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Educational Experiences at HMC
(April 2010)
In this study you will be asked to indicate your thoughts and beliefs about many different aspects of yourself and your educational experiences at HMC. There are no right or wrong answers. Your responses are confidential. We thank you for your time and effort in completing this questionnaire. Feel free to take a break at any time to get a drink or food.
Part 1.
Age in years:
Sex: Male Female Other If other, please specify:
What is the zipcode of your hometown?
What year are you in school? First-year (Freshman) Sophomore Junior Senior
Have you ever been an officer of a dorm?
Yes No
Over the past semester...
How many intramural (IM) sports did you participate in as a player?
How many intramural (IM) events did you attend as an observer?
What percentage of dorm meetings did you attend? (Skip item if you do not live on campus.) %
On average, how many hours per week, outside of doing homework and sleeping, do you spend in your dorm? (Skip item if you do not live on campus.)
On average, how many hours per week do you spend in your dorm's common areas (e.g., lounge, courtyard)?(Skip item if you do not live on campus.)
Please list any other dorm activities that you were involved with this semester (e.g., planning parties, fundraising, etc.) (Skip item if you do not live on campus.)
The following table asks you to fill in information regarding your participation in activities and positions you have held in college during the past year.
The following table asks you about the number of times you have attended certain events during the past semester.
Please list any other campus or 5C activities that you were involved with this semester (e.g., clubs, teams, etc.)
Which phrase below best describes your satisfaction with your level of involvement in extracurricular activities (e.g., dorm activities, campus leadership positions, clubs, organizations, etc.)?
I wish I were substantially more involved in extracurricular activities. I wish I were somewhat more involved in extracurricular activities. I am satisfied with my current level of involvement in extracurricular activites. I wish I were somewhat less involved in extracurricular activities. I wish I were substantially less involved in extracurricular activites.
What meal plan are you on?
What percentage of the time do you eat in the dining hall (versus taking the food to-go)?
Part 2.
The following questions ask about your current relationship with different entities. Please select the picture that best describes your relationship with these entities (labeled as "other" for each pair of circles). There are no right or wrong answers, so just select whichever picture you think best describes your relationship. Please read each question carefully—each asks a slightly different question.
1. Select the picture that best describes your relationship with the people in your Dorm Community.
2. Select the picture that best describes your relationship with the Harvey Mudd Community.
3. Select the picture that best describes your relationship with the Community at Large.
4. Select the picture that best describes your relationship with Society as a Whole.
Part 3. Indicate how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. Click one response for each statement. Remember that there are no right or wrong answers. Some questions may seem similar to one another. Please answer every question, even if you think you may have already answered it.
1. I am not usually conscious of the fact that I am a resident of my community.
2. Being a resident of my community has little to do with how I feel about myself.
3. In general being a resident of my community is an important part of my self-image.
4. Belonging to my community is a part of who I am.
5. I often think about being a resident of my community.
6. I see myself as being a part of the community.
7. Very few of the members of my community know me.
8. I can recognize most of the people who live in my local neighborhood.
1. Adults should give some time for the good of their community or country.
2. People, regardless of whether they've been successful or not, ought to help others.
3. Individuals have a responsibility to help solve our social problems.
4. I feel that I can make a difference in the world.
5. It is important to help others even if you don't get paid for it.
Which response option best reflects your plans during the next year?
1. I plan to do some volunteer work during the next year.
2. I plan to become involved in my community during the next year.
3. I plan to participate in a community action program or community service organization during the next year.
4. I plan to become an active member of my community during the next year.
5. I plan to help others in my community who are experiencing difficulty during the next year.
6. I am committed to making a positive difference in my community during the next year.
1. I did some volunteer work this past year.
2. I was involved in my community this past year.
3. I participated in a community action program or community service organization this past year.
4. I was an active member of my community this past year.
5. I helped others in my community who were experiencing difficulty this past year.
6. I made a positive difference in my community this past year.
If you answered "not at all" to all of the six previous items, please skip to Part 4 by clicking here.
