What did Graduates make of their big day?
Posted: Friday, 30th September 2011
NINE out of 10 graduates are happy with the University’s organisation of their Graduation Day.
Three-quarters were prepared to pay for guest tickets, almost all were happy with the venue but photography and waiting times remain a problem. Most back the idea of staging ceremonies on Sundays, which would cause some debate among staff!
The University surveyed graduates online the day after their ceremony with 7,252 receiving the survey and 1,236 giving a response to questions on the venue and facilities, communications, charges for guest tickets, photography and more.
The main reason for attending was for family reasons, and 74% were happy to buy guest tickets, although 51% thought they were overpriced.
On Bridgewater Hall as a venue:
- An overwhelming 98% were satisfied with the venue
- 97% happy with the length of the ceremony
- 95% with the atmosphere
- 79% with the speeches
- 72% were happy with the waiting time during the day.
Overall, 89 % were satisfied with the organisation of the ceremony, and the same percentage satisfied with the ‘How to Prepare for Graduation’ video.
Alumni Association
80% of graduates said they would be interested in keeping in touch with the university, 8% have already joined the Alumni Association and a further (33%) of graduates entered their email address to enable them to receive more information.
For the first time this year we asked graduates what factors would encourage them to keep in touch with the university, we received over 1,000 responses with the majority of graduates suggesting organised class reunions, social, networking, career and CPD events as their main motivation for keeping in touch.
Graduates felt that the official photography was too expensive, with 32% not purchasing any kind of photography. And only 49% satisfied with waiting times and location.
Sunday service
Asked if they would attend their graduation ceremony on a Sunday, 84%, said they would as it was much easier for friends and family to attend at weekends.
Other comments highlighted problems in travelling between the Bridgewater Hall and the Town Hall, but the overwhelming number of comments were positive. One student wrote: “Lovely day, celebrating our achievement with family and friends, a day to remember forever”, another commented: “I really enjoyed everything and it has motivated me to do a postgraduate course”.
The 2011 Graduation Satisfaction Survey was prepared by Alex Thorley, Catherine Seddon and Helen Vahramian.