1. Your Voices Results from a Survey of USFSM Faculty/Staff Perceptions

2. Question 1: What strengths does USFSM currently possess that will enable a high achievement level of the metrics?  Faculty and staff (high quality, experts in their fields, supportive) (20)  Small size, low student/teacher ratio (20)  Student services, one-stop shop (5)  High-quality, well planned curriculum (sequences) (5)  Community/employer partnerships (4)  Location (3)  Student engagement opportunities (1)  Field-based practice (1)  Commitment to continuous improvement (1)  Being new (1)  Non-traditional students (1)

3. Questions #2: In your opinion, how does USFSM need to improve in order to reach a high achievement level of these metrics?  Change in culture, morale (5)  More campus involvement opportunities (5)  More space, services, facilities (testing center, undergraduate research) (4)  Hiring additional staff/better hiring procedures (3)  Professional development (3)  Better student recruiting (3)  Different/improved classes/electives/less complexity of academic programs (3)  Better data collection for metrics; more feedback to departments (2)

4. Questions #2: In your opinion, how does USFSM need to improve in order to reach a high achievement level of these metrics?  Better strategic planning, goal-setting, students-first culture (2)  Internship to workplace, career support (2)  Better students (2)  Better branding (1)  More financial aid/scholarships (1)  Strong leadership (1)  More resources in general (1)  Increase in diversity (faculty & students) (1)

5. Question #3. In your opinion, why are some students retained through to graduation?  a. Clear goals (5)  e. Institutional fit (5)  b. Student characteristics, ability to juggle life and studies (3)  c. Students achieve success at USFSM and before (2)  d. Related to college (education and business) (1)

6. Question #3. Why do some students not remain through to graduation?  a. Difficult life situations, personal problems, financial problems (14)  b. Poor institutional fit or change in institutional fit (4)  c. Unclear about goals (2)  d. Student impatience with requirements (2)  e. Lack of academic programs (1)  f. Lack of support programs (1)  g. Student relocation (1)  h. Lack of college structure (CAS) (1)

7. Question #4: What would you say is "unique" about USFSM in its present status?  Size, private college feel (10)  Faculty/student ratio (9)  Location (9)  Sense of community (4)  Talented faculty and staff (4)  Connection with USF (4)  Hospitality program (4)  Beautiful appearance (2)  Niche programs (2)  Partnerships (Mote Marine and CIL) (Community) (2)  Low tuition (2)  Multigenerational students (2)  Opportunities for growth (1)  New (1)  Involvement opportunities (1)

8. Question #5: What would you like to see the institution do to attain a unique niche that it does not currently have?  Link programs to community identity, needs, and interests (10)  Maintain/develop/market signature programs, niche programs (8)  Create “college culture,” student life options (3)  Build e-learning (3)  Develop four-year programs (2)  Add housing option (2)  More student engagement, experiential learning (2)  Embrace change (1)  Adhere to best practices (1)

9. Question #5: What would you like to see the institution do to attain a unique niche that it does not currently have?  Build arts-integration component with community connection (1)  Keep programs on campus (1)  Reach out to potential students (1)  Develop accelerated programs (1)  Add water sports (1)  Be a “real university” (1)  Recognize the importance of the aging population (1)  Make USFSM an “honors college” (1)