This version of the U H M Alumni Outcomes Survey is designed to promote accessibility for people with disabilities in compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. To ensure proper functioning of assistive technology tools such as screen readers, Hawaiian diacriticals were not included and spaces between selected acronyms were added (e.g., U H). We apologize for any inconvenience.
The 2003 Alumni Outcomes Survey represents a continuing effort by the University of Hawaii to conduct a variety of ongoing student assessment programs/activities that produce evidence of institutional effectiveness and serve as a vehicle for educational improvement and accountability. Others are reported separately in the University of Hawaii Institutional Effectiveness Report (previously known as the Benchmarks/Performance Indicators Report).
This is the sixth campus-wide survey of U H Manoa baccalaureate alumni (1989, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003). It is intended to measure educational outcomes at the college level, generate information about ways in which programs can be improved, and monitor changes in student behavior and perceptions. The results provide a wealth of data and comparative information on the thoughts, experiences, activities, plans, and backgrounds of students who earned baccalaureate degrees in 1998 and their retrospective assessment of their undergraduate experience. This report also provides useful insights and suggests areas for further research and action.
This survey was mailed to 2,024 alumni who earned their baccalaureate degrees from U H Manoa in the spring, summer, and fall term of 1998; 410 or 20 percent responded either by mail or electronically through the Web. Despite the relatively low response rate, survey respondents were generally representative of the 1998 U H Manoa baccalaureate graduates in terms of gender, ethnicity, and field of study. However, users of survey results should note that females and those of Japanese and Mixed ethnicities are somewhat overrepresented in the population of respondents compared with 1998 graduates (see Background Data on Respondents).
Alumni rated their overall undergraduate experience at Manoa as good or excellent (85%), and the vast majority (91%) were satisfied or very satisfied with their academic preparation. Increased academic knowledge, understanding of people, and personal independence were the most frequently cited gains from the U H M experience. Establishing personal independence was identified by the largest number of respondents as the single most important gain of their U H M experience. When asked to rate the extent of help received in skill areas, alumni felt their undergraduate education at U H Manoa helped them a great deal with self-study skills, developing as a person, gaining desirable employment, and working cooperatively in a group setting. Alumni placed great importance on the need for their undergraduate education to help them acquire problem-solving skills, develop as a person, and acquire self-study skills.
The majority (66%) perceived a baccalaureate degree from U H Manoa as being of average quality and believe others’ perception of it to be slightly lower. Twenty-seven percent thought their degree was above average in quality. Most alumni (71%) reported taking five or more years to complete their baccalaureate programs. Eighty-eight percent reported being employed. Eighty-six percent were able to find a job within six months after completing their undergraduate study at Manoa. Of those employed, 70 percent are employed on Oahu and 87 percent are employed full-time. The largest number are employed in private industry (35%) and state government (28%). Most alumni (80%) earn over $25,000 per year; the largest group (46%) earns $30,000 to $44,999. Nursing and Engineering graduates were among those commanding the highest earnings. About half (46%) have primary jobs that are directly related to their major and most (93%) feel that they received adequate preparation for employment. Developing new skills/abilities was the main reason for selecting a non-major-related primary job.
Alumni continue to develop new skills and interests after graduation; slightly over half (53%) indicated they pursued further higher education beyond their first bachelor’s degree at Manoa. Of those completing additional higher education, the largest proportion (52%) have done so at Manoa; 29 percent have completed further higher education at a mainland institution. Of those currently pursuing higher education, the largest proportion (39%) are pursuing a master’s degree; 28 percent are taking courses but not a degree, 11 percent are pursuing a first professional degree, and 11 percent are pursuing a doctoral degree.
The most popular post-baccalaureate field of study is education (27%). The most frequently given reasons for not attending U H Manoa for post-baccalaureate work were personal reasons (26%) and lack of an available program (21%).
When given an opportunity to comment about their undergraduate experience at Manoa, 70 percent or 285 responded. Of those providing comments, most alumni named departments/programs, instructors, specific coursework, and facilities/equipment as the campus factors that contributed most to their educational gains while at U H Manoa. Instructors, availability of courses, and departments/programs were the most frequently cited areas of disappointment. As in previous surveys, the student-teacher relationship continued to be a critical factor affecting the overall quality of the undergraduate experience. The most common recommendations were to provide better guidance/advisors, incorporate more practical experience, and review and change core requirements.
In the spring of 2003, the Office of the Vice President for Planning and Policy conducted a campus-wide survey to measure the educational outcomes of University of Hawaii at Manoa baccalaureate alumni who had graduated in the spring, summer, or fall term of 1998. The assessment instrument, a questionnaire consisting of 35 items in four sections, was designed to gather information about the current activities of alumni and elicit candid responses about their undergraduate experiences and recommendations for changes at U H Manoa.
