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2006-07 College Graduate Survey - College of Continuing Education

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<strong>College</strong> in the Schools<br />

5-Year CIS “Alum” <strong>Survey</strong> (Administered December <strong>2006</strong> - March 20<strong>07</strong>)<br />

EVALUATION SUMMARY<br />

Summary <strong>of</strong> method:<br />

2100 surveys were mailed and the survey was posted online in December <strong>2006</strong>. 1813 were considered valid.<br />

Invalid surveys consisted <strong>of</strong> 223 surveys marked Return to Sender and 64 surveys that were returned from juniors.<br />

A total <strong>of</strong> 333 valid surveys (from students who graduated from high school in 2002) were returned. This number<br />

includes 45 responses that were returned via the internet. This is an 18% response rate.<br />

Comparison to 5-year survey completed in December 2003<br />

Last time the 5-year alumni survey was done (in December 2003) 1770 surveys were mailed. 472 surveys were<br />

returned, which is a 27% return rate. The final report doesn’t include information about whether any <strong>of</strong> the<br />

returned surveys were juniors.<br />

*****************************************************************************<br />

<strong>Survey</strong> results<br />

Of 333 valid surveys:<br />

Credit Recognition<br />

∙ Students earned an average <strong>of</strong> 7 UMN credits through CIS; one student reported earning 38 credits.<br />

∙ 332 out <strong>of</strong> 333 (99.69%) attended college after graduating from high school.<br />

∙ 73 students (22%) reported attending the University <strong>of</strong> Minnesota, or the University <strong>of</strong> Minnesota and then<br />

another college, after high school.<br />

∙ 231 students (69%) requested credit recognition for their UMN CIS credits from colleges and universities other<br />

than UMN. 94% <strong>of</strong> those who requested credit recognition were successful at having SOME or ALL <strong>of</strong> the<br />

credits recognized. (88% had ALL <strong>of</strong> their UMN CIS credits recognized.)<br />

∙ 28 students (8%) did not request credit recognition for their UMN CIS credits.<br />

Undergraduate experiences (students could select more than one option)<br />

∙ 80% <strong>of</strong> the respondents reported an enriched undergraduate academic experience.<br />

∙ 192 (58%) <strong>of</strong> the respondents had completed or anticipated completing an internship.<br />

∙ 134 (40%) had participated in or anticipated participating in study abroad.<br />

∙ 88 (26%) had completed or anticipated completing a double major.<br />

∙ 34 (10%) had completed or anticipated completing a double minor.<br />

Students also reported completing dual undergraduate degrees, triple majors, quadruple majors, and<br />

undergraduate research.<br />

Students’ educational plans and status<br />

∙ 4 (


∙ 49 (15%) respondents were taking an extra year to complete a degree (3 years for the AA or 5 years for the<br />

BA/BS)<br />

∙ 3 (


A great help in preparing for college work load.<br />

Comments<br />

A very valuable experience! Saved me lots <strong>of</strong> time in college and tuition money. Also prepared me for college<br />

level course work.<br />

Ask for a complete package/implementation at each school. To my knowledge, there were very limited advanced<br />

course <strong>of</strong>ferings at Mounds View , 1 CIS course and 3-5 AP courses (foreign language, 2 calculus, 1 English, l<br />

sociology . . .).<br />

By completing a CIS English course during high school, I was free to start taking advanced English courses when<br />

I started my undergraduate degree--which I enjoyed and saved me money. I thoroughly recommend the program.<br />

CIS allowed me to challenge myself to the max potential and encouraged me to be more<br />

analytical/creative/hardworking--skills needed to be successful in college and in the real world. I hope to see my<br />

hs students take advantage <strong>of</strong> such an opportunity<br />

CIS allowed me to complete required courses before attending college so I was able to register for other<br />

necessary classes. Also, the credits I entered college with allowed me to register ahead <strong>of</strong> my peers. This was<br />

extremely beneficial.<br />

CIS allowed me to enrich my college experience by allowing me to take on more credits than I could have without<br />

CIS. I truly believe CIS has allowed me more education and knowledge and is one <strong>of</strong> the reasons I am Successful<br />

now.<br />

CIS allowed me to excel in my H.S. and get through boring classes in high school so I could get the most <strong>of</strong> out <strong>of</strong><br />

my college career later. Plus I loved the classes.<br />

CIS allowed me to study abroad and still graduate on time. It allowed me to challenge myself in high school and<br />

not be bored. I was more prepared for college than many <strong>of</strong> my freshman colleagues. I had more confidence in<br />

my abilities and was more focused.<br />

CIS encourages students in high school to further their education and attend college. It is vital to introduce CIS<br />

while students are in high school because this is a time when they will be receptive to considering higher<br />

education.<br />

CIS English should be required for all high school students.<br />

CIS gave me a huge head start on life.<br />

CIS improved my writing skills to a great degree. I was far more prepared to write papers in college.<br />

