Shepherd University Professional Events

ESTABLISHMENT OF PROFESSIONAL EVENTS ON CAMPUS 1
Shepherd University Market Research Plan:
Establishment of Professional Events on Campus
Kyle Franks
April 13, 2016

Table of Contents
Section Pg.
Abstract............................................................................................................................................................................................03
Purpose............................................................................................................................................................................................04
Client...................................................................................................................................................................................................04
Symptoms and Issues Surrounding Client..................................................................................................................05
All Possible Causes and Probable Causes of Symptoms.....................................................................................07
Specification and Identification of the Problem......................................................................................................08
Research Objectives..................................................................................................................................................................08
- Current Student Body Sample .................................................................................................................................09
- Faculty/Staff Sample .....................................................................................................................................................10
- Alumni Sample ..................................................................................................................................................................11
Data Collection Forms.............................................................................................................................................................12
Sample Size Statistics ...............................................................................................................................................................13
- Student Survey..................................................................................................................................................................13
- Faculty Survey...................................................................................................................................................................14
- Alumni Survey...................................................................................................................................................................15
Actual Survey Results ..............................................................................................................................................................16
Student Survey Result Diagrams ......................................................................................................................................18
Faculty/Administration Survey Result Diagrams..................................................................................................26
Alumni Survey Results Diagrams.....................................................................................................................................34
Student Survey Results Statistical Analysis ...............................................................................................................41
- Student Survey Statistical Analysis Explanation..........................................................................................42
Faculty/Administration Survey Results Statistical Analysis...........................................................................43
- Faculty/Administration Survey Statistical Analysis Explanation .....................................................44
Alumni Survey Results Statistical Analysis.................................................................................................................45
- Alumni Survey Statistical Analysis Explanation...........................................................................................46
Conclusion of Results...............................................................................................................................................................47

Shepherd University
______________________________________________________________________________
Abstract:
What are they chances of a recent U.S. college graduate finding a job in their respected
field of study? Reported by Newsweek, “As of 2015, millennials face a staggering 15.4%
unemployment rate compared to the national average at 5.4% for the entire population”
(Goodman). This proves that in today’s society, students need a diverse resume more than ever
to separate them from other job hunters during the application process. This diversity begins in
the classroom and on their campus. Situated in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, this research was
conducted at Shepherd University in hopes to gauge perspectives on this statistic showing, that
even with a college degree; it is still increasingly difficult to find a job in your area of study as a
recent graduate. The overall problem being job placement, there are many symptoms as to why
this statistic is higher than the national average. Problems on Shepherd’s campus that were
consistent with this research plan were the poor promotions for events and lack of interest from
current students in current events.
Results from this research included the perspectives of current students,
faculty/administration and Shepherd alumni participants. There showed an overall lack in
effective promotion of what events are being held currently from each semester on campus.
There were multiple comments for other types of events the students felt they would benefit
from. There was not a strong correlation from perspectives from past students and current
students on the issue of attendance to such events being difficult for commuting students
compared to students who live or lived on campus. Further detail of the research and surveys
used to develop each perspective’s analysis are described and explained further in detail
throughout the research plan and results.

Purpose:
To gain a sense of Shepherd University’s involvement with students in regards to
professional events and programs on campus. Events targeted at assisting students with
networking in their desired areas of study with respect to their majors and the benefits received
from both perspectives, being students and the university.
Client
Shepherd University is located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Strategically positioned
within 90 minutes of large metropolitan areas of Baltimore City and the D.C. metro area, it
provides students with ample opportunity to seek connections with professionals in any desired
field. The university was founded in 1871 and has sense become a staple in the community of
Shepherdstown, West Virginia. “Once the transition process into a 4 year college in July of 1930
took place, Shepherd college began offering their first ever bachelor degree, being a bachelor of
arts” (Consumer Information, 2015). For 2015, the average undergraduate rates for attending
Shepherd were $6,570 for in-state and $16,628 for out-of-state students” (Consumer Information,
2015). As stated in Shepherds consumer information (2015), Shepherd University organizes to
foster their dedication to education by focusing on core values that includes learning,
engagement, integrity, accessibility and community” (Consumer Information. 2015). The perfect
mix of these values and the opportunity for personal growth that students receive from the town
of Shepherdstown creates an ideal place for furthering education and building a solid foundation
in personal development.
For being near large metropolitan areas, Shepherd University has a relatively small
student body population. Reported online in the 2015 fact book from Shepherd’s consumer