This is the sixth campus-wide survey of U H Manoa baccalaureate alumni. The five previous surveys were administered in 1989, 1991, 1994, 1997, and 2000. This report provides the analysis of the 2003 responses and compares responses with previous surveys—primarily 1997 and 2000—to determine trends and if significant changes have occurred.
Mailing addresses for the alumni were obtained from the University of Hawaii Foundation Office. Questionnaires were mailed to 2,024 alumni. Completed surveys were received from 410 respondents, representing a 20 percent rate of return. Given the number of respondents, a difference of five percentage points is worthy of consideration.
For some data displays (especially college-level), the number of responses may be too small to permit definitive conclusions. Populations overrepresented by approximately three percentage points or more are females and those of Japanese and Mixed ethnicities. Males are underrepresented, and business majors and those of Other ethnicity are underrepresented. These characteristics of the responding population should be kept in mind when using or commenting on specific survey results. However, when taken as a whole, the 2003 survey can be viewed as an overall reflection of prevailing alumni experiences, characteristics, attitudes, and accomplishments.
College-level data is available upon request from the Institutional Assessment and Policy Office (956-7487 or ovppp@hawaii.edu). The 2003 U H M Alumni Outcomes Survey and results of other assessment efforts are available on the World Wide Web at http://www.hawaii.edu/ovppp.
What did you gain from your overall experience at Manoa?
Between 63 and 80 percent of alumni selected Increased Academic Knowledge, Understanding of People, and Personal Independence as their most frequently cited gains from their undergraduate years of study at Manoa.
These results are consistent with previous alumni and graduating senior surveys administered between 1989 and 2002 (a total of five surveys each), and continue to suggest that students perceive their undergraduate education at Manoa as beneficial to their cognitive skills and affective growth/development.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased Knowledge in an Academic Field | 79.8% | 78.1% | 70.6% | 81.7% |
| Increased Understanding of Other People & Their Point of View | 63.7% | 62.2% | 63.0% | 67.6% |
| Increased Ability to be Independent, Self-Reliant, & Adaptable | 63.4% | 64.4% | 64.4% | 71.2% |
What is the most important thing you have gained from your college experience at Manoa?
Survey results indicate that respondents continue to perceive Personal Independence, Increased Academic Knowledge, and Job Preparation as the foremost benefits of an undergraduate education at Manoa.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased Ability to be Independent, Self-Reliant, & Adaptable | 18.1% | 19.3% | 23.8% | 22.0% |
| Increased Knowledge in an Academic Field | 17.8% | 17.6% | 11.3% | 17.6% |
| Preparation for a Job | 17.3% | 15.9% | 19.1% | 19.8% |
How would you rate your overall undergraduate experience at Manoa?
Eighty-five percent rated their overall undergraduate experience at Manoa as either Good or Excellent.
Of interest is the increase (+9.5) from the previous survey (2000) in the percentage of alumni that rated their overall undergraduate experience as Excellent.
For fields of study with 30 or more respondents, Arts & Humanities, Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, and Social Sciences majors were the most pleased with their overall college experience.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 23.7% | 14.2% | 11.2% | 11.5% |
| Good | 60.9% | 68.0% | 67.8% | 66.8% |
| Fair | 12.7% | 17.0% | 18.4% | 21.2% |
| Poor | 2.7% | 0.8% | 2.6% | 0.5% |
To what extent did your undergraduate education at Manoa help you with each of the following skill areas?
Alumni felt their undergraduate education at Manoa helped them a great deal with acquiring self-study skills, developing as a person, gaining desirable employment, and working cooperatively in a group setting (37.8% to 41.6%).
As in previous surveys (1994, 1997, 2000) a relatively high percentage of alumni indicated their undergraduate education at Manoa did not help them in using mathematics in everyday life and work (22.0) and in understanding relationships between technology and the natural environment (17.8).