Please rate each statement using the scale below on how well it reflects your past experience(s) with civic involvement (e.g., volunteering, community action program, etc.).
1. Helping people through the volunteer program was worthwhile to me personally.
2. Helping people through the volunteer program “burned me out.”
3. My volunteering with people through the program made me feel as though I contributed to the community.
4. I sometimes feel very sad when I think of the people I served in the volunteer program.
5. My volunteering has been psychologically or spiritually fulfilling.
6. Volunteering in the program exhausted me.
7. Helping people through the volunteer program may have prolonged my life.
8. I was very discouraged because of the demands on me by volunteering in the program.
9. I feel that through my volunteer efforts, the program genuinely helped someone.
10. I wonder if it is worth the personal commitment to help someone or a cause in the community.
11. I have done so much through the volunteer program that I feel that I can't help anyone else.
12. My volunteering in the program added to other areas of my life (spirituality, family, friends, emotional).
13. Volunteering in the program added meaning to my life.
14. I experienced too many difficult situations through the volunteer program to want to help anyone else in the future.
Part 4.
Rate each item using the provided scale. Please read response options carefully.
1. I feel that I am a person of worth, at least on an equal basis with others.
2. I feel that I have a number of good qualities.
3. All in all, I am inclined to feel that I am a failure.
4. I am able to do things as well as most other people.
5. I feel I do not have much to be proud of.
6. I take a positive attitude toward myself.
7. On the whole, I am satisfied with myself.
8. I wish I could have more respect for myself.
9. I certainly feel useless at times.
10. At times I think I am no good at all.
For each of the following statements, please indicate how often you have experienced this during the past week.
1. I was bothered by things that don't usually bother me.
Rarely or None of the Time (Less Than 1 Day)
Some or a Little of the Time (1-2 Days)
2. I did not feel like eating; my appetite was poor.
3. I felt that I could not shake off the blues even with help from my family or friends.
4. I felt that I was just as good as other people.
5. I had trouble keeping my mind on what I was doing.
6. I felt depressed.
7. I felt that everything I did was an effort.
8. I felt hopeful about the future.
9. I thought my life had been a failure.
10. I felt fearful.
11. My sleep was restless.
12. I was happy.
13. I talked less than usual.
14. I felt lonely.
15. People were unfriendly.
16. I enjoyed life.
17. I had crying spells.
18. I felt sad.
19. I felt that people dislike me.
20. I could not get “going.”
Please respond to each of the following statements by indicating the degree to which the statement is true for you in general in your life.
1. I feel alive and vital.
2. Sometimes I feel so alive I just want to burst.
3. I have energy and spirit.
4. I look forward to each new day.
5. I nearly always feel alert and awake.
6. I feel energized.
Part 5.
During the Spring 2010 term how many times did you do the following?
1. Skipped a class?
2. Not turned in an assignment on time?
3. Got drunk?
4. Violated the honor code in an academic way?
5. Used marijuana?
6. Used any other illegal substance?
7. Used prescription drugs for non-prescription purposes?
How well does each statement describe you?
1. I am not likely to speak to people until they speak to me.
2. I would describe myself as self-confident.
3. I feel confident of my appearance.
4. I am a good mixer.
5. I enjoy social gatherings just to be with people.
6. I make a point of looking other people in the eye.
7. I cannot seem to get others to notice me.
8. I feel comfortable being approached by someone in a position of authority.
Please consider the following questionnaire from the perspective of yourself in relation to people in America in general. Below are some statements regarding public issues, with which some people agree and others disagree. Please give us your own opinion about these items, i.e., whether you agree or disagree with the items as they stand.
1. I don't get invited out by friends as often as I'd really like.
2. The world in which we live is basically a friendly place.
3. There are few dependable ties between people any more.
4. People are just naturally friendly and helpful.
Which of the following objects or statements do you have a positive or negative feeling towards? Select the response option that represents the degree of your positive or negative feeling.
