Residents of College Village, Genesee Community College's student residence, especially like their appliances, responsiveness of safety staff members, and evening and weekend programs offered to students, according to the results of a recent survey of College Village students.
But residents would also like to see faster internet service, changes to the discipline and conduct code, and different styles of furniture, according to the same survey.
The second annual College Village Resident Satisfaction Survey was completed by 249 students in April and the results released earlier this month.
Director of Development and External Affairs Richard Ensman said the survey gives students an opportunity to express their views about life at College Village and helps staff members shape priorities in the years ahead.
College Village is home to 380 students during the academic year. Located at the northeastern end of the Batavia Campus, it consists of 95 apartment-style suites located in nine residential buildings. Students who live there are all full-time students at Genesee. Most live more than 50 miles from the Batavia Campus, although a growing number of local students are choosing to live at College Village. Last year, about 50 international students lived at the residence. College Village is operated by the Genesee Community College Foundation, a charitable organization that provides volunteer and philanthropic support to the College.
Seventy-one percent of residents living at College Village completed this year's survey, up from 53% of residents who did so in 2008. Students responded to questions about their satisfaction with College Village, their reasons for choosing College Village as student housing and they had the opportunity to offer open-ended comments about their likes and dislikes.
Other results include:
- Resident satisfaction increased on all 10 satisfaction measures between 2008 and 2009.
- Students reported significant increases in satisfaction with student discipline, perceptions of safety, and ability to talk to staff members about problems and concerns.
- Length of residence does not appear to influence satisfaction, except that satisfaction with internet service and maintenance request turnaround time declines among residents who have lived at College Village three or more semesters.
- Three out of four students chose College Village because living on campus was important to them.
- Three out of four returning Genesee students have chosen College Village again.
Survey results indicate that changes in student programming and safety procedures had a positive impact on students, Mr. Ensman told the college Board of Trustees. Survey results also indicate that, in the future, students might be involved in the selection of furniture and programs about conduct and discipline.
A strong student housing program is vitally important Mr. Ensman said. "Students come here from across the globe because of the programs we offer, and the College's excellent reputation," he said. "Students need quality housing. It supports and enhances the college experience of each of our students."