| Great Deal | Somewhat | Little | No Help | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gather Info/Study Independently | 42% | 42% | 13% | 3% |
| Personal Development | 40% | 47% | 9% | 4% |
| Gain Employment | 38% | 33% | 19% | 10% |
| Work in Groups | 38% | 43% | 16% | 3% |
| Write Effectively | 34% | 44% | 15% | 7% |
| Define/Analyze/Solve Problems | 33% | 51% | 13% | 3% |
| Complex Written Info | 31% | 46% | 18% | 5% |
| Communicate Well Orally | 29% | 46% | 19% | 6% |
| Develop Self-Confidence | 28% | 45% | 20% | 7% |
| Intercultural Appreciation | 26% | 43% | 20% | 11% |
| Racial/Ethnic Cooperation | 25% | 48% | 19% | 8% |
| Plan/Carry Out Activities | 25% | 41% | 25% | 9% |
| Enjoy Literature and the Arts | 25% | 36% | 26% | 13% |
| Leadership Development | 20% | 42% | 28% | 10% |
| Sensitivity to Scientific Issues | 18% | 37% | 30% | 15% |
| Adjust to New Job Demands | 17% | 33% | 36% | 14% |
| Understand World Affairs | 15% | 40% | 33% | 12% |
| Technology/Environment Relationships | 14% | 36% | 32% | 18% |
| Use Mathematics | 12% | 33% | 33% | 22% |
How important were each of the following skill areas during your undergraduate experience at Manoa?
Most alumni felt it was important that their undergraduate experience at Manoa help them acquire problem-solving skills (96.1%), develop as a person (93.9%), acquire self-study skills (92.9%), and learn how to communicate well orally (92.4%) and write effectively (92.4%).
Three-fourths (74.8%) of the respondents felt it was important that their undergraduate experience help them adjust to new job demands. Half the alumni reported Manoa provided a great deal/some help in this area (see data from previous question).
| Important | Not Important | |
|---|---|---|
| Define/Analyze/Solve Problems | 96% | 4% |
| Personal Development | 94% | 6% |
| Gather Info/Study Independently | 93% | 7% |
| Communicate Well Orally | 92% | 8% |
| Write Effectively | 92% | 8% |
| Complex Written Info | 91% | 9% |
| Gain Employment | 90% | 10% |
| Develop Self-Confidence | 87% | 13% |
| Work in Groups | 84% | 16% |
| Plan/Carry Out Activities | 80% | 20% |
| Adjust to New Job Demands | 75% | 25% |
| Leadership Development | 72% | 28% |
| Racial/Ethnic Cooperation | 67% | 33% |
| Understand World Affairs | 66% | 34% |
| Intercultural Appreciation | 64% | 36% |
| Sensitivity to Scientific Issues | 63% | 37% |
| Enjoy Literature and the Arts | 63% | 37% |
| Technology/Environment Relationships | 62% | 38% |
| Use Mathematics | 50% | 50% |
How satisfied are you with the academic preparation you received at Manoa?
The vast majority (91.1%) of respondents were Satisfied or Very Satisfied with their academic preparation, and only 1.9 percent were Very Dissatisfied.
Compared to the previous survey (2000), the percentage of alumni who were Very Satisfied with their academic preparation increased (+5.1).
| 2003 | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Very Satisfied | 21.5% | 16.4% |
| Satisfied | 69.6% | 74.7% |
| Dissatisfied | 7.1% | 7.8% |
| Very Dissatisfied | 1.9% | 1.1% |
How do you feel about the quality of your baccalaureate degree from Manoa?
Two-thirds (66.1%) perceived their degree from Manoa as being of Average quality, while more than one-fourth (27.0%) thought their degree was Above Average. Alumni generally believed that others rated the U H M degree somewhat lower in quality than they did themselves. Similar perceptions were reported in 1991, 1994, 1997, and 2000.
| View of Alumni | View of Others (as perceived by alumni) | |
|---|---|---|
| Above Average | 27.0% | 16.0% |
| Average | 66.1% | 72.1% |
| Below Average | 6.9% | 11.9% |
Since earning your bachelor’s degree at Manoa, have you pursued higher education?
Over half (52.8%) of the U H Manoa graduates who earned their bachelor’s degree in 1998 have pursued further higher education. The percentage of alumni pursuing post-baccalaureate studies has remained stable since 2000, following increases from 1994.
Social Science and Natural Science majors were the largest proportion that pursued further higher education after earning their bachelor’s degree at Manoa.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | 52.8% | 53.5% | 48.8% | 42.4% |
| No | 47.2% | 46.5% | 51.2% | 57.6% |
Beyond your first bachelor’s degree, what is the highest level of study you have completed or are now pursuing?
The percentage of alumni completing a Master’s degree has steadily increased (+12.9) since 1994. The percentage of alumni pursuing a Master’s degree likewise increased since 1994, before noticeably decreasing in 2003 (see the next table).
