Skip Navigation

University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES)

Highlights: What does UCUES tell us about UC undergraduates?

Who are UC undergraduates?
21% were born outside of the United States.
See the Immigration Background of Students and Their Families chart on the Demographics page.
35% are not native speakers of English.
See the English Language Background chart on the Demographics page.
What impact has UC had on their academic skills and knowledge?
77% of seniors reported that their knowledge of a specific discipline as "very good" or "excellent" compared to 7% who rated their skills at this level when they started UC. This represents the highest gain in academic development.
See the Self-Reported Gains in Academic and Life Skills (for Seniors-Part 1) chart on the Academic and Related Skills page.
The percentage of seniors who rated their skills in the following areas as "very good" or "excellent" is two to three times higher than the percentage of those who rated themselves at that level when they entered:
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking
  • Reading and Comprehending
  • Academic Material
  • Computer Skills
  • Writing Effectively
  • Library Research Skills
See the Academic and Related Skills page.
What impact has UC had on their academic behavior?
83% contributed to class discussion in the last academic year.
See the Course Engagement chart on the Academic Motivation page.
86% of seniors participated in research as part of their coursework in the last academic year.
See the Participation in Research & Creative Activities with Faculty (for Seniors) chart on the Academic Activities page
Only 15% turned in a course assignment late this year.
See the Academic Risk Behaviors chart on the Academic Impediments page.
What motivates our students?
The most popular reason for choosing a major is interest in the subject matter. See the
Reasons for Choosing a Major chart on the Academic Motivation page.
87% selected obtaining knowledge and skills for their chosen profession as one of their goals for their UC experience.
See the Most Important Goals for UC Experience chart on the Aspirations page.
79% percent of seniors plan to earn a graduate or professional degree.
See the Highest Degree Aspirations For seniors chart on the Aspirations page.
How satisfied are our students?
84% agree at least somewhat that they feel they belong at their campus.
See the Sense of Belonging chart on the Overall Satisfaction page.
84% agree at least somewhat that they feel that, knowing what they know now, they would still enroll at their campus.
See the Sense of Belonging chart on the Overall Satisfaction page.
83% are at least somewhat satisfied with their UC academic experience.
See the General Satisfaction chart on the Overall Satisfaction page.
83% or higher report that students are respected at UC regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, race/ethnicity, or economic or social class.
See the Campus Climate: Students are Respected … chart on the Overall Satisfaction page.
89% of students are at least somewhat satisfied with the quality of faculty instruction they have received at UC.
See the Satisfaction With Courses and Instruction in the Major chart, and the Satisfaction With Courses and Instruction on the Academic Satisfaction page.
51% agree at least somewhat that the emphasis on research detracts from the quality of teaching on their campus.
See the Perceptions of UC as a Research University chart on the Importance of Attending a Research University page.
83% reported that attending a university with world-class researchers is important to them.
See the Perceptions of UC as a Research University chart on the Importance of Attending a Research University page.
How do students spend their time?
On average, they spend 12.8 hours per week outside of the classroom on coursework.
See the Time Allocation for Academics and Employment for All Students chart on the Time Allocation and Campus Involvement page.
54% are employed either on or off campus during the academic year.
See the Time Allocation for Academics and Employment for All Students chart on the Time Allocation and Campus Involvement page.
58% participated in community service in the last academic year.
See the Participation in Community Service chart on the Civic Engagement page.
They average 10.7 hours per week using the Internet for nonacademic purposes and 5.0 hours per week watching television.
See the Time Allocation: Non Academic chart on the Time Allocation and Campus Involvement page.
 
© 2006 UCOP | last updated: December 18, 2008