The Senior Survey is the first part of the University Exit Exam. It is a brief series of questions selected to satisfy state reporting requirements and for internal efforts at program improvement. This includes first-destination information, a satisfaction item, and the chance for students to comment on their experience at MSU. At times, the Senior Survey includes additional research questions that provide useful data to various offices on campus. In the past, these have included questions on academic advisement, library use, and sustainability practices.

Summary

• 94% of seniors in the College of Arts & Letters reported that they planned to graduate in the fall 2018 semester.
• 93% of seniors are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the quality of instruction they received at Missouri State.
• 16% of seniors took graduate-level coursework for credit as an undergraduate or in the accelerated Master’s program.
• 85% of respondents are planning to work in a field relating to their major either immediately after graduation (53%) or at some point in the future (32%).
• Post-graduation plans primarily include actively looking for employment (75%), currently working in a new position (17%), or continuing education (17%).
• Of the students planning to continue their education, 55% report Arts & Letters as their graduate area of study.
• Of the students planning to continue their education, 27% plan to attend Missouri State in the future.
• Of those not planning to return to Missouri State, 23% cite that they want to “be in a different part of the country/closer to family or significant other,” 25% report that they want to attend a different institution even though Missouri State offers the program they need, and 28% report that Missouri State does not offer the program they need.

Comments from Students

As a student seeking a Bachelor of Science in Theatre studies, I can attest that the faculty has done a tremendous job in making me feel valued as a student and an actor. Particularly Dr. Melanie Dreyer-Lude, Dr. Telory Arendell, and Dr. Jenny Lale.

If it weren’t for some of the amazing professors I had in the art and design department I’m not sure I would have ever been able to make it. Not only were they the most incredibly kind and compassionate people I’ve come across in my life, but they were with me every step of the way, helping me, encouraging me to not give up and encouraging me to believe in myself and my abilities, and they taught me and pushed me to become so much better in my field than I could have ever anticipated. Cedomir Kostovic, Sean Lyman, and Deidre Argyle are some of the stand outs of these professors. Anyone can become educated and knowledgeable in their fields and go one to teach, but the human element these professors showed me and the way they were with their students put them above the rest. I will forever be grateful for everything they did for me, and the entire art and design department was a bright spot in what was otherwise the worst decade of my life.

The Art Education Program headed by Dr. Steve Willis was a true joy to be a part of. It was challenging and extremely satisfying, and helped me grow immensely. He is brilliant and is running an incredible study.

My experience in the College of Arts and Letters was wonderful. My upper level professors in Painting, Drawing and Art History all encouraged me and facilitated my growth in a respectful and intentional way. In the final semester of my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, while preparing for my senior show, I was living with and caring for my grandmother who was dying of Lymphoma. All of my professors were incredibly understanding and supportive of me during this time. Sean Lyman and Sharon Harper really stand out among these professors. I was unable to meet during some scheduled times, and extremely overwhelmed and depressed throughout this semester. Even so, I was able to channel my time and energy into my Senior show, which ended up being an extremely important process for me. My grandmother passed in March and my show went up May 4th. To be able to continue my education, and succeed in my area of study during this time of my life seems like a miracle to me. I believe that it would not have been possible without the immense support of the faculty at Missouri State.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Missouri State. I never expected to be genuinely upset with the fact that I will no longer have to go to classes, write papers, or give presentations, but this institution has truly meant so much to me. It has given me a home away from home. The amount of care from the faculty and staff at Missouri State has been something I have never taken for granted. I have never felt ignored, unimportant, or stupid because of a professor or faculty member. This is a truly special place, and I will never forget my time here.