A sizable percentage of alumni completed (37.2) or are pursuing (28.1) courses without working toward a specific degree.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's | 43.7% | 41.8% | 38.8% | 30.8% |
| Courses, No Degree | 37.2% | 31.5% | 28.7% | 39.7% |
| Professional Diploma (Education) | 8.7% | 13.7% | 24.4% | 22.6% |
| First Professional | 6.5% | 10.3% | 5.7% | 4.1% |
| Second Bachelor's | 3.3% | 2.1% | 0.5% | 2.7% |
| Doctoral | 0.5% | 0.7% | 1.9% | 0.0% |
The share of alumni pursuing a Master’s degree has decreased (-9.4%) since 2000 while the share pursuing a Doctoral degree has increased (+5.2%).
The percentage of alumni currently pursuing a First Professional degree has shown slight but steady increases (+2.5) since 1994.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's | 38.6% | 48.0% | 46.7% | 41.9% |
| Courses, No Degree | 28.1% | 23.5% | 30.7% | 23.8% |
| First Professional | 11.1% | 9.9% | 8.8% | 8.6% |
| Doctoral | 11.1% | 5.9% | 5.1% | 8.6% |
| Second Bachelor's | 5.9% | 4.9% | 3.6% | 4.8% |
| Professional Diploma (Education) | 5.2% | 7.8% | 5.1% | 12.4% |
Where have you completed or are now pursuing further higher education?
The largest proportion of respondents completed (51.7%) or are pursuing (46.8%) further higher education at U H Manoa.
Since 1994, there has been a steady decline (-23.9)in the percentage of alumni completing advanced studies at Manoa and an increase (+22.3) in the percentage doing so on the mainland or at other Hawaii institutions.
By contrast, a more recent comparison against the 2000 survey indicates the percentage of alumni currently pursuing advanced studies at Manoa increased (+6.6) while the percentage pursuing studies on the mainland decreased (-8.7) (see the next table).
Social Science majors were the largest proportion that completed their higher education on the mainland.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U H Manoa | 51.7% | 57.9% | 73.5% | 75.6% |
| Mainland Institution | 28.5% | 25.0% | 20.0% | 18.3% |
| Other Hawaii Institution | 15.2% | 11.4% | 2.5% | 3.1% |
| U H Community College | 3.3% | 5.0% | 2.5% | 2.3% |
| Foreign Institution | 1.3% | 0.7% | 1.5% | 0.8% |
Natural Science majors are the largest proportion currently studying on the mainland. Social Science majors are now the largest proportion advancing their higher education at Manoa.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U H Manoa | 46.8% | 40.2% | 51.2% | 58.6% |
| Mainland Institution | 30.5% | 39.2% | 34.1% | 30.3% |
| Other Hawaii Institution | 17.0% | 15.7% | 9.3% | 8.1% |
| U H Community College | 4.3% | 3.9% | 5.4% | 3.0% |
| Foreign Institution | 1.4% | 1.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
How well did your Manoa education prepare you for your post-baccalaureate study?
A vast majority (95.4%) of respondents indicated they felt adequately, moderately well, or very well prepared for post-baccalaureate study.
Compared to the previous survey (2000), there was a significant increase (+8.9) in the percentage of alumni that felt they were Very Well prepared for post-baccalaureate study.
Of the three fields of study with the most responses, the highest proportion that felt Moderately Well to Very Well prepared for further higher education was Languages, Linguistics, and Literature majors.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very Well | 29.7% | 20.8% | 20.4% | 23.2% |
| Moderately Well | 40.6% | 44.3% | 32.6% | 39.5% |
| Adequately | 25.1% | 30.2% | 41.1% | 31.4% |
| Poorly | 4.6% | 4.7% | 5.9% | 5.9% |
If you pursued post-baccalaureate studies at an institution other than Manoa, what was the primary reason for not attending Manoa?
Personal Reasons (26.4%), such as moved to the mainland, was the most frequently cited reason for not attending U H Manoa, and reflects a noticeable increase (+6.8%) from the previous survey (2000).
Program Unavailability (20.9%), Better Program Elsewhere (15.5%), and Program Not Structured to My Needs (15.5%) were also cited as reasons for not attending U H Manoa for post-baccalaureate studies. All three categories reflected decreases from 2000, with the sharpest decrease (-13.4%) in the Better Program Elsewhere category. By contrast, the percentage of those that cited Lack of Financial Support as a reason for not attending Manoa increased (+3.2).
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Reasons | 26.4% | 19.6% | 19.3% | 24.1% |
| Program Unavailable | 20.9% | 22.7% | 24.6% | 33.7% |
| Better Program Elsewhere | 15.5% | 28.9% | 21.1% | 19.3% |
| Program Not Structured to My Needs | 15.5% | 18.6% | 14.0% | 4.8% |
| Other | 14.5% | 6.2% | 16.7% | 15.7% |
| Lack of Financial Support | 7.3% | 4.1% | 4.4% | 2.4% |
What was (or is) your post-baccalaureate field of study?
