Graduate tracer studies have come to represent one of the key approaches for enhancing study programme effectiveness in contemporary higher education. This has led to a surge in graduate tracer studies by Ghanaian higher education institutions. However, reflective practices on challenges and lessons from these studies are lacking. Through…

We surveyed psychology alumni (N = 78) about (a) their preparedness and competency on 54 areas of workforce readiness, (b) changes since graduation on 33 adjectives describing emotional states and personality qualities, and (c) suggestions for universities about how to provide opportunities that enhance workforce success. Among the highest rated…

In this study a survey of alumni (N=68) with bachelor's degrees in psychology graduating in the past 10 years from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UW-P) was conducted. The results of the study indicated that the majority of graduates began their careers in the clinical/counseling field, but as time progressed the majority of them were…

A Clarkson College Alumni Telephone Survey done in November 1995 sought feedback for outcomes assessment decisions, information to support foundation funding, information on placement and employment, and to verify alumni addresses. The survey was conducted with alumni from the 1994 and 1995 classes, two groups that would best represent outcomes of…

This is the first attempt by the Office of Institutional Research and Planning to survey a large sample of alumni to measure the outcomes of the educational process at Western Illinois University. This pilot study of alumni was conducted to gather outcome information to provide the administration and the faculty with (1) data useful in planning…

Presents findings from the "2003 Graduating Student & Alumni Survey," conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Results reveal that most students: view the economy as the greatest job-search obstacle; are realistic about what they expect of the job market; and were realistic in their salary expectations. (GCP)

Presents findings from the "2001 Graduating Student & Alumni Survey," conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Results reveal that most students: chose majors that will prepare them for a specific line of work; do not expect lofty salaries or unusual perks; have healthy concerns about conducting a successful job search; and…

This analysis illustrates how alumni survey research can assess outcomes for graduates of master's degree programs and also be responsive to program goals, policy concerns of administrators, instructional values of the faculty, and standards of professional practice. Issues related to survey design and analysis are discussed, based on a study of…

The value of master of agriculture and master of science curricula at Texas A&M University in preparing graduates for careers was assessed. Attitudes of 305 agriculture graduates and 305 science graduates concerning their degrees and the career patterns of graduates were examined. Findings include the following: master of agriculture graduates…

An employment profile of recent graduates of the University of Virginia School of Nursing was undertaken, with attention directed to factors they considered important for selecting their jobs, leaving their jobs, and selecting future jobs in nursing. A questionnaire used in a 1981 study was modified for the investigation, and the Work Environment…

The purpose of this study was to determine characteristic learning patterns of technical education alumni at a mid-western engineering school (institute of technology). The research also included efforts to track cognitive and career development of the engineers in the study. The research sample consisted of five graduating classes selected at…

In 1986, a study was conducted at Illinois' William Rainey Harper College (WRHC) to gather follow-up data on transfer-oriented students one year after they had accumulated at least 48 semester hours of credit at WRHC. All 634 alumni meeting these criteria were surveyed concerning their current education/employment status, their evaluation of WRHC,…

In 1990, a survey was conducted of alumni of the regional campuses (RC's) of Kent State University who received an associate degree in 1987, 1988, or 1989. Surveys were mailed to all 1,189 alumni, requesting information on their demographic characteristics, goals, education and employment experience, and satisfaction with the programs and services…

A comparative study of the alumni of 12 cooperative and 12 noncooperative education programs examined the following facets of career development: Views toward undergraduate career preparation, characteristics of first full-time job, and characteristics of current employment situation. In addition, the mail questionnaire measured differences in…