information, “there was a total enrollment of 3,776 undergraduates with 3,489 being degree
seeking” (Consumer Information). “Along with the undergraduate population, there was a total
enrollment of 265 graduate students with 183 being degree seeking” (Consumer Information,
2015). As of now, most of these students are unaware of many activities that happen on campus.
With on having one job fair a semester that is advertised effectively, there are sparse amounts of
events geared towards job placement for graduating students. Even though these professional
events offered by Shepherd on campus would geared towards undergraduates for network
building purposes, the small graduate population would be able to freely participate as well. This
would allow for the entire student body to interact by building relationships with one another.
Increasing ways to promote these events would also be vital in creating successful events for
both guests of the events and the proportion of students attending. Having such a small student
population, it should allow Shepherd to have more communication and cooperation with their
students in efforts to succeed in hosting such outings. With the student to faculty ration being
16:1, the students are already more inclined to connect with their professors compared to larger
universities with larger student population. This is especially important for students and bodes
well for their chances of building a potential career path upon graduation. Shepherd has long
been a part of the community due to their involvement with members and interconnected
network through their alumni. Ranking in the 2016 edition of “Best Colleges,” “Shepherd makes
a prime place for opportunity in growth personally and academically. (U.S. News, 2014)
Symptoms and Issues Surrounding Client
In today’s society, many people argue that the rates of recent college graduates
successfully beginning a career right out of college are lower than they should be in their desired
fields upon graduation or shortly after. Studies show that this is an unfortunate occurrence for

many people who graduate and how they typically settle for jobs outside of their preferred areas
they attended school for. Of course there are things that students can do on their own to help
increase their chances of landing their dream job. These could be obvious steps that typically
involve beefing up the resume or fine tuning any professional profiles such as LinkedIn to help
expand further in a professional network. With this being an issue nationwide, there could be
more involvement on Shepherd’s side to help increase these opportunities for students.
Another issue that surrounds Shepherd University is their lack of promotions for what
events they actually do hold on campus. Many students haven mentioned about being unaware of
school held events in attempt to connect with students. An issue within this is they separation of
on-campus students and commuter students and their ability to readily obtain information and be
informed on such event. This of course would be digging deeper into the problem of
communications between the university and commuter students. We will stay consistent in the
means of focusing on events in general for the Shepherd University student body. In a more
simplistic vision, Shepherd students cannot attend any events held by the university if they do
not know that these types of things are going on, on campus during certain times.
Of course, one of the larger symptoms of a lack of professional events on campus is
consistent with the nationwide issue of how many students are unprepared once they cross the
stage to receive their diploma. The meaning of being unprepared means in the sense they do not
have all the pieces of the puzzle to be successful upon graduation. Obviously going to class and
receiving respectable grades is important, but having a network that allows students to gain
knowledge from professionals who have been in their shoes is vital for students. Without a
college wide presence in the student’s ability to successfully reach these goals, the burden falls
solely on a student who already has a schedule that is already chaos. Looking to see if a larger

amount of students who would be willing to attend scheduled professionals events compared to
scheduling events or attending them on their own is a key component to this study about the
convenience for the student body. With a student having a strong network, it is more likely they
increase their chances and abilities to obtain that job or end goal of even going to college in the
first place.
All Possible Causes and Probable Causes of the Symptoms
Possible
 Relatively small student body which makes it difficult to find a demand
 Monetary issues from administration to make it justifiable
 Space on campus to hold events
 Scheduling conflicts with community or local members
 Scheduling conflicts with individual organizations on campus
 Lack of alumni involvement with Shepherd University
 Lack of communication between Shepherd University and community
Probable
 Monetary issues for:
o Guest Speakers (if paid in any way)
o Materials to hold event
o Possible increase in tuition due to increase of events
 Relatively Small student body makes it less desirable to spend money and time for an
event if possibility of students not attending
 Less attractive for recruiters to attend such events due to student population