As in previous surveys (1991, 1994, 1997, and 2000), Education continues to be the most frequently chosen post-baccalaureate field of study for alumni.
The percentage of alumni selecting Business Administration has decreased slightly over the past several surveys. By contrast, the percentage of alumni selecting Social Work has steadily increased (+5.4) since 1994.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | 26.8% | 31.7% | 25.9% | 10.2% |
| Business Administration | 9.1% | 11.6% | 14.3% | 4.5% |
| Social Science | 7.3% | 7.9% | 8.8% | 1.0% |
| Social Work | 6.8% | 5.8% | 4.8% | 1.4% |
What activities are you currently engaged in?
Eighty-eight percent of the alumni reported being employed, while 21 percent indicated they were enrolled at a college or university. (Note: Multiple responses to this question were permitted.)
The share of those returning to higher education has been steadily increasing (+10.5%) since 1994. Of those employed, 87 percent reported being employed full-time (at least 35 hours per week).
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employed | 88.3% | 90.6% | 90.3% | 93.1% |
| Attending School | 21.0% | 20.0% | 16.2% | 10.5% |
| Working (Non-Compensated) | 6.3% | 6.4% | 4.7% | 3.3% |
| Other | 5.1% | 1.4% | 3.5% | 3.1% |
| Seeking Employment | 3.4% | 2.5% | 3.5% | 0.7% |
| Military (Active Duty) | 1.0% | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.0% |
| Not in School, Not Employed, Not Seeking Employment | 0.5% | 1.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% |
Upon graduating, how long did it take you to find a job?
Most alumni (86.3%) found a job within six months after completing their undergraduate study at Manoa.
The largest proportion that found employment within six months after earning their bachelor’s degree were Social Science, Business Administration, Education, and Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources majors.
| 2003 | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 86.3% | 80.8% |
| 1 year | 5.4% | 8.3% |
| 2 years | 1.3% | 2.4% |
| More than 2 years | 1.5% | 4.1% |
| Have not entered job market | 5.4% | 4.4% |
Where are you currently employed?
Most respondents (69.5%) are currently employed on Oahu, although that percentage has steadily decreased (-8.6) since 1994. Conversely, there has been a steady increase (+8.3) in the percentage of alumni that reported the U.S. Mainland as their current location of employment.
All majors were represented on Oahu.
Of those majors with 30 or more responses, Social Science and Business Administration alumni retained the highest proportions employed on the U.S. Mainland. As in previous surveys (1997 and 2000), the highest proportion of those employed on a Neighbor Island are Education majors.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | 69.5% | 70.9% | 76.1% | 78.1% |
| Mainland U.S. | 23.2% | 21.0% | 18.4% | 14.9% |
| Neighbor Island | 6.8% | 6.3% | 4.1% | 6.8% |
| Foreign Country | 0.5% | 0.6% | 1.2% | 0.3% |
| U.S. Possession | 0.0% | 1.2% | 0.2% | 0.0% |
What sector is your current primary job in?
As in previous surveys (1991, 1994, 1997, and 2000), the two largest employment sectors were Private Industry (35.1%) and State Government (27.6%).
Business Administration and Social Science majors have the highest proportions of employment in Private Industry.
As expected, Education majors are concentrated in State Government and Travel Industry Management majors are concentrated in the Tourism sector.
There was a noticeable decrease (-8.7) in the percentage of alumni that reported employment in the Private Industry sector from 2000 to 2003.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private (other than tourism) | 35.1% | 43.8% | 38.6% | 39.1% |
| State | 27.6% | 29.0% | 24.7% | 29.5% |
| Non-Profit | 9.5% | 8.2% | 10.8% | 5.3% |
| Other | 8.9% | 0.3% | 7.6% | 9.3% |
| Tourism | 5.1% | 10.6% | 6.7% | 4.8% |
| Self-Employed | 4.9% | 2.1% | 4.1% | 4.0% |
| Federal | 4.6% | 2.7% | 3.5% | 4.3% |
| City/County | 2.4% | 2.7% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Military | 1.9% | 0.6% | 0.4% | 0.8% |
What are your current annual earnings from your primary job?
Most alumni (79.7%) are earning over $25,000 per year, with the largest proportion (46.1%) in the $30,000 to $44,999 range.
Between 2000 and 2003, the percentage of alumni who reported annual earnings of $35,000 or more increased substantially (+14.5%). The largest increases were those who reported earning $35,000 to $39,999 (+5.2%) and $50,000 or more (+10.0%).
Graduates in Nursing (75.1%) and Engineering (53.4%) were among those commanding the highest earnings ($50,000 or more).
