Student Services/Fee Survey Survey Overview and Methodology The University of Arizona Student Fee online survey was developed in consultation with Arizona Student Unions’ representatives and StudentVoice. The questions were based upon possible service and program enhancements to Union facilities, as proposed by RHA and Greek students through a $20 per semester student fee. The survey consisted of approximately 20 closed ended questions (7 of which were demographic questions). The instrument was pilot tested with 20 students and several peer reviewers. The survey instrument was further refined based on feedback obtained during the pilot testing. Phase I of this research relied on a stratified random sample of 15,000 students. The sample was randomly drawn by the University Registrar. The link to the online survey was sent to the sample via a mass email on January 10. A reminder email was sent on January 17. Random samples, such as this, allow for the computation of sampling error and precision—calculations of how reliable the results of a survey are based on sample size, confidence, and question type. With almost 2,600 respondents, Phase I achieved data reliability of 99% confidence with a margin of error of +/- 2.1%. Phase II of this research relied on a convenience sample, as a link was advertised using listservs and ads in the Daily Wildcat. This type of sample is based on availability and accessibility, and can often produce samples that are quite similar to the population of interest. In the case of convenience sampling, sampling error cannot be calculated and the results cannot be projected to the total population of interest with any degree of confidence. More than 800 students responded in this sample. Combining Phase I and II, more than 3,400 students completely filled out the survey, achieving a data reliability of 99% confidence with a margin of error of +/- 1.6%. When separating Phase I and II samples, no statistically significant differences exists between the two samples. In fact, the results from the random sample as compared to the convenience sample and combined sample are nearly identical. Findings Facility Usage Services More than 95% of all students have used the Student Union Memorial Center (SUMC) within the last year while 45% have used the Park Student Union (PSU). The most frequently used SUMC dining locations are: U-Mart (70%), Panda Express (60%), McDonald’s (57%), Cactus Grill (53%), and most recent SUMC addition, IQ Fresh (49%). The most frequently used SUMC services within the last year are: UA BookStore (84%), ATMs (75%), US Post Office (55%), Lounges (49%), Computer Lab (45%), Computer access (39%), and Fast Copy (37%). Programs and Events The five most frequently attended Student Union programs and events are: Concerts (14%), Family Weekend (13%), Cellar Events (12%), Club Fair (12%) and Film Series (10%). Student Fee Support Program enhancements Students indicated they would support the following program enhancements: 65% Free/discounted concert program 51% Free weekly movie showing 50% Late-night services & support expansion 28% Increased club & student organization support 27% Allocation in support of graduate programs Overall, 75% of respondents (79% undergraduate, 68% graduate) indicated they would support dedicating $10 or more of a $20 fee to continuing existing programs and events, and developing new ones. Only 10% indicated they would not support any dollars through a fee for program enhancements. Service Enhancements More than 80% of students responding (86% undergraduate, 73% graduate) indicated they would support dedicating $5 or more of a $20 fee toward SUMC and PSU service enhancements (such as wireless, extended hours, Gallagher Theater upgrade, new grocery/market concept, etc.). 12% indicated they would not support any dollars through a fee for service enhancements. Building Renewal Almost 80% of students (82% undergraduate, 74% graduate) indicated they would support dedicating $5 or more of a $20 fee toward maintaining the SUMC and PSU. 13% indicated they would not support any dollars through a fee for maintaining the SUMC and PSU. Fee Structure and Preference Students indicated they would prefer a “Phased-in” fee structure (45%) over a “Grandfathered” fee structure (35%) while 20% had no preference on a fee structure. For the “phased-in” fee, in year one and two, the fee would be $10, increasing to $15 in year three, and capped at $20 in year four. A “grandfathered” fee applies only to incoming first year freshmen, graduate, and transfer students who would pay the fee, and continue to pay it until they graduate or leave the University. No current students would pay the fee. When asked about preferences for generating revenues, students strongly prefer a student fee (67%) over price increases/program reductions (18%) and a mandatory meal plan (14%). Demographics Respondents classified themselves as undergraduate (69%) and graduate (31%) students. More than 42% identified themselves as male, 56% as female while 2% chose not to reply. Some 53% of respondents are involved in a recognized student club or organization while 9% are affiliated in a Greek organization. Almost 20% of respondents live on campus while 80% live off campus.