 Lack of communication between Shepherd and Community
Specification and Identification of the Problem Statement
Through this research, the goal will be show the need for students to have access to
events that are consistent with their degrees and/or areas of study. With this, expressing the
needs and wants of the students in the sense of Shepherd University increasing professional
events that include but not limited to: networking events, workshops, seminars, guest speakers,
etc. Having these scheduled for any of the specified areas of study that Shepherd University
offers to undergraduates will land them the responsibility of playing a larger role not only in the
community, but a student’s life as well. If events such as these can help prove that they are
correlated to the success rates of college graduates upon graduation for beginning a career in
their field, it will only bode well for both the student and Shepherd University in the future.
Having Shepherd play a part in building connections this way with students can help provide a
bright future in maintaining alumni relations and help increase overall funds associated with
donations to the University as a whole.
ResearchObjective
We will be looking into observing at least 2 groups/areas, possibly 3, if it becomes
feasible to do so. Directing efforts to exploratory research, we hope, to gain background
information on areas of study for the foundation of our research and define the terms of what it is
we are researching. We want to establish priorities to ensure we hit our key points of interest
about whether or not Shepherd University is establishing and holding enough events on campus
for students to expand their networks in efforts to increase chances of students getting jobs after
graduation. The areas/classes of people to be observed include the following:
‒ Current student body

‒ Alumni population
‒ Faculty/Staff
Current Student Body
Objective: Observe 100 students who currently attend Shepherd full-time (12 credit
hours) and are actively seeking a degree. Through the use of surveys, students will be asked a
series of questions to gage their views on the effectiveness of Shepherd University’s
involvement with student preparation for the future through the presence of professional
events on campus.
Our intent for this objective is to measure viewpoints at the current stage of
development in a student’s life. These are the people who are directly affected by the time
and effort that they put into their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Understanding
this angle of the research analysis will help better prepare an overall realization to the
effectiveness of such events already present on campus and whether or not the student body
feels that there should be more efforts to assist them with expanding their potential and
abilities of obtaining a job upon graduation.
Questions to be involved in the surveys for the current student body could include:
1. What class/year are you?
2. What is your major?
3. Which, if any, professional events have you attended offered by the University?
4. How aware are you of the current professional events that are present on campus
now and offered by Shepherd University?

5. On a scale from 1-5, how likely are you in wanting to see more done from
Shepherd in the means of offering ways to connect and expand your professional
networks to help better you for life after graduation?
‒ Not Likely
‒ Somewhat Likely
‒ Likely
‒ More Likely
‒ Extremely Likely
Current Faculty/Staff
Objective: Conduct a survey of 10 faculty and/or staff members. Through the use of
interviews and surveys, a series of questions will be asked to gauge their view on Shepherd’s
hand in establishing professional events on campus and whether or not it is effective enough.
This objective will help to gain a sense of understanding through the education provider’s
eyes. They continuously interact with the student body and the university, both, on a day-to-
day basis. Asking questions about how effective they feel current events are will help to
provide an unbiased, or essentially a (control groups), take on this proposed issue on campus.
Survey and interview questions can include, but not limited to:
1. What department do you teach in?
2. How many years have you taught at Shepherd?
3. Are you aware of any professional events on campus offered by Shepherd?
4. How effective do you feel these events are or could be?
5. Do you feel there could be more or less done in efforts to help prepare students
for life after graduation (job placement)?

6. If applicable, list possible ideas/events you feel could benefit Shepherd University
community.
Alumni Sample
Objective: Upon availability, a sample observation of 10 alumni will be conducted.
Through the use of interviews and surveys, the alumni will be asked a series of questions to
gauge their views on Shepherd University’s establishment of professional events on campus.
This objective will help to gain an angle in research that provides someone who has
graduated and has been working in society already, or defined in other words, a product of
Shepherd University. Asking questions about their time at Shepherd and whether or not
efforts have increased or decreased on Shepherd’s behalf will help to essentially allow us to
expand the value of time in which we can observe to see if changes have taken place and
whether or not the university is moving in the right direction for students.
Survey and interview questions can include, but not limited to:
1. When did you graduate?
2. Was there much involvement from Shepherd then in terms of scheduling
professional events on campus to help with students and job placement?
3. If yes to question 3, how effective was it in preparing you to land a job once
graduation concluded?
4. If feasible for you, would you attend such events, if offered to alumni, in efforts to
connect and network with current students?
As stated above briefly in research objectives, the research design to be used will be
exploratory research. In the efforts to gain a better understanding in the background information

on the overall proposed problem, exploratory research will allow us to do just that. Background
information on the students, faculty/staff and alumni will help to illustrate better whether or not
Shepherd’s involvement for job placement is effective enough with actually helping a graduating
student increase their chances of obtaining a job after graduation. The result of this research will
eventually lead to determining the likelihood of whether or not the demands for such events are
present by the student body.
Data Collection Forms
Below you will find the links to the three surveys that we will use in our market research
for determining Shepherd University’s involvement with the student population in regards to
promoting and holding professional and job placement events. Each of these surveys is targeted
for each subgroup involved with the university that was outlined in our research objectives
above. You will find one question repeating in all 3 surveys to gain a sense of each subgroup’s
level of agreement about specific statement pertaining to the presence of these professional/ job
placement event being held on campus.
 Student Survey
 Faculty Survey
 Alumni Survey
*Links to thesesurveys can also be found on the reference page from thehelp of Survey Monkey*