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $6,000 | 3.8% | 1.2% | 2.4% | 1.8% |
| $6,000 to $11,999 | 3.0% | 4.3% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| $12,000 to $14,999 | 3.3% | 3.7% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| $15,000 to $19,999 | 4.6% | 4.0% | 4.9% | 3.3% |
| $20,000 to $24,999 | 5.5% | 7.1% | 12.2% | 10.7% |
| $25,000 to $29,999 | 7.9% | 15.6% | 23.6% | 23.3% |
| $30,000 to $34,999 | 19.1% | 25.8% | 21.8% | 20.5% |
| $35,000 to $39,999 | 15.3% | 10.1% | 10.0% | 10.7% |
| $40,000 to $44,999 | 11.7% | 10.7% | 7.5% | 8.2% |
| $45,000 to $49,999 | 4.1% | 5.8% | 4.3% | 7.4% |
| $50,000 or More | 21.6% | 11.6% | 7.5% | 8.4% |
Is your current primary job one in which you will continue your career?
Three-fourths (74.4%) of the respondents plan to continue their career in the field in which they are currently employed.
Similar results were reported in 1997 and 2000.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, Definitely | 30.4% | 27.2% | 26.4% | 37.6% |
| Yes, Probably | 44.0% | 45.0% | 47.8% | 43.9% |
| Probably Not | 16.6% | 18.7% | 18.9% | 13.9% |
| Definitely Not | 9.0% | 9.1% | 6.9% | 4.5% |
How well did your undergraduate education at Manoa prepare you for your current primary job?
A vast majority (92.9%) indicated they were Adequately to Very Well Prepared by U H Manoa for their current primary job.
Since 1997, the percentage of alumni who felt Very Well Prepared for their primary job has steadily increased (+4.5 in 2000 and +4.8 in 2003).
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very Well Prepared | 21.2% | 16.4% | 11.9% | 14.9% |
| Moderately Well Prepared | 39.9% | 39.5% | 33.1% | 40.0% |
| Adequately Prepared | 31.8% | 35.9% | 43.1% | 35.7% |
| Poorly Prepared | 7.1% | 8.2% | 11.9% | 9.4% |
Is your current primary job directly related to your major field of undergraduate study?
Forty-six percent of respondents have primary jobs that are directly related to their major field of undergraduate study.
Among fields of study with 25 or more respondents, Arts & Humanities and Social Science majors were the largest share whose primary job was unrelated to their undergraduate field of study.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, Directly | 45.8% | 51.1% | 50.6% | 59.9% |
| Yes, Indirectly | 28.8% | 25.8% | 28.1% | 27.5% |
| No, Not at All | 25.3% | 23.1% | 21.3% | 12.6% |
If your current job is not directly related to your major field of study, what is the main reason for selecting your present occupation?
Compared to the previous survey (2000), there was a significant decrease (-13.6) in the percentage of alumni that cited changing job interest as the main reason for selecting a non-major-related primary job.
Developing new skills/abilities (+7.6%) became the main reason for selecting a current non-major-related job.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developed New Skills/Abilities | 25.7% | 18.1% | 21.0% | 18.7% |
| Other | 18.0% | 10.3% | 12.4% | 18.0% |
| Better Pay | 15.3% | 14.8% | 15.9% | 14.7% |
| No Available Job | 15.3% | 15.5% | 16.3% | 14.7% |
| More Interesting | 14.8% | 28.4% | 24.0% | 21.3% |
| Not Qualified | 10.9% | 12.9% | 10.3% | 12.7% |
What is your gender?
With respect to gender, males were underrepresented (-12.2%) when compared to U H Manoa graduates who earned their baccalaureate degrees during the spring, summer, or fall term of 1998.
Gender results tend to reflect overall enrollments at U H and nationally, where women represent a larger share of the total enrollment.
| 2003 Respondents | 1998 Graduates | |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 31.3% | 43.5% |
| Female | 68.7% | 56.5% |
What is your ethnic background?
In terms of ethnic background, the respondents were generally representative of U H Manoa graduates who earned their baccalaureate degree in 1998. Respondents of Japanese and Mixed ethnicities were somewhat overrepresented (+5.1% and +5.9%, respectively) when compared with the 1998 ethnic breakdowns of all Manoa baccalaureate graduates. Conversely, respondents who identified their ethnicity as Other were significantly underrepresented (-14.5%) when compared to the 1998 graduates.
| 2003 Respondents | 1998 Graduates | |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | 31.0% | 25.9% |
| Caucasian/Portuguese | 15.0% | 14.4% |
| Mixed | 14.0% | 8.1% |
| Filipino | 12.3% | 10.3% |
| Chinese | 10.8% | 12.1% |
| Hawaiian/Part Hawaiian | 10.6% | 8.3% |
| Other | 6.4% | 20.9% |
What was your major field of study as an undergraduate at Manoa?
