2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey

Contents Methodology Response Rate and Background Profile First Year Experience Overall Educational Experience Academic Program University Services Undergraduate Education’s Contribution to Student Development Positive Highlights and Biggest Surprise Suggestions for Improvement Expectations From the Upcoming Academic Year Other

American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey Methodology Objectives. Gather information from freshman students about first-year experience academic environment extracurricular activities satisfaction with services provided at the university expectations for upcoming academic year Conducted: During April 21 –May 5, (65.2%) out of 376 freshmen participated in the survey. Thirty-seven (37) partially completed surveys were excluded. Response rate of 55.3%

Response Rate and Background Profile Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey Distribution of respondents by gender GenderFrequencyPercent Female Male Total Response rate by gender GenderNumber of FreshmenNumber of RespondentsPercent of Respondents Female Male Total Distribution of respondents by academic program and by gender N (%) Academic ProgramFemaleMaleTotal Business63 (57.8)46 (42.2)109 (100.0) Computational Sciences15 (30.0)35 (70.0)50 (100.0) English and Communications39 (79.6)10 (20.4)49 (100.0) Total117 (56.3)91 (43.8)208 (100.0)

Response Rate and Background Profile American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey Response rate by academic program Academic Program Number of FreshmenNumber of RespondentsPercent of respondents Business Computational Sciences English and Communications Total Distribution of respondents by academic program Academic ProgramFrequency Percent Business Computational Sciences English and Communications Total

Response Rate and Background Profile Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey Distribution of respondents by age Categories of ageFrequencyValid Percent and over94.5 Total Distribution of respondents by citizenship Categories of citizenshipFrequencyPercent Republic of Armenia (including the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh) Non-Republic of Armenia178.2 Total

First Year Experience American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey During the current academic year, approximately how many hours did you spend each week doing the following? N (%) Description Hours per week Academic Year* Academic Year** Studying, reading, or doing home tasks to prepare for class More than 2050 (24.0)57 (40.2) (40.4)53 (37.2) (35.1)32 (22.6) 01 (0.5)0 (0.0) Total208 (100.0)142 (100.0) Working at a job for pay More than 206 (2.9)6 (4.4) (6.4)10 (7.3) (12.7)8 (5.9) 0159 (77.9)113 (82.5) Total204 (100.0)137 (100.0) Participating in activities such as sports, student newspaper, student government, music groups, etc. More than 201 (0.5)7 (5.0) (6.8)11 (7.9) (78.5)110 (78.6) 029 (14.1)12 (8.6) Total205 (100.0)140 (100.0) *2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey **2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey

First Year Experience Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey During the current academic year, approximately how many hours did you spend each week doing the following? N (%) Description Hours per week Academic Year* Academic Year** Volunteering More than 202 (1.0)9 (6.4) (2.0)7 (5.0) (59.4)84 (60.0) 076 (37.6)40 (28.6) Total202 (100.0)140 (100.0) Socializing or spending time with friends More than 2016 (7.8)22 (15.9) (26.8)34 (24.5) (63.9)81 (58.3) 03 (1.5)2 (1.4) Total205 (100.0)139 (100.0) *2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey **2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey

First Year Experience Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey During the current academic year, approximately how many hours did you spend on homework for each course in a typical week? Hours per week Academic Year* Academic Year** More than 2011 (5.3)17 (11.9) (11.5)34 (23.8) (83.2)92 (64.4) 00 (0.0) Total208 (100.0)143 (100.0) * 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey **2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey

First Year Experience Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey * 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey During the current academic year, how many writing assignments of the following length did you complete? N (%) Length of writing assignments Number of writing assignments Academic Year* Academic Year** Up to 2 pages 10 and more91 (45.3)62 (44.9) (54.7)76 (55.1) 00 (0.0) Total201 (100.0)138 (100.0) Between 3 and 5 pages 10 and more20 (10.0)17 (12.3) (86.5)115 (82.7) 07 (3.5)7 (5.0) Total200 (100.0)139 (100.0) Between 6 and 10 pages 10 and more3 (1.6)3 (2.1) (57.9)67 (50.7) 077 (40.5)62 (47.0) Total190 (100.0)132 (100.0) 11 pages or more 10 and more3 (1.6)3 (2.3) (24.9)24 (18.2) 0139 (73.5)105 (79.5) Total189 (100.0)132 (100.0)