Sample Size Statistics
Student Surveys
Student Survey Results
Margin of Error P Q 95% Confidence Level Adjusted Sample Size
3.36 50 50 1.96 853
3.79 50 50 1.96 669
4.55 50 50 1.96 464
6.31 50 50 1.96 241
15.90 50 50 1.96 38
Change In Variability
Margin of Error AdjustedP AdjustedQ 95% Confidence Level Sample Size Based on Variability
3 27 73 1.96 841.31
5 20 80 1.96 245.86
10 13 87 1.96 43.45
15 6 94 1.96 9.63
Based on these numbers represented in the charts above, my adjusted sample sizes were
853 given 1000 students out of my total population of 3,674 at Shepherd University. If I was
looking at trying to get 750students, my adjusted sample was 669. At 500 students it adjusted to
464 and 250 students adjusted was 241. As you can tell, the margin decreases because the
margins of error increases as these numbers are reported. These numbers represent my pre-
research statistical targets for the entire population of degree seeking undergraduate and graduate
students at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV. Represented in the gold boxes located
in the bottom of my chart are the actual statistics represented by my research. There were a total
of 38 student respondents to my surveys which gave me a margin of error of 15.90, As long as
the estimated percent in population remained at 50%.
The lower chart represents the change in variability in sample size given sample size
percentage of total population. I used the margin or errors of 3,5,10 and 15 to represent the
Actual Statistics Based on Research

sample adjustment based on percentages of the sample in the population. All statistics were
formulated in excel with the sample size formulas distributed in class. These statistics, of course,
are not a true representation of the total student body. These numbers represent research statistics
in the context of this research process and project. More time and preparation to create a more
randomized system would accurately create a better demonstration of the student body as a
whole.
Faculty Surveys
Faculty Survey Results
Margin of Error P Q 95% Confidence Level Adjusted Sample Size
8.47 50 50 1.96 134
10.63 50 50 1.96 85
14.45 50 50 1.96 46
22.48 50 50 1.96 19
26.19 50 50 1.96 14
Margin of Error Adjusted P AdjustedQ 95% Confidence Level Sample Size Based on Variability
3 55 45 1.96 132.53
5 27 73 1.96 67.01
10 13 87 1.96 20.81
15 5 95 1.96 3.61
Based on these numbers represented in the charts above, my adjusted sample sizes were
134 given 200 faculty/administrative members out of my total population of 363 at Shepherd
University. If I was looking at trying to get 100 faculty/administrative members, my adjusted
sample was 85. With 50 as my sample size it would have been adjusted to 46 while 20 would
have given me 19. The margin decreases because the margins of error increases as these numbers
are reported. These would have been my target for faculty/admin members at Shepherd
University. Represented in the gold boxes located in the bottom of my chart are the actual
statistics represented by my research. There were a total of 14 faculty/administrative member

respondents to my surveys which gave me a margin of error of 26.19 as long as the estimated
percent in population remained at 50%.
The lower chart represents the change in variability in sample size given sample size
percentage of total population. I used the margin or errors of 3,5,10 and 15 to represent the
sample adjustment based on percentages of the sample in the population. These statistics, of
course, are not a true representation of the total faculty/administrative body at Shepherd
University. These numbers represent research statistics in the context of this research process and
project. More time and preparation to create a more randomized system would accurately create
a better demonstration of the faculty and admin population as a whole.
Alumni Survey
Alumni Survey Results
Margin of Error P Q 95% Confidence Level Adjusted Sample Size Survey Population
5.14 50 50 1.96 364 1069
6.64 50 50 1.96 218 1069
10.05 50 50 1.96 95 1069
11.55 50 50 1.96 72 1069
34.65 50 50 1.96 8
Margin of
Error
Adjusted
P
Adjusted
Q
95% Confidence
Level
Sample Size Based on
Variability
3 55 45 1.96 1056.44
5 27 73 1.96 302.87
10 13 87 1.96 43.45
15 5 95 1.96 8.11
These charts demonstrate the alumni respondents. This area lacked in actual research and
since I was unable to find out the actual number of alumni from Shepherd University, I used the
uniform marketing research statistic of 1,069 respondents. Knowing there is obviously more
alumni then 1,069; this number would be the target since it would give a statistically significant

