2009 Performance Accountability Report Vol. 2 - Maryland Higher ...

Academic Performance and Goal Achievement
Data from the University System of Maryland show that one year after transfer to Maryland’s
four-year public colleges and universities, former Montgomery College students have
consistently been in good academic standing across all cohort years. The overall grade point
average ranged from 2.62 to 2.82. Over a four-year period, 78.7 to 81.1 percent of former MC
students earned cumulative grade point averages at 2.0 or above. The collective performance of
students that transferred in academic year 2008 is 95 percent of the established goal of 2.75. The
College is hopeful that the numerous efforts in which the College is engaged to prepare students
to succeed at the four-year campuses will lead to the accomplishment of the benchmark.
When Montgomery College graduates are surveyed, the vast majority (91 percent) report a high
level of satisfaction with transfer preparation during their tenure at Montgomery College. In fact,
the rate of satisfaction increased from 79 percent to 91 percent over four reporting cycles.
Currently, the College is just one point below its goal of 92 percent on this indicator. Data also
reveal that students were quite satisfied with their educational goal achievement upon graduation
from Montgomery College. In effect, 93 to 99 percent of respondents reported that they were
satisfied or very satisfied, thus consistently exceeding the benchmark of 92 percent.
Data from the most recent “Non-returning Student Survey” revealed that even when students do
not return, they tend to be reasonably satisfied with the degree to which they have achieved their
educational goals. Seventy-four percent of respondents who were enrolled in the spring semester
of 2007 and did not reenroll the subsequent fall semester reported they were satisfied with their
accomplishments even though they had not returned to the College. The range of satisfaction on
this indicator has been from 72 to 82 percent. The College continues to be committed to
achieving the 85 percent benchmark.
Academic Preparation for Employment
The most recent survey data (2005 Alumni Survey) revealed that 82 percent of the career
program graduates (74 to 83 percent) that responded to the survey were employed full-time in
occupations associated with their academic program areas. Graduates also were generally
satisfied with the degree to which Montgomery College prepared them for employment (76
percent to 93 percent). Employers of graduates have consistently reported that they too were
satisfied (83 to 100 percent) with the level of academic and skill preparation that Montgomery
College graduates brought to the workplace. The high level of satisfaction expressed by
graduates and employers of graduates validates the quality of education that Montgomery
College provides as well as acknowledges the acquired knowledge and life skills that students
take with them to their place of employment. Graduates and employers are expected to continue
to express their satisfaction with graduates’ job preparation as reflected by the targeted
benchmarks in this area.
Academic preparation for employment also influences income. An analysis of wage data reveals
that on average, students who earn a degree in occupational programs at Montgomery College
will likely earn more than $20,000 in additional annual wages three years after graduation
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