1. We should strive to make incomes as equal as possible.
2. Group equality should be our ideal.
3. It's OK if some groups have more of a chance in life than others.
4. To get ahead in life, it is sometimes necessary to step on other groups.
5. We should do what we can to equalize conditions for different groups.
6. It's probably a good thing that certain groups are at the top and others are at the bottom.
7. Inferior groups should stay in their place.
8. We would have fewer problems if groups were treated more equally.
9. It would be good if groups could be equal.
10. In getting what you want, it is sometimes necessary to use force against other groups.
11. All groups should be given an equal chance in life.
12. If certain groups stayed in their place, we would have fewer problems.
13. We should strive for increased social equality.
14. Sometimes other groups must be kept in their place.
15. Some groups of people are simply inferior to other groups.
16. No one group should dominate in society.
Part 7.
Students sometimes seek out learning experiences beyond the classroom. Please indicate:
(1) How many times you have applied for each type of learning experience since September 2009.
(2) How many interviews you have been offered for each type of learning experience since September 2009.
(3) How many times you have received an offer for (e.g., selected, admitted, hired) for each type of learning experience since September 2009.
Please answer to what extent the following statements are true about you.
1. It's important to me that I learn a lot of new concepts this year.
2. It's important to me that other students in my classes think I am good at my coursework.
3. It's important to me that I don't look stupid in my classes.
4. One of my goals in my classes is to learn as much as I can.
5. One of my goals is to show others that I'm good at my coursework.
6. One of my goals is to keep others from thinking I'm not smart in my classes.
7. One of my goals is to master a lot of new skills this year.
8. One of my goals is to show others that coursework is easy for me.
9. It's important to me that my teachers don't think that I know less than others in my classes.
10. It's important to me that I thoroughly understand my coursework.
11. It's important to me that I look smart compared to others in my classes.
12. It's important to me that I improve my skills this year.
13. One of my goals is to look smart in comparison to the other students in my classes.
14. One of my goals in my classes is to avoid looking like I have trouble doing the work.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
1. Working together with three or four other students on a project is a good way to learn.
2. I don't like working in groups.
3. I learn a lot in group activities.
4. Group work is overrated.
5. I enjoy working cooperatively in small groups.
6. I'd rather work on my own than in a group.
7. I enjoy group work in school.
8. I find group work frustrating.
9. I work well with others.
10. Group work is a waste of time.
11. I do my best work when I collaborate with other students.
12. Professors should assign a lot of group work so students can learn to work well together.
To what extent is each statement true of you?
1. I don't ask for help even when the work is too hard to solve on my own.
2. If I need help to do a problem, I prefer to skip it rather than to ask for help.
3. I don't ask for help in class even if I don't understand the lesson.
4. If I didn't understand something, I would guess rather than ask someone for help.
5. I would rather do worse on an assignment I couldn't finish than ask for help.
6. Even if the work was too hard to do on my own, I wouldn't ask for help.
7. I would put down any answer rather than ask for help.
8. I don't ask questions in class, even if I don't understand the lesson.
9. If class work is too hard, I don't do it rather than ask for help.
The following five questions ask about your experiences in math and science classes during your time in college.
1. How important are these classes to you?
2. In these types of classes, how often have you been outstanding?
3. In these types of classes, how often have you been average?
4. In these types of classes, how often have you been significantly below average?
5. Compared to your peers, where on the bell curve would you rank your performance with regards to these types of classes? Use the image below.
The following five questions ask about your experiences in humanities and social sciences classes during your time in college.
I have not participated in a class of this type
The following five questions ask about your experiences in non-credit extracurricular pursuits (e.g. arts and music) during your time in college.
