Document Type

Report

Publication Date

1-1-1993

Keywords

Alumni, attitudes, perceptions, feelings, human services, Everett

Abstract

Executive Summary: This report was based on tabulated results of 46 completed survey forms of the Inquiry to the Graduates of the Everett Education Center Human Services Program, sent to 147 graduates in the fall of 1991. General survey results and written comments are reported. The sample of graduate respondents was made up of 38 women and 8 men, mostly Caucasian, with an average age of over 42 years. This preponderance of females and older students reflects the usual population of the Human Services Program at Everett, (HSP/Ev). Enrollees in the HSP/Ev enter with a required AA degree, most earned in Washington State community colleges. Many respondents had been away from higher education for many years and had human services work experience before starting the program. Following graduation, nearly all respondents (80%) were working full or part time in human services jobs in the Everett/Snohomish County area. Most were in first-line/direct service positions, working with individuals and groups, and fewer in mid-management administration and supervision positions. While respondents worked with a wide variety of clients, most clients could be grouped as Caucasian, living at or below the poverty line, and often in female-headed families. Moreover, many were elderly, criminal, or physically or psychologically disabled. Respondents participated moderately in human services professional activities and in community agencies and organizations following graduation. Academic preparation by the Human Services Program was rated highly by its graduates. The instructors in particular received very high marks. While most respondents (71.7%) planned to pursue advanced education, 13% were currently enrolled in master's programs, and 4.5% had already earned master's degrees. Professional preparation was also rated very highly. Respondents found the internship component particularly valuable. They reported a high level of satisfaction in the work they do, but indicated less satisfaction with opportunities for advancement and salary increases. A third expected to be working in another field within ten years, while the other two-thirds considered it likely, though not definite, that they would still be working in the human services field within that time. Personal growth and development, an express goal of the HSP/Ev, was rated extremely highly by the respondents. They indicated the program contributed to their maturing as members of society, their learning to communicate effectively, their developing abilities to deal with life changes, and their finding satisfying meanings for their lives.

Identifier

350

Publisher

Digital object produced by Office of Survey Research, Western Washington University, and made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Title of Series

Technical and research reports (Western Washington University. Office of Institutional Assessment and Testing) ; 1993-01

Genre/Form

Reports

Type

Text

Rights

This resource is provided for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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