value that would be just as valuable as getting every alumni’s participation. This of course would
be cheaper as well. The actual targets are shown in the table above as using a confidence level of
95% which is represent by the 1.96.again just as we used in the faculty and student surveys.
Through my actual research, I noted that this was an unfortunate turnout with only 8
respondents. I reached out to the alumni association but was unable to receive significant results
given the time frame and context of this project. With only 8 respondents, I had a larger than
normal margin of error which was 34.65. These shows there are not enough responses to warrant
any significance to my data collected from the 8 respondents. With more time and preparation to
create a more randomized process, there would be a chance to better represent the alumni views
of the presence of professional networking events on the campus at Shepherd University, WV.
Actual Survey Results
The charts below are associated with the actual research data collected based on project
targets and assumptions explained above. Research conducted by surveys through the online tool
Survey Monkey to assist in acquiring data from the three sample populations associated with the
reasoning behind the presence of professional networking seminars on campus. These groups
include samples from the student body, faculty/ administrative staff members and alumni. There
are also weights and a statistical analysis attached to each chart when needed to help simplify
and understand the data more specifically to the group that was observed.
Results are listed in order from students, faculty and admin members and alumni. As
stated above, there would be a need to collect more data to warrant significance to these findings,
but in the context of this project and these surveys, time and randomization were unfortunately
unable to be a factor. These results were collected over a 3 week span to try to maximize
response rates from the three perspectives involved with the University.

Perspective 1, the student body, creates an understanding and demand for certain
professional events outlined in the survey below. There were 38 respondents that offered their
perspective who are currently attending Shepherd University.
Perspective 2, the faculty and administrative members, allow the perspective of
individuals not directly affected by the increase of these possible events. Faculty and admin
members are involved with students on a daily basis and understand the priorities and wants of
the student body.
Perspective 3, the alumni, provide an understanding and perspective of people who were
previously involved with the university to see if they felt that such events would have helped
them prepare for graduation.
In all of these surveys, the attempt was to get levels of agreement and opinions in hopes
to warrant a change, being an increase, in professional networking seminar events on campus. As
stated previously, one of the biggest challenges a graduating student faces is job placement. By
receiving these surveys, although not truly representative, they will help illustrate what changes
students want to see. College, being a stepping stone in life, assists students on many levels of
preparation. With the proper funding for these events mentioned throughout these surveys,
student can only be more prepared for that moment.
Results for each survey are below including all comments and statistical analysis of
individual questions when required. Links to the final online survey results listed below: Survey
Links
Student Survey Results: https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-KGKXZVLS/
Faculty Survey Results: https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-RGZQTVLS/
Alumni Survey Results: https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-DLTDY7LS/

Student Survey Results

Question 6 Cont.

Faculty Survey Results

Alumni Survey Results

Student Survey Analysis
Percentage
Distribution
Mean Median Mode
Business Administration 64.86%
Economics 16.22%
Accounting 24.32%
Computer/Technology 2.70%
Elementary Ed 2.70%
Spanish 2.70%
Sophomore 18.42%
Junior 31.58%
Senior 50.00%
Yes 81.58%
No 18.42%
0-15 Minutes 34.29%
15-30 Minutes 42.86%
30-45 Minutes 8.57%
45+ Minutes 2.86%
N/A 11.43%
Sufficient amount on campus 3.11 Neutral Agree
Shepherd assists job placement 2.62 Neutral Disagree, Neutral
Effective promotion of events 2.83 Neutral Disagree
Equal chance to attend for all
students
3.54 Agree Agree
Workshops 47.37%
Lecture/Guest Speaker 31.58%
Pro Networking 78.95%
Casual Social Mixers 36.84%
Multiple Job Fairs 89.47%
Roundtable Discussions 18.42%
#7) Indicate
your opinion
on the
following
Would students benefit from
events on campus
N/A 4.58 Agree Agree
#8) Indicate
how likely
you would
attend on
campus
events
N/A 4.5 Likely Likely
30:38
14:38
34:38
7:38
N/A N/A
N/A 15-30 Minutes
#5) Rate
level of
agreement
about
events
N/A N/A
12:38
Multiple Job Fairs
#4) If yes to
Q3, what is
average
communte
time
N/A
#6) What
types of
events
would you
like to see
18:38
12:35
15:35
3:35
1:35
Business Admin.
#2) What
year are
you?
N/A N/A Senior
N/A N/A
#3) Do you
communte?
31:38
7:38
9:37
1:37
1:37
Question # and Question
#1) What is
your major?
Student Survey Descriptive Analysis by Questions
Frequency Distribution Ratio
Percentage Distribution and Frequency
N/A
N/A
4:35
N/A N/A Yes
Descriptive Analysis
1:37
7:38
12:38
19:38
24:37
6:37

