Institutional Data Reports & Surveys

Southwestern routinely collects data and provides reports from surveys to share with the public. Surveys include the Student Satisfaction Survey (SSI), a Ruffalo Noel survey tool, well as internal tools for employer, graduate, and student services surveys.

The Economic Impact Study by Economic Modeling Specialist Intl. (EMSI) assesses the impact of SWOCC as a whole on the regional economy and the benefits generated by the college for students, taxpayers, and society. EMSI uses labor market data to provide useful information that help SWOCC understand the connection between our economy, people and work. Results from the study indicate

• Every $1 invested by students results in $5.90 higher future earnings - an average annual rate of 18.3%

• The total annual impact on the SWOCC Service Area sum to $78.5 million

• The total impact represents 4% of the total regional economy and supports 1,985 jobs

While SWOCC creates an economic impact through its operations, construction, and student spending, the greatest economic impact of SWOCC stems from the added human capital – the knowledge, creativity, imagination, and entrepreneurship – found in its alumni. While attending SWOCC, students receive experience, education, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities that increase their productivity and allow them to command a higher wage once they enter the workforce. But the reward of increased productiv­ity does not stop there. Talented professionals make capital more productive too (e.g., buildings, production facilities, equipment). The employers of SWOCC alumni enjoy the fruits of this increased productivity in the form of additional non-labor income (i.e., higher profits).

Benefits to taxpayers consist of the savings generated by the improved lifestyles of students and the proportionally reduced government expenditures. Education is statistically correlated with a variety of lifestyle changes that generate taxpayer savings across three main categories: 1) health, 2) crime, and 3) unemployment. Improved health habits lower the students’ demand for national health care services. Students are also less likely to commit crimes, so the demand for law enforcement and criminal justice services is reduced (study references are available in the main report). Students are also more employable, so the demand for welfare and unemployment benefits, such as earnings assistance and welfare benefits, is reduced.

In the winter of 2017, SWOCC worked with EMSI to compile this information for the 2015-16 academic year. The reports provide information that Southwestern Oregon Community College plays a significant role in the local economy and is a sound investment from multiple perspectives.

The Student Satisfaction Inventory is a nationally benchmarked student survey offered through Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL). One key to student success is to assess student satisfaction. According to RNL, "Successful campuses continuously strive to improve the quality of the student experience. In order to do that, you need to know where to focus your efforts.

The Student Satisfaction Inventory gives you a powerful tool to improve the quality of student life and learning. It measures student satisfaction and priorities, showing you how satisfied students are as well as what issues are important to them. Use this data to:

Guide strategic action planning

Strengthen student retention initiatives

Meet accreditation requirements

Identify areas of strength for institutional marketing

Chart your progress toward campus goals"

Additional information including yearly survey results available on the portal page.

The College routinely surveys students and staff to determine technology needs and gather satisfaction data. Survey resultsare analyzed and the data used to determine student, faculty and staff needs associated with technology. The data is incorporated into the program review process for the Integrated Technology Services department as well as the Instructional Computing Labs which supports the planning process and integrated into the budget process. Data is also is used to enhance and improve technology-related services including equipment needs of the campus in order to provide a reliable and productive technology infrastructure. Equipment and software maintenance needs are addressed within Success Indicator 19that supports the Core Theme Sustainability.