CIS is a great program for high school students who want to attend the University <strong>of</strong> Minnesota after graduation.<br />

However, other higher educational institutes may not recognize credits acquired through this program, yet they<br />

acknowledge AP or IB courses.<br />

CIS is a great way to earn real college credit in high school, without having to give up the high school experience<br />

or deal with commuting.<br />

CIS is a joke, real college courses are much more time-consuming.<br />

CIS is a wonderful program that helps mature high school individuals to realize college and reach their potential<br />

at, for some, an appropriate age.<br />

CIS is a wonderful program, and it was a nice preparation to my college education. The political science course I<br />

took allowed me to experience college while still in high school.<br />

CIS is an excellent opportunity for forward-thinking high school students and allowed me to take extra classes<br />

during my 4 years in college toward a minor because credits were all accepted at my school.<br />

CIS is an excellent program! I participated in two CIS language courses. This allowed me to study abroad, double<br />

major, and now, after having graduated I work abroad teaching English.<br />

CIS made it possible for me to get a head start at my High School which was really great because my family didn't<br />

have enough money to take me to college during my high school education for PSEO credit courses--also gave<br />

me a challenge--wished there were more classes.<br />

CIS prepared me for college by encouraging me to think and analyze on a higher level than many incoming<br />

freshmen. In addition it allowed me to pursue semester-long study abroad program and complete two majors due<br />

to the credits I had coming into college.<br />

CIS programs are an asset to students who don't have a lot <strong>of</strong> money for college courses and can fully<br />

CIS 5-year survey December <strong>2006</strong> Page 3 <strong>of</strong> 12


Comments<br />

appreciate getting a jump start. The CIS course is also more useful than an Advanced Placement course<br />

because in the end, the student is getting actual school credits on an A-F scale. I would highly recommend CIS<br />

courses to any students looking for a challenging yet rewarding opportunity while in high school.<br />

CIS programs are invaluable. It prepared me better for college because I had an idea <strong>of</strong> what college would be<br />

like. I entered college more confident in my abilities because <strong>of</strong> CIS classes and I recommend the program to all<br />

students I meet.<br />

CIS provided a wonderful opportunity because <strong>of</strong> the advanced placement. I was able to spend an entire year<br />

studying abroad and it didn't set me back from graduating in 4 years.<br />

CIS saves both money and time.<br />

CIS was a great deal, and helped me on my college career.<br />

CIS was a great experience that was challenging and a unique learning opportunity for me in high school. I would<br />

recommend a class like <strong>College</strong> Fiction to all students.<br />

CIS was a great precursor <strong>of</strong> things to come. I felt more confident when I started school having taken a college<br />

level class and my CIS credits allowed me to be exempt from a college course.<br />

CIS was a tremendously useful program and was instrumental in my college success. This program should be<br />

continued and expanded.<br />

CIS was an excellent opportunity. It provided me more time to complete other courses and allowed my Financial<br />

Aid to go a little further.<br />

CIS was definitely worth my time in high school. It allowed me to finish my double major in 4 years because I had<br />

passed out <strong>of</strong> classes. I would recommend this program to any individual in high school.<br />

CIS was definitely worth the extra work in High school. I was able to save money by not taking the class in college<br />

and I wish I had taken more CIS courses.<br />

CIS was extremely nice to have when I went into college. I didn't have to to take any English classes and I<br />

counted the credits toward my BA. It is great.<br />

CIS was simply the best preparation for a college-level workload. My experience required significantly more effort<br />

than any <strong>of</strong> the AP courses I took.<br />

CIS was very helpful. I hope more students can benefit from it.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools courses are very valuable. Should be available to all high school students.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools enabled me to experience college level class without missing out on the high school<br />

experience. It also gave me more freedom when registering for classes in college.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools gave me a head start on my college degree which helped me graduate on time.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools helps students prepare for the environment and pace <strong>of</strong> college classes.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools helped allow me to finish a BS in 4 years that included a double major, a minor and two<br />

study abroad experiences. My classes were also more challenging than many <strong>of</strong> my university courses!<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the schools helped me prepare for college while staying in an atmosphere I was comfortable in.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools helped me transition from high school to college. It was great to get met with the reality <strong>of</strong><br />

college in the safe setting <strong>of</strong> high school.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools is a great asset and can benefit many high school students. It gets students thinking about<br />

higher education and what they want to do in the near future. <strong>College</strong> in the Schools helped me improve my<br />

writing skills and I got college credit.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the schools is a great benefit for those planning to go to college. Not only does it prepare a person for<br />

the amount <strong>of</strong> work and fast pace <strong>of</strong> college but more <strong>of</strong>ten than not counts toward a degree and exempts one<br />

from required college courses.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools is a great program that actually helped me to graduate early. It doubtless saved me money<br />

and influenced me to attend the U <strong>of</strong> M.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools is a great way to encourage students to pursue post-high school education.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools is an excellent way to encourage student to not only continue to higher education but also<br />

allow them to grow in foreign language education which is such a strong necessity in the United States right now.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools is one <strong>of</strong> the best programs the state/U <strong>of</strong> M can <strong>of</strong>fer. It allows students to get a head<br />

