UConn Students Deem Academic Support, Housing As Priorities In Survey

STORRS, CT — University of Connecticut students value most academic support and advisory opportunities along with housing and activities, according to a recent survey.

The survey was conducted early in the fall semester over five days and asked where the school's resources should be spent.

More than one-third of undergraduates across all campuses participated and the answers are among several tools and resources from which UConn is drawing ideas for its new Strategic Plan, which will be presented in draft form to the Board of Trustees on Wednesday.

UConn President Radenka Maric launched the strategic planning process this year with the formation of a steering committee, which is guiding working groups that have spent the last several months delving into specifics on what the plan should incorporate when it is finalized in 2024.

The strategic visioning process has included in-person and virtual forums to gain input from students, employees, and others on UConn's priorities over the coming 10 years to 2034.

Depending on the topic, some previous student surveys have garnered response rates between about 5 percent and 12 percent. However, student interest reached a 35.5 percent response rate overall among all UConn undergraduates for the latest survey.

According to the survey, when asked where the University should focus revenue from the tuition and fees it collects, students ranked academic support as their highest priority, followed by academic advising; mental health services; initiatives to support diversity, equity, and inclusion; and physical / medical services.

When asked about the priorities they felt would best enhance their lives on campus beyond the academic realm, more than half of the students ranked availability of desirable on-campus housing options as their highest choice.

Desirable on-campus housing was ranked either first or second place by more than two-thirds of the respondents.

The others, in descending order, were student activities; training and career services for job skills and their professional development; off-campus housing options; and financial literacy skills.

Faculty, members set aside time in classes for students to complete the 5-minute questionnaire and promotional ideas such as random drawings for a chance at UConn basketball tickets for those who participated.