In terms of field of study, Business Administration and Social Science students were slightly underrepresented among survey respondents.
| 2003 Respondents | 1998 Graduates | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Science | 19.0% | 21.5% |
| Business Administration | 13.2% | 19.4% |
| Education | 8.0% | 8.7% |
| Natural Science | 8.0% | 7.7% |
| Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources | 7.8% | 5.6% |
| Arts & Humanities | 7.3% | 8.6% |
| Languages, Linguistics, & Literature | 7.1% | 6.4% |
| Other Arts & Sciences/Liberal Studies | 4.6% | 4.5% |
| Nursing | 3.9% | 3.0% |
| Hawaiian, Asian, & Pacific Studies | 3.9% | 2.7% |
| Engineering | 3.7% | 4.4% |
| Architecture | 2.2% | 1.6% |
| Social Work | 2.2% | 1.1% |
| General Arts & Sciences/Pre-Professional | 2.2% | 0.0% |
| Travel Industry Management | 2.0% | 3.6% |
| Medicine | 1.7% | 0.9% |
| Other/No Response | 1.7% | 0.0% |
| Ocean & Earth Science & Technology | 1.5% | 0.5% |
How many semesters, excluding summer session(s), did it take you to complete your baccalaureate degree? (Include time spent at Manoa and any other institution you attended.)
Most respondents were under age 30 (65.8%) and took five or more years to complete their programs (70.5%). This was also the case in 1991, 1994, 1997, and 2000.
| 2003 | 2000 | 1997 | 1994 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.2% |
| Two | 4.0% | 3.3% | 5.7% | 4.8% |
| Three | 8.9% | 8.6% | 11.2% | 12.0% |
| Four | 16.3% | 17.0% | 12.9% | 14.4% |
| Five | 36.9% | 40.7% | 39.0% | 35.3% |
| Six | 18.3% | 15.9% | 19.3% | 21.1% |
| Seven | 6.9% | 5.8% | 7.6% | 7.9% |
| More Than Seven | 8.4% | 8.4% | 3.9% | 4.3% |
Seventy percent or 285 of the survey respondents provided comments about their undergraduate education at U H Manoa. Given the number of respondents providing comments, results are not necessarily representative of the entire population of alumni who earned their baccalaureate degrees from U H Manoa in the spring, summer, or fall term of 1998.
In retrospect, what campus factors/conditions/programs/etc. do you think contributed most to your educational gains while at Manoa?
Of the 232 who provided comments about campus factors contributing most to their educational gains, Departments/Programs, Instructors/Faculty, Specific Coursework, and Facilities/Equipment were most frequently mentioned.
| % of Responses | |
|---|---|
| Departments/Programs | 37.1% |
| Instructors/Faculty | 36.2% |
| Specific Coursework | 27.2% |
| Facilities/Equipment | 20.7% |
| Other | 15.1% |
| Extracurricular Activities | 10.3% |
| On-Campus Housing | 6.5% |
| Personal Relationships | 6.5% |
| Campus Employment | 6.0% |
| Scholarships/Waivers | 4.7% |
| Counselors & Advisors | 4.7% |
| Cultural/Ethnic Diversity | 4.3% |
| Small Classes | 4.3% |
Quote:
“The professors, as well as the resources available were top-notch & contributed heavily in my education at Manoa.”
Source: Business Major
Quote:
“Everything was very accessible: housing, stores, bus stops, libraries, etc.”
Source: Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources Major
Quote:
“Energetic, caring faculty who are truly interested in teaching their subject matter were primary factors…”
Source: Social Sciences Major
Quote:
“Being surrounded by different people & so many different programs & events enhanced my education at Manoa.”
Source: Medicine Major
Quote:
“People…staff, friends, everybody was awesome!”
Source: Social Sciences Major
What was the most disappointing thing about your experience at Manoa?
Of the 245 who provided comments, most expressed dissatisfaction with Instructors/Faculty, Availability of Courses, and Departments/Programs.
When considering the most rewarding and disappointing aspects of the U H Manoa experience, the student-teacher relationship continues to emerge as a critical factor affecting the quality of the undergraduate experience.
| % of Responses | |
|---|---|
| Instructors/Faculty | 18.8% |
| Availability of Courses | 17.6% |
| Departments/Programs | 14.3% |
| Specific Classes (Size/Rigor/Quality) | 13.9% |
| Counselors & Advisors | 13.9% |
| Campus Life | 13.1% |
| Other | 12.7% |
| Facilities/Equipment | 11.0% |
| Core Requirements | 10.6% |
| Parking | 9.8% |
| Job Preparation | 9.4% |
| Affordability | 9.0% |
| Administrative Policies/Procedures | 6.9% |
| Funding | 3.3% |
Quote:
“The University made it difficult to graduate in a more reasonable amount of time.”
