as well as student comments) that are revised by the relevant bodies (Quality Committees, Management) and serve as a motive for corrections in study programs and teaching process.

The University of Rijeka is extremely proud of the students’ satisfaction with the work of their teachers and their relationship with the students as it speaks volumes about the commitment of academic staff to working with young people. This fact is further emphasized as the students often claim that their study programs contribute to their personal growth as well as make them motivated for further learning, which is the basis for accepting the today’s necessary concept of lifelong learning.

Analysis results regularly form the basis for establishing or revising education policies at the University of Rijeka. Poorer graded aspects of study tend to be corrected with targeted activities. The University is trying to increase the number of elective courses available by facilitating procedures for introducing more electives into study programs, enabling the students to enroll in communiselective courses (offered at the university level), and encouraging continued work on the development of new study programs which offer greater flexibility. The possibility of gaining practical competencies during the study period will be greatly enhanced by the implementation of new projects aimed at the wider introduction of traineeship during the study. Following the tender issued by the Ministry of Science and Education for the submission of project proposals entitled “Development, Enhancement, and Implementation of Traineeship in Higher Education”, funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds, the University of Rijeka and its constituents submitted 8 project applications. The implementation of the projects is expected to begin in 2020. The projects envision introducing obligatory and elective traineeship into the study programs, involving economic sector experts in defining the practical competencies the students need to acquire during their study and facilitating the students’ connection with economic entities during their education. The students will thus be offered opportunities to better prepare themselves for the labor market as well as to gain better qualifications for work in their respective professions.

The University has been making great efforts lately to achieve a better connection with the economy and the community. Thus, over the past year, more than 60 agreements have been signed on the basis of which various entities from the real and public sectors obtain the status of expert, teaching or scientific-teaching bases of the University of Rijeka, thus creating new opportunities for easier and more efficient cooperation.

Within the scope of existing and through the development of new study programs, special attention is given to the introduction of community-based learning which allows the students to fulfill learning outcomes through their work in the environment. The University also plays an active role in developing Urban Agglomeration Strategy and formulating project proposals that enhance the University’s connection with the environment and fulfill the mission of community action.