The results of a recent survey of all students in the SUNY system informed officials at SUNY Fredonia about the variety of reasons students choose a college, and the special reasons they find Fredonia appealing. Cultural arts programs received the highest approval from Fredonia students when asked their opinion on services and facilities.
 
The data came from the 2000 SUNY Student Opinion Survey conducted by SUNY and ACT (American College Testing). Conducted every three years to collect background and attitude information on undergraduate students, the survey enables colleges to explore and assess their services, the aspirations and commitment levels of their students, the financial indebtedness of their students, and how well they meet students' expectations and help them mature.
 
College President Dennis L. Hefner said, "I was pleased to see that the Student Opinion Survey again placed Fredonia among the top SUNY institutions in virtually every category. Especially gratifying were the positive improvements in both racial climate and student access to classes. In the previous survey conducted three years ago, these two measures were lower than we like, but now rank among the best in the SUNY system."
 
Fredonia students had high satisfaction averages and ranked among the top SUNY campuses for "campus climate" issues such as personal safety, activities outside class, and student-run media.
 
Of all the aspects of college environment that students liked, Fredonia students expressed the greatest satisfaction with the challenge offered by their programs of study, the college in general, and faculty respect for students. Most Fredonia students rated the quality of their education as "excellent" or "good." Students at Fredonia said they chose to attend the college because it has the courses and programs they want, and it has a strong academic reputation.
 
Fredonia students taking the survey tended to agree that they had developed strong friendships and that the other students they met at college had positively influenced their personal growth and values.
 
In addition to cultural arts programs in art, music, and theatre, students at Fredonia frequently praised campus study areas, recreational and intramural programs, tutoring availability, and general condition of buildings and grounds. The availability of campus parking received the lowest level of approval.
 
Fredonia scored significantly higher than other state-operated colleges on classroom facilities, the residence halls, Campus Bus Service, social activities on campus, and the student union (Williams Center).
 
Compared to the previous survey four years ago, current Fredonia students are more satisfied with the college's services and facilities in computers and information technology, as well as with access to classes and the racial climate on campus.
 
In a section of additional questions posed solely by SUNY Fredonia to its students, it was shown that more than 80 percent of them talk to their professors about the course subject matter outside of class, and that most students believe the best teachers are those who can generate class discussions.
 
Most Fredonia students felt the college had improved them the most in thinking and writing skills, and in self-confidence.
 
The response rate for SUNY Fredonia was among the highest within the SUNY campuses. The median age range of the respondents was 20 to 21. A higher percentage of Fredonia respondents were planning to earn more than a bachelor's degree (nearly 80 percent versus 66 percent SUNY-wide).
 
The 2000 SUNY Student Opinion Survey was coordinated by Gary Blose, assistant provost for Institutional Research and Analysis, and John Curtice, assistant vice chancellor for Financial Aid and Enrollment Policy. The most recent project was the sixth in a series of surveys, conducted in 1985, 1988, 1991, 1994, and 1997. In the first two surveys, SUNY used the standard ACT survey instrument, giving it the advantage of being able to compare itself to national norms. However, as the project grew in scope, SUNY colleges and universities decided that a unique SUNY instrument, with additional and modified items, was needed. The first SUNY Student Opinion Survey was launched in 1991, and has continued since, with new modifications each time.
 
Campuses participate voluntarily and Fredonia has taken part in every survey.