Doctoral Exit Survey FAQ | Graduate Division

How are the UCSB Doctoral Exit Survey responses aggregated? Are student responses sorted by department, and do professors from individual departments directly see the responses they receive from graduating students?

Faculty do not read the individual exit surveys. The responses made by all students in a particular department over a span of time are aggregated and presented as statistical averages. These are then compared with the averages over the same period of time at the level of the Division or College, and campus. The written responses over that same period of time are summarized and grouped together by question in order to reduce the chance of any individual student’s comments being recognized. Students concerned about being recognized should avoid including specific information that might reveal their identity.

How and when is the Doctoral Exit Survey feedback delivered? Do professors receive each piece of feedback as it comes in? Do they see written responses verbatim?

The exit survey serves as a vital tool for departments and the campus to conduct program reviews and access aggregated data reports that facilitate program modifications. It is important to note that individual faculty members do not have access to the verbatim written responses or any individual survey results.

How is the Doctoral Exit Survey feedback used? Do responses affect funding outcomes for graduate departments? For individual professors?

As outcome of the program review process, any number of recommendations may be made, including recommendations related to resources and faculty.