Analysis Explanation
In the table above, a statistical analysis is given for the results received through surveys
from the student body at Shepherd University. There is a frequency distribution ratio and
percentages given for the nominal/categorical questions a long with a descriptive statistical
analysis given for the meaningful numeric data. Acting as a summary for the entire survey issued
to this particular group mentioned above, explanations further detailing and outlining the
questions are linked above in the previous sections corresponding with the group.
Overall, through the information provided backed by research, students show a demand
for increasing the amount of job fairs per semester (89.47% of sample) and professional
networking events (78.95% of sample). With only receiving 38 respondents to represent my data,
further research should be conducted to validate my findings on the demand and benefits
received by the Shepherd University student body.

Faculty Survey Analysis
Percentage
Distribution
Mean Median Mode
Full-time Faculty 57.14%
Adjunct Faculty 28.57%
Administrative Staff 14.29%
Yes 61.54%
No 38.46%
0-5 50.00%
6-10 7.14%
11-15 7.14%
16-20 14.29%
20+ 21.43%
Economics 42.86%
Dean of Students 7.69%
Communications 7.69%
Student Affairs 7.69%
Math 7.69%
Biology 7.69%
Education 7.69%
Sufficient amount of events 3.08 Neutral Disagree, Neutral
Shep. Offers job placement 3.42 Agree Agree
Effective promotion of events 3.42 Agree Agree
Equal chance to attend for all
students
4.08 Agree, Strongly Agree Strongly Agree
#6) Rate the
following
How often do you hear about
events on campus?
N/A 3.36 Sometimes Sometimes
#7) Indicate
your level of
agreement
How much of an impact do
such events have on
students?
N/A 4.5 Some, Large Impact Some, Large Impact
Workshops 4.29 Agree, Strongly Agree Agree, Strongly Agree
Lecture/Guest Speaker 4.14 Agree Agree
Round Table Discussions 4.07 Agree Agree
Pro Networking 4.69 Strongly Agree Strongly Agree
Casual Social 3.71 Neutral, Agree Neutral
> Than 1 Job Fair 4.36 Agree Agree
#4) What area
of study do
you focus on?
4:13
3:13
1:13
1:13
1:13
N/A N/A
#8) Indicate
your level of
agreement on
effectiveness
of certain
events
#5) Level of
agreement for
following
statements
N/A N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A N/A
1:13
1:13
Yes
N/A Between 6-10 years 0-5 Years
N/A N/A Business Admin.
5:13
1:13
2:14
#1) What is your
position?
8:13#2) Are you an
advisor?
#3) How long
have you
worked for
Shepherd?
7:14
1:14
1:14
2:14
3:14
Faculty Survey Descriptive Analysis by Questions
8:14
4:14
N/A N/A Full-time Faculty

from the faculty/administrative staff members at Shepherd University. A frequency distribution
ratio and percentages give analysis of the nominal/categorical questions while a descriptive
statistical analysis is used for the meaningful numeric data. One of the statistics that is noticeable
is the 4.69 under mean in question 8. As a weighted average, this was particularly agreed upon
and voted more by faculty members as possibly having a larger impact on the Shepherd student
body in hope to prepare them for graduation. With only receiving 14 respondents to represent my
data, further research should be conducted to validate my findings on the benefits and
perceptions of Shepherd University involvement with graduation preparation and job placement
for the student body.

