College of San Mateo [CSM] has received
support from the California Community College Chancellor's
Office "Fund for Student Success," to study its campus
climate. Research conducted at CSM has assessed the
effectiveness of the delivery of Collegewide services and
programs in order to optimize student academic success. In
support of these goals, research has gathered data on current,
former, and prospective students. A variety of research
methodologies were employed, including phone interviews,
self-administered survey questionnaire, focus groups
interviews, and random intercept interviews. In addition,
statistical queries of the CSM student database were performed
in order to gather information in support of CSM's "Student
Equity Plan."
The data and information presented on this web
site is intended to support College-wide planning efforts and
foster effective institutional change in order to meet our
student's diverse needs. If you have questions about the
research presented here or would like additional information,
please call John Sewart at 650.726.0984 or email at
sewart@smccd.net
Written surveys were administered to
1048 students in 56 different classes asking students to rank school
services as to their importance to the student and the extent to which
the service meets the student's needs.
Telephone surveys were used to poll
approximately 300 randomly selected former students and non-registrants
from among CSM databases. Subjects were asked about their reasons
for not returning to CSM or failure to follow-through with registering
in classes at CSM after an initial inquiry call to CSM.
Random intercept interviews were conducted
on campus during Fall 1999. Several different campus locations were
chosen for their heavy traffic by students.
Focus groups were conducted in 5 classes
and with student government members as well. A notetaker tabulated
issues mentioned by students during the different focus groups.
Colleges were queried about their "best
practices" related to campus climate.