1. How important are these activities to you?
2. In these types of activities, how often have you been outstanding?
3. In these types of activities, how often have you been average?
4. In these types of activities, how often have you been significantly below average?
The following five questions ask about your experiences in athletic or recreational extracurricular pursuits during your time in college.
5. Overall, where on the bell curve would you rank your performance with regards to these types of activities, compared to your peers? Use the image below.
To what extent do you agree with the following statements?
1. If at first you don't succeed try, try again.
2. I should spend my energy doing things I am good at.
3. I always try to persevere no matter what.
4. It is important to spend time on things I'm good at.
Part 8.
This scale consists of a number of words that describe different feelings and emotions. Read each item and then check the appropriate answer next to that word. Indicate to what extent you have felt this way during the past week.
1. Interested
2. Distressed
3. Excited
4. Upset
5. Strong
6. Guilty
7. Scared
8. Hostile
9. Enthusiastic
10. Proud
11. Irritable
12. Alert
13. Ashamed
14. Inspired
15. Nervous
16. Determined
17. Attentive
18. Jittery
19. Active
20. Afraid
Below are five statements that you may agree or disagree with. Using the 1-7 scale below, indicate your agreement with each item. Select the number that corresponds with your answer. Please be open and honest in your responding.
1. In most ways my life is close to ideal.
2. The conditions of my life are excellent.
3. I am satisfied with my life.
4. So far I have gotten the important things I want in life.
5. If I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing.
Several common symptoms or bodily sensations are listed below. Most people have experienced most of them at one time or another. We are currently interested in finding out how prevalent each symptom is among various groups of people. Indicate how frequently you experience each symptom.
Have never or almost never experienced the symptom
Less than 3 or 4 times per year
Every month or so
Every week or so
More than once every week
Since the beginning of the semester, how many:
Days have you been sick?
Days your activity has been restricted due to illness?
Part 9.
Please give your best estimate for the following questions.
1. Think about your interactions over the past semester. On average, how many times a month did you contact your professors via e-mail for academic assistance?
2. Think about your interactions over the past semester. On average, how many times a month did you meet with your professors in person for academic assistance (e.g. office hours, stay after class, etc.)?
3. Think about your interactions over the past semester. On average, how many times a month did you visit a tutor for assistance (e.g., Tau Beta Pi, A.E., private, etc.)?
4. Think about your interactions over the past semester. On average, how many times a month did you seek academic assistance from your peers (e.g., study groups, reviewing papers etc.)?
5. How many times during the past semester did you visit a health care provider for a physical illness (e.g., flu, injury)?
6. How many times during the past semester did you visit a counselor or therapist for a mental health concern (e.g., anxiety, depression)?
7. By the time I graduate from HMC, I anticipate that my GPA will be as good as, or better than, % of the students in the Class of 2010.
Part 10 .
Students may spend time away from campus for various reasons. Since enrolling in HMC, have you done the following:
1. Studied abroad?
No Yes
If yes, when? Check all that apply. Note: If you accidentally toggle an incorrect button, please tell researcher.
Fall 2009
2. Taken a leave of absence (LOA)?
3. Been ineligible to register (ITR)? Indicate the semester(s) you were not allowed to register (or anticipate not beling allowed to register).
4. Complete a program of transfer studies (PTS)? Indicate the semester in which you applied for PTS (or anticipate applying for PTS).
If yes, when?
Please take a moment to reflect on your college experience.
2. How much do you feel like you've made the most of your time at HMC?
3. When you look back on your college experience, to what extent will you feel regretful?
4. How satisfied are you with your decision to attend Harvey Mudd College?
5. How likely is it that you will graduate from Harvey Mudd College (versus tranferring to another institution or taking a permanent leave of absence)?