Alumni Survey Analysis
Percentage
Distribution
Mean Median Mode
1990-1999 12.50%
2010-2015 87.50%
Economics 25.00%
Education 12.50%
History 12.50%
Art 37.50%
Yes, lived on campus 25.00%
No, lived off campus 37.50%
Partial 37.50%
Yes 25.00%
No 75.00%
Yes 62.50%
No 25.00%
N/A 12.50%
Sufficient amount of events 3.5
Disagree-
Strongly
Agree
Disagree-
Strongly Agree
Offers job placement 2.63 Neutral Neutral
Effective promtion of events 3 Neutral Neutral, Agree
Equal chance for all
students to attend
4 Agree Agree
Ideas for
other
events,
please
N/A
#6) Indicate
your level of
agreement
2:8
6:8
5:8
2:8
N/A N/A
N/A Yes
N/A N/A
2:8
3:8
2010-2015
#2) What
was your
area of study
N/A N/A
Business
Administration
N/A No
#5) Indicate
your level of
events
during time
of
attendance
#4) Are you
currently
involved as
alum?
1:8
3:8
1:8
7:8
2:8
*Was a comment question where results are listed previously in the above section of Alumni Survey Results
Alumni Survey Descriptive Analysis by Questions
#1) Between
what year
did you
graduate *Gaps in years represent no respondents for space purposes
#3) Were
you a
resident at
Shepherd 3:8
N/A N/A
No, lived off
campus; Partial
N/A
1:8
1:8
4:8

from the alumni from Shepherd University. There is a frequency distribution ratio and
percentages given for the nominal/categorical questions a long with a descriptive statistical
analysis given for the meaningful numeric data. Acting as a summary for the entire survey issued
to this particular group, explanations further detailing and outlining the questions are linked
above in the previous sections corresponding with the group.
It is hard to conclude that this data has any statistical significance since there were only 8
alumni respondents. With a potentially large group to focus on, with more time and better data
gathering techniques, further research would provide a better response rate while yielding greater
statistical significant data. The above table answers from previous student’s viewpoints about the
previous question as to whether or not Shepherd creates equal opportunities for commuter or
resident students to attend such events. In the context of the amount a research done here, this
can be concluded. To get a better understanding and viewpoint, much more data gathering and
survey should be considered to make sure this is the trend for the alumni population sample.

Conclusion:
Through multiple surveys administered to current students, faculty and administrative
members and alumni members; results showed that there is an interest for more professional
networking seminar events on campus. The problem associated with this research was the poor
promoting by Shepherd University of events and if they offered events/activities that interested
current students enough to spark an increase in involvement. A nationwide problem allowed this
research to be conducted on a smaller scale with the student population of Shepherd University
to receive a representative sample of the entire student body and what they would want to see.
Although the initial research shows students and faculty member’s interest in having
professional networking seminar events on campus, the statistical valued data is not significant
enough to warrant any changes in what Shepherd is currently doing. This research plan,
however, can form the basis and represent the beginning of further research in this problem area
as it clearly shows an interest of students in other events and the need to further understand the
data on Shepherd’s promotion techniques of such events. With only 38 student respondents, 14
faculty/administration respondents and 8 alumni respondents; it is clear that this not enough to be
statistically significant. Consistent with all three surveys, the trend of Shepherd University not
offering enough events for students to attend to help expand their networks was particularly
noticeable. The 3 perspectives detailed the opinions of someone who is directly affected (the
students), the opinion of someone hears about the struggles and trends of students on a day to
day basis (the faculty/administration) and the opinions of a group of people who were previously
involved or participated in what would be represented in the 15.4% unemployed graduates today.
Conducting further research could establish the need to create a change to help increase students
ability to be prepared when they conclude their academic careers.

References
Franks, K. E. (n.d.). Professional Events at Shepherd University Alumni Survey. Retrieved
March 02, 2016, from https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M78SMDQ
Franks, K. E. (n.d.). Professional Events at Shepherd University Faculty Survey. Retrieved
March 02, 2016, from https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M9PGDRR
Franks, K. E. (n.d.). Professional Events at Shepherd University Student Survey. Retrieved
March 02, 2016, from https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M9GTGZN
Goodman, L. M. (2015, May 27). MILLENNIAL COLLEGE GRADUATES: YOUNG,
EDUCATED, JOBLESS. Retrieved April 12, 2016, from
http://www.newsweek.com/2015/06/05/millennial-college-graduates-young-educated-
jobless-335821.html
Shepherd University Profile, 2015, Consumer Information: 2015 Fact book.
http://www.shepherd.edu/wordpress-1/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/university-profile.pdf
U.S. News, Shepherd University. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2016, from
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/shepherd-university-3822

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