Source: Business Major
Quote:
“I was disappointed with the budget cuts and increase in tuition.”
Source: Social Work Major
Quote:
“The large number of students made me feel lost in the crowd at times, and lonely.”
Source: Arts & Humanities Major
Quote:
“No real campus life—commuter school feeling.”
Source: Business Major
Quote:
“The classroom did not provide real hands on training.”
Source: Business Major
Knowing what you know now, what changes in undergraduate education would you recommend at Manoa?
Of the 213 who responded, the most cited recommendations were to Provide Better Guidance/Advisors, Incorporate More Practical Experience, and Review and Change Core Requirements, particularly foreign language and course load requirements. (Note: The Manoa general education core requirements were revised in 2001.)
Improve Campus Services/Programs and Improve the Quality of Instructors/Faculty were other frequently mentioned changes recommended by alumni.
| % of Responses | |
|---|---|
| Better Guidance/Advisors | 23.0% |
| More Practical Experience (Internships, etc.) | 19.2% |
| Review & Change Core Requirements | 18.8% |
| Improve Campus Services/Programs | 17.4% |
| Improve Quality of Instructors/Faculty | 16.9% |
| Other | 12.2% |
| Increase Availability of Courses/Sections | 11.7% |
| Improve Academic Standards | 9.4% |
| Improve Facilities/Equipment | 8.9% |
| Increase Funding | 6.1% |
| Improve Affordability | 5.6% |
| Offer Smaller Classes | 4.2% |
| Improve Campus Life | 4.2% |
| Increase Parking | 0.9% |
Quote:
“More counseling for career building and goal setting should be available.”
Source: Arts & Humanities Major
Quote:
“More real life/hands-on training and issues should be explored in undergraduate courses.”
Source: Education Major
Quote:
“Core requirements need to be decreased somewhat in order for students to graduate in a reasonable time frame.”
Source: Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources Major
Quote:
“Add more evening and weekend courses to help out working students and students who have children.”
Source: Natural Sciences Major
Quote:
“I would recommend having smaller classes so students can interact and learn together.”
Source: Social Sciences Major
Quote:
“Fewer foreign language requirements.”
Source: Natural Sciences Major
Quote:
“I’m very pleased with the quality of education at U H Manoa…the quality of my learning experience/education rivals that of any other university.”
Source: Education Major
Quote:
“Overall the B A degree from Manoa isn’t viewed as the academic achievement it should be.”
Source: Social Sciences major
Quote:
“The professors were accessible and demonstrated a genuine interest and commitment to enhancing student learning.”
Source: Education major
Quote:
“U H was great!”
Source: Social Sciences major
Quote:
“I truly enjoyed my experience at Manoa.”
Source: Education major
Quote:
“U H must focus on science and technology areas to truly inspire economic growth and improve the reputation of the school.”
Source: Arts & Humanities major
Quote:
“The overall setting of Manoa was just great.”
Source: Education major
Quote:
“My instructors and their dedication contributed the most to my educational gains while at Manoa.”
Source: Education major
Copy of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Alumni Outcomes Survey Instrument is available in the pdf version.
If you have problems accessing or printing the instrument, a hardcopy is available by request from the Office of Planning and Policy.
ovppp@hawaii.edu
Copy of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Major Fields of Study (Graduate and Undergraduate) is available in the
pdf version.
If you have problems accessing or printing the list, a hardcopy is available by request from the Office of Planning and Policy.
ovppp@hawaii.edu
Detailed tables of survey data available by request from the Office of Planning and Policy.
ovppp@hawaii.edu
This report was prepared under the overall guidance of the Office of the Vice President for Planning and Policy. Sandra Furuto of the Institutional Assessment and Policy Office and the members of her staff—Stephan Doi, Chatney Graham, and Sandra Chaidez—took lead responsibility for administering the survey, analyzing the results, and preparing the report.
Ginger Carey of the Office of Information Technology Services provided computer programming support. The Institutional Research Office provided demographic data—such as gender, ethnicity, and field of study—of U H M students graduating in the spring, summer, or fall term of 1998. The U H Foundation office provided mailing addresses for the cohort surveyed.
My appreciation to all these contributors.
Colleen O. Sathre
Vice President for Planning and Policy
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