First Year Experience Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey * 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey During the current academic year, how often did you do the following? Description Academic Year* Academic Year** Study when there were more interesting things to do Look for information to help you understand course material Take part in class discussion Ask your instructor for help with difficult assignments Finish what you started despite difficulties Keep working hard even if you received a bad grade on an assignment Mean (1=Never =Very often)

First Year Experience Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey * 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey During the current academic year, did you experience difficulty with the following? N(%) DescriptionResponse options Academic Year* Academic Year** Learning new material No96 (46.4)69 (48.9) Yes90 (43.5)52 (36.9) Not sure21 (10.1)20 (14.2) Total207 (100.0)141 (100.0) Managing your time No62 (30.0)44 (31.4) Yes130 (62.8)84 (60.0) Not sure15 (7.2)12 (8.6) Total207 (100.0)140 (100.0) Paying tuition No91 (44.2)65 (46.8) Yes77 (37.4)55 (39.6) Not sure38 (18.4)19 (13.7) Total206 (100.0)139 (100.0)

First Year Experience Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey * 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey During the current academic year, did you experience difficulty with the following? N(%) DescriptionResponse options Academic Year* Academic Year** Getting help with classes No147 (71.0)93 (66.4) Yes26 (12.6)28 (20.0) Not sure34 (16.4)19 (13.6) Total207 (100.0)140 (100.0) Making new friends No165 (79.7)122 (87.8) Yes24 (11.6)14 (10.1) Not sure18 (8.7)3 (2.2) Total207 (100.0)139 (100.0) Relating to faculty No144 (70.2)103 (74.1) Yes21 (10.2)20 (14.4) Not sure40 (19.5)16 (11.5) Total205 (100.0)139 (100.0)

American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey Overall Educational Experience Satisfaction with overall education experience Description Academic Year* Academic Year** How would you rate your overall educational experience during the current academic year?¹ 1.95*** ***67.3 If I could start all over again, I would want to attend AUA.² 1.75*** *** Mean (1=excellent and 5=very poor), cumulative percent of excellent and good 2 Mean 1=strongly agree and 5=strongly disagree, cumulative percent of strongly agree and agree *** Significance in Pearson’s correlation testing the relationship between perception of overall educational experience and perception of the willingness to study at AUA if given the opportunity to start all over again; r=0.300, N=203, p<0.01 ( AY); r=0.493, N=142, p<0.01 ( AY). * 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey **2013 Freshman Student Exit Survey

American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey Academic Program To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about your first-year experience? Statement Academic Year* Academic Year** Academic policies and procedures were communicated adequately Information about degree requirements was communicated adequately There was good communication between faculty and students regarding student needs, concerns, and suggestions Interactions among students and faculty were characterized by mutual respect There were opportunities outside the classroom for interaction between students and faculty The grading system at AUA is fair Mean (1=strongly agree and 5=strongly disagree), cumulative percent of strongly agree and agree * 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey

American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey University Services Please indicate your level of satisfaction with the following administrative services in the University. Description Academic Year* Academic Year** Classroom facilities and equipment Computer resources Food services Library resources Library support services Services provided by the Office of the Registrar (except Financial Aid services) Financial Aid services–tuition assistance, scholarship, deferred payment, work study Services provided by Center for Student Success Tuition payment through bank transfer Tuition payment through cashier's office Mean (1=very satisfied and 5=very dissatisfied), cumulative percent of very satisfied and satisfied * 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey

Undergraduate Education’s Contribution to Student Development American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey * 2014 Freshman Exit Survey ** 2013 Entering Freshman Survey How prepared do you feel in the following skills to continue your studies? Description Academic Year* Academic Year** Writing skills English writing skills Speaking skills English speaking skills Applying scientific methods of enquiry Computer skills To critically analyze ideas and information To lead and guide others To function as part of a team Mean (1=not at all and 7=very well)

Positive Highlights and Biggest Surprise American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey *Open-ended; Responses recoded What are the three things that you like most about AUA?* DescriptionN Facilities and equipment (comfort, access)67 Library resources and support65 Atmosphere/community/environment/culture63 Faculty members and support57 Food services48 Quality of education/Western teaching style26 What is the biggest surprise (either positive or negative) you experienced at AUA during your first year? * DescriptionN Friendly and supportive faculty/mutual respect18 Atmosphere/being equally treated/respected17 No surprise17 Courses/programs/electives13 Education system10 Events/public lectures/meeting famous people9

