DURANT – The survey says that students at Southeastern Oklahoma State University are satisfied that the University is meeting and, in many cases, exceeding their expectations. In fact, student satisfaction is higher at Southeastern when compared to results nationally at other four-year institutions.

The Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) was administered to 447 Southeastern students in the spring and fall of 2012. The SSI is one tool utilized in assessing student satisfaction and priorities among various categories.

When asked if their college experience has met their expectations so far, 88% of Southeastern respondents said expectations were met or exceeded, compared to the national satisfaction average of 84%.

According to the survey results, Southeastern students listed the following categories as most important: Academic Advising, Instructional Effectiveness, Safety and Security, Registration Effectiveness, Recruitment and Financial Aid. In all five areas, Southeastern rated above the national average in satisfaction percentages.

Among the highest level of satisfaction were Academic Advising and Institutional Effectiveness – the two categories that Southeastern students also ranked as most important.

Southeastern students also gave the University high marks in such categories as Concern for the Individual, Student Centeredness, Registration Effectiveness, Recruitment and Financial Aid, Campus Life, and Service Excellence.

“I think these survey results confirm that our students are pleased with the quality of educational opportunities they are being afforded at the University,’’ said Southeastern president Larry Minks. “We strive to provide an environment and support system that assists students in reaching their highest level of potential, both in and out of the classroom. As we recruit new students, we emphasize the importance of the individual attention they will receive from their professors and advisors at Southeastern. The results are also a reflection of the dedication of the faculty and staff that we have in place at Southeastern.’’

This is the first time the SSI has been administered to Southeastern students since 2007.

Kathy Jo Daniel, a junior nursing major from Coleman, Oklahoma, says Southeastern has more than met her expectations.

“Academically, it has definitely met my expectations – all of my biology classes have been very challenging, but also very rewarding. I chose Southeastern for several reasons: First of all, I wanted to stay close to home. I came from a small school (graduating class of nine) and if I had questions I wanted to be able to visit with my professors outside the classroom. And I knew Southeastern would have all the classes I needed for my major.’’

Daniel is a member of the President’s Leadership Class (PLC) and also received the O.J. Harvey Native American scholarship. Last fall, she was honored with the Top 10 Freshmen Award. Outside the classroom, she is employed in the Southeastern Admissions Office, where she assists prospective students in a variety of ways.

Daniel’s parents are also Southeastern graduates.

Katie Whitley, a freshman from Durant, has also been pleased with her experiences at Southeastern.

The Durant High School graduate is undecided on a major, but in addition to her studies, has been active in the Student Government Association and PLC.

“I’ve only been here one semester, but I have been able to meet new friends and build new relationships in my classes and through my involvement with SGA and PLC,’’ she said. “I looked at a couple of other schools, but I wanted a smaller school with familiar surroundings.’’

Like Daniel, Whitley’s parents are Southeastern graduates.