6. Do you or your family members have a Harvey Mudd College sticker or license plate holder on a car?
7. How many pieces of Harvey Mudd College apparel have you purchased?
8. In an average week, on how many days do you wear an artice of Harvey Mudd College apparel?
These next few questions invite you to imagine your life after graduating or leaving HMC. Use the response options below to indicate how likely you are to do each of the following within the FIRST FIVE YEARS of graduating or leaving HMC
1. Attend at least one Alumni Weekend
2. Participate in other alumni events (other than Alumni Weekend; e.g., hiking, travel events)
3. Read or post to a dorm-related listserv
4. Read or post to the community-l listserv
5. Make a financial donation to a dorm
6. Make a financial donation to the college
7. Volunteer to help coordinate alumni events
8. Join a virtual network of HMC alumni (e.g., through Linked-in or Facebook)
9. Volunteer to serve on the Board of Governors.
The following statements inquire about your thoughts and feelings in a variety of situations. For each item, indicate how well it describes you by choosing the appropriate rating on the provided scale. Read each item carefully before responding. Answer as honestly as you can.
1. I often have tender, concerned feelings for people less fortunate than me.
2. I sometimes find it difficult to see things from the "other guy's" point of view.
3. Sometimes I don't feel very sorry for other people when they are having problems.
4. I try to look at everybody's side of a disagreement before I make a decision.
5. When I see someone being taken advantage of, I feel kind of protective towards them.
6. I sometimes try to understand my friends better by imagining how things look from their perspective.
7. Other people's misfortunes do not usually disturb me a great deal.
8. If I'm sure I'm right about something, I don't waste much time listening to other people's arguments.
9. When I see someone being treated unfairly, I sometimes don't feel very much pity for them.
10. I am often quite touched by things that I see happen.
11. I believe that there are two sides to every question and try to look at them both.
12. I would describe myself as a pretty soft-hearted person.
13. When I'm upset at someone, I usually try to "put myself in her/his shoes" for a while.
14. Before criticizing somebody, I try to imagine how I would feel if I were in their place.
Please use the scale below to rate how well each statement describes you.
1. I try to avoid situations which force me to be very sociable.
2. It is easy for me to relax when I am with strangers.
3. I have no particular desire to avoid people.
4. I usually feel calm and comfortable on social occasions.
5. If the chance comes to meet new people I often take it.
6. I am usually nervous with people unless I know them well.
7. I usually feel relaxed when I meet someone for the first time.
8. Being introduced to people makes me tense and nervous.
9. I would avoid walking up and joining a large group of people.
10. I don't mind talking to people at parties or social gatherings.
11. I am seldom at ease in a large group of people.
12. I sometimes take the responsibility for introducing people to each other.
13. I try to avoid formal social occasions.
14. I find it easy to relax with other people.
1. I sometimes tell lies if I have to.
2. I never cover up my mistakes.
3. There have been occasions when I have taken advantage of someone.
4. I never swear.
5. I sometimes try to get even rather than forgive and forget.
6. I always obey laws, even if I'm unlikely to get caught.
7. I have said something bad about a friend behind his/her back.
8. When I hear people talking privately, I avoid listening.
9. I have received too much change from a salesperson without telling him/her.
10. I always declare everything at customs.
11. When I was young I sometimes stole things.
12. I have never dropped litter on the street.
13. I sometimes drive faster than the speed limit.
14. I never read sexy books or magazines.
15. I have done things that I don't tell other people about.
16. I never take things that don't belong to me.
17. I have taken sick leave from work or school even though I wasn't really sick.
18. I have never damaged a library book or store merchandise without reporting it.
19. I have some pretty awful habits.
20. I don't gossip about other people's business.
Please submit your questionnaire, following the steps below:
Step 1: Enter your password (your password appears in the top right corner of the paper inside the envelope):
Step 2 : Check the box below to confirm you have finished the survey:
Yes, I am done
Step 3 : Click the "Submit My Answers!" button below.
Thank you for your participation!
PLEASE REMEMBER TO GIVE THE RESEARCHERS ANY EXTRA PAPERWORK THAT YOU MAY HAVE RECEIVED