Suggestions for Improvements American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey *Open-ended; Responses recoded What are the three most important things AUA could do to improve the quality of your undergraduate experience? DescriptionN Improve facilities/equipment/new technologies/WIFI’s quality/add more space58 Improve educational methodologies/processes/materials/course design39 Increase the number of courses: general education, electives, majors, minors/more undergraduate programs 29 Improve organizational management (communication, accountability, time management, registration for courses, student success and other services) 27 Review the timeline for midterms and finals/give chance to retake exams/better schedule and organize the exams 22 Invite more (foreign) faculty (better/more qualified/experienced/full-time) and teaching assistants 20

Expectations From the Upcoming Academic Year American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey * 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2013 Freshman Student Exit Survey Description During the current academic year, how often did you do the following? How often do you expect to do the following in the next academic year? Academic Year* Academic Year** Academic Year* Academic Year** Finish what you start despite difficulties Keep working hard even if you receive a bad grade on an assignment Take part in class discussions Look for information to help you understand course material Ask your instructor for help with difficult assignments Study when there are more interesting things to do Mean (1=never and 6=very often)

Expectations From the Upcoming Academic Year Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey * 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey For you, how important is it that the University provides? Description 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey Campus activities and events Academic challenge Support for student success Diverse student body Mean (1=not important and 6=very important) What do you expect your average grade to be during the next academic year N (%) Grades Academic Year* Academic Year** A 92 (45.3) 75 (53.2) A- 69 (34.0) 54 (38.3) B+ and lower 42 (20.7) 12 (8.5) Total 203 (100.0) 141 (100.0)

Expectations From the Upcoming Academic Year Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey Do you expect to graduate in four years? N (%) Answer options 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey Yes184 (90.6)124 (88.6) No3 (1.5)1 (0.7) Uncertain16 (7.9)15 (10.7) Total203 (100.0)140 (100.0)

Other American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey For the current academic year, are you a recipient of financial aid from the University (tuition assistance, deferred payment, work-study, scholarship)? N (%) Answer options Academic Year N (%)* Academic Year N (%)** Yes85 (41.1)66 (46.2) No122 (58.9)74 (51.7) Total207 (100.0)140 (100.0) * 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey How are you paying for your University education? N (%) Description 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey Support from parents or relatives178 (85.6) 112 (79.0) Tuition assistance / AUA-provided tuition assistance59 (28.4) 41 (28.7) Grants or scholarships / AUA-provided scholarships20 (9.6) 21 (14.7) Job or personal savings / Job18 (8.7) 16 (11.2) Deferred payment / AUA-provided deferred payment7 (3.4) 5 (3.5) Other11 (5.3) 6 (4.2) Total N of respondents208 (100.0) 140 (100.0)

Other Cont’d * 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey How many of your close friends attend AUA? N (%) Number of friends 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey 4 or more 94 (45.6) 71 (50.7) 3 27 (13.1) 19 (13.6) 2 35 (17.0) 10 (7.1) 1 16 (7.8) 13 (9.3) None 34 (16.5) 27 (19.3) Total 206 (100.0) 140 (100.0) During the current academic year, where did you mostly prepare for class? N (%) Description Academic Year* Academic Year** Where I was residing/living125 (60.4)84 (59.6) The University’s library68 (32.9)51 (36.2) At a public or other libraryN/A2 (1.4) At a friend’s houseN/A1 (0.7) Other14 (6.8)3 (2.1) Total207 (100.0)141 (100.0)

Other Cont’d American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey * 2013 Freshman Student Exit Survey ** 2014 Freshman Student Exit Survey During the current academic year how did you mostly get to class? N (%) Means of transportation Academic Year** Academic Year* Public transportation 123 (60.0) 92 (65.2) Walk 40 (19.5) 29 (20.6) Drive 33 (16.1) 16 (11.3) Other 9 (4.4) 4 (2.8) Total 205 (100.0) 141 (100.0) During the current academic year where did you mostly prepare for class? N (%) Description Academic Year** Academic Year* Where I was residing/living 125 (60.4) 84 (59.6) The University’s library 68 (32.9) 51 (36.2) At a public or other library N/A 2 (1.4) At a friend’s house N/A 1 (0.7) Other 14 (6.8) 3 (2.1) Total 207 (100.0) 141 (100.0)

For additional information contact: Institutional Research Office Tel: (+374) American University of Armenia 2015 Freshman Student Exit Survey