Survey gives student center high marks

Between attending campus events, going to games, and connecting with friends, there are plenty of reasons for students to enjoy college life. But sometimes, it’s as simple as giving them a comfortable place to unwind that can take their experience up a notch.

For the second year, PSU students have participated in a national survey that rates student centers at universities across the nation. Coordinated by Educational Benchmarking, Inc., the survey was sent out randomly to 2,500 PSU students in April. Nearly 670 students responded for a chance to win an iPod and free merchandise.

Students were asked to rank their satisfaction in areas such as the environment of the student center, the quality and cost of food, the cleanliness of the facility, and the ability of the center to enhance students’ college experiences. The results of the survey were compared to six comparable institutions – Mesa State College in Colorado, Kutztown State University in Pennsylvania, University of North Carolina-Ashville, Radford University in Virginia, SUNY Oneonta in New York, and the University of Central Missouri – also taking part in the survey.

Overall, Pitt State scored strong: the student center scored an “Excellent” in seven of 11 categories. Cleanliness, helpfulness of student center staff, and entertainment offerings were all favorites of students, while categories like the center’s ability to enhance student life earned a “Good” score. Although they are pleased with the restaurant options, students indicated they would like more additions to the center, such as more name-brand fast food restaurants.

When comparing these rankings to the six other universities, PSU scored high enough in each category to earn the top spot in the comprehensive “Overall Program Effectiveness” category. Of a total of 114 schools participating in the survey, PSU scored 18th overall.

The results of the survey have given officials a better idea of what students want, said Student Center Director Jeff Steinmiller. After the addition of a bank and the remodel of the bookstore in the past two years, the center has recently added new furniture, blinds, and draperies, new video projectors in meeting rooms, replaced the center’s 40-year-old billiard table, and added new computers in the U-Club.

“Every university has a vision but we need to be checking with our students to see where they think we can make improvements,” he said. “What it means is our students view us in a higher regard that other students may at other schools. Some of it confirms what we are doing right, but it also shows where we can improve.”

---Pitt State---