Photo captured of SXU sign welcoming students to campus SXU
This past 2023 fall semester, Saint Xavier University (SXU) offered the Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) survey to all undergraduate students. The survey had around 100 items, asking students to rate how well their expectations are being met in regards to each aspect of their academic experience at the institution.
The purpose of this survey was to identify the institution’s strengths and weaknesses. Most of the questions asked students about their satisfaction with aspects such as SXU’s advising, registration effectiveness, campus climate and safety, financial aid, and campus life.
Based on the overall data that was collected, there was a clear pattern that showed that students are becoming less satisfied with the institution with each passing year.
The data found that 53% of freshmen undergraduates felt that SXU meets expectations compared to the 52% of other institutions in the midwest, sophomores had a 45% satisfaction rate, which was only slightly lower than the 48% for others, while juniors reported a 42% satisfaction rate compared to the 47% for others.
However, the most significant drop was with Seniors, who reported a 33% satisfaction rate compared to those in other midwest schools who had 48%.
When asked why they believe student satisfaction steadily declines as students pass through each class level, one member of The Xavierite Editorial board stated, “As you get older and start seriously considering the future, you find yourself more aware of your surroundings. Things you ignore right out of high school might cause concern for someone approaching the workforce.”
This goes back to an issue that the Editorial Board previously discussed about “Why College?” in which it was argued that incoming students often make swift decisions when it comes to choosing a university. This typically happens due to immense pressure from high school administrators and/or one’s own family members.
Many students are pressured into making a decision quickly, whether it be choosing a major or University, without considering the potential consequences that could affect their future.
Another board member argued that it is often a combination of things in one’s personal life that lead to their dissatisfaction with their education overall, “I think there’s a variety of reasons, not one singular issue they encounter. Some of those reasons may be college is just harder than they thought it would be, or maybe they become less passionate about their major and second guess.”
Most members agreed that another contributing factor is that as students move to the next class level, they see the workload increase as well. One member mentioned that it becomes difficult to balance their time in class, do work, and leave room for other activities.
One of the weaknesses reported in the findings was in the quality of instruction. Students believe that there is a lack of variety in the courses that SXU offers and that the content in some of the courses that do exist do not hold much value.
When asked about their content with the preparation they’ve gotten towards their major at SXU, a majority of members of the Board agreed that they have had an invaluable experience with their major’s department.
One member gave credit to the communication department for the faculty’s consideration towards students’ wellbeing, “In the Communication Department, I feel that we are perhaps the most organized. Our professors know exactly what they’re doing, and they even know when to give us breaks.”
A member stated that, “I am beyond content with the instruction within my major, I am blessed to have knowledgeable and caring faculty at my fingertips. However, that is clearly not the case for students in every major.”
With multiple majors being cut from SXU last April, many students who were affected now find themselves scrambling to find alternative courses that are relevant to their chosen major.
One member of the board who was affected by the cuts stated their discontent with the quality of instruction, saying, “my major was cut last year. Most career-readiness resources are geared toward disciplines completely unrelated to my field of study. Aside from my two main professors, I study under professors who don’t show any care or concern for the content they teach.”
When discussing what the University can do to amend these issues and improve their rating in the next SSI, the board agreed that the institution should prioritize taking student feedback seriously and that they should be involved in changes all the way through.
A board member stated that, “The first step requires faculty and administration to fully take in these results without bias. Don’t immediately write off the negative feedback as over-exaggeration, and don’t assume the positive feedback means those areas don’t require further attention. Be receptive to the criticism and allow students to speak their minds without needing the protection of an anonymous survey. The dedication to improvement and open mindedness begins at the top.”
Another member added that, “Outside of taking into consideration student voices more often, I think the university needs to keep in mind the core beliefs of the Sisters of Mercy, and remember Saint Xavier University was founded on the values of the liberal arts.”
With all things considered, it was discussed whether members of the board would choose SXU again if they could go back in time. The answers were varied, as one member mentioned that it would not even be a possibility due to their major being cut, while another stated that they’d choose a school with better departments.
However, most agreed that their positive experiences at SXU outweigh the negatives, and they would do it all over again. Though our university isn’t perfect, there is a common sense of community that most of us would not trade for anything in the world.
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