CIS 5-year survey December <strong>2006</strong> Page 4 <strong>of</strong> 12


Comments<br />

start and gives them a tremendous advantage in any university or college. I HIGHLY support <strong>College</strong> in the<br />

Schools.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools not only helped me get a head start on my college career but also financially helped me<br />

and, most importantly, prepared me for the academic expectations and rigor that so many high schoolers are<br />

unprepared for when entering the college.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools prepared me for college more than AP classes because we were treated more like college<br />

students with the same amount <strong>of</strong> expectations in CIS. In AP classes, it was just a high school class with a test at<br />

the end.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools was a great experience--it was actually one <strong>of</strong> my favorite classes in high school. I earned<br />

4 college credits that went toward my Intro to Literature class so I didn't have to pay to take it in college. It was<br />

well worth it .<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools was a great way to prepare for college. These courses, along with my AP courses, helped<br />

me immensely.<br />

<strong>College</strong> in the Schools was beneficial both financially and academically. Please continue to <strong>of</strong>fer this and other<br />

similar programs to high school students.<br />

<strong>College</strong> is the schools is a wonderful program which allows students to hold themselves to higher standards <strong>of</strong><br />

achievement. I encourage legislators to look deeper into it. TRUE, those <strong>of</strong> us graduating early thanks to this<br />

program are many, but those students also are the same who will succeed through anything in life, because CIS<br />

gave them a window <strong>of</strong> opportunity to challenge the complex social reality <strong>of</strong> our days. I urge legislators to<br />

continue this program.<br />

Completing an undergraduate degree, for most focuses, is hard to do in four years. The more <strong>of</strong> a head start one<br />

has going into it the better the chances <strong>of</strong> getting out in four years. I don't think there is any reason why some<br />

freshman level classes cannot be taught in the senior year <strong>of</strong> high school.<br />

Concurrent enrollment programs are necessary for students to graduate from a 4 year institution in 4 years.<br />

Definitely a valuable experience--get college credit, do college level work, but in the smaller, more personal high<br />

school environment. I wish I could have had more CIS course opportunities.<br />

Essential. They allow students flexibility within the requirements <strong>of</strong> liberal arts colleges. Without additional credit<br />

I would have been unable to travel abroad and graduate on time. They also provide flexibility in the same manner<br />

when selecting a major.<br />

Excellent opportunity for college-bound high school students to get a head start on general credit coursework.<br />

For high achieving students the CIS program provides an extra incentive to work to their full potential by <strong>of</strong>fering<br />

college credit in high schoool. I think that for student that excel in mainstream high school coursework CIS is<br />

essential.<br />

Graduating college in 4 years these days is VERY difficult! Offering and stressing the importance <strong>of</strong> CIS classes<br />

in high school is a must to help students accomplish classes, get them out <strong>of</strong> the way and help speed the process<br />

up.<br />

Great course.<br />

Great experience that really helped prepare me for college level work.<br />

Great program for those willing to make something out <strong>of</strong> it.<br />

Great program! Excellent way to earn credits from an acclaimed university without doing PSEO.<br />

Had I not had such fine teachers in my regularly <strong>of</strong>fered high school programs I believe CIS would have been<br />

significantly more important. I feel this was an exception, and not the rule, and I hope this program continues to<br />

also give students a taste <strong>of</strong> college.<br />

Having taken college courses helped me to be able to afford college. If I hadn't taken them it would have been<br />

much more time in college.<br />

Having the program allowed me to be better prepared to succeed in college.<br />

I am very grateful for my CIS experiences. I was more amply prepared for college. Furthermore, I was able to<br />

take more classes at University and study abroad (a wonderful experience) due to my CIS credits.<br />

I believe CIS was a great program that allowed students to earn college credit without having to miss out on the<br />

fun <strong>of</strong> daily high school life.<br />

I believe that CIS is an excellent program and it was a great way to start college level courses. It deserves<br />

CIS 5-year survey December <strong>2006</strong> Page 5 <strong>of</strong> 12


Comments<br />

funding because the students stay in the high school. It is cheaper than having the school pay for post-secondary<br />

classes.<br />

I believe that college in the schools was helpful in allowing me to experience higher level classes as well as aiding<br />

in completing required courses prior to college enrollment.<br />

I believe that the standards applied in the CIS classes meet and <strong>of</strong>ten exceed the standards I found in my<br />

undergraduate courses after high school and I also believe that these higher standards helped me excel in high<br />

school and college.<br />

I feel that programs like CIS are essential for a successful college career at a challenging institution.<br />

I felt so much more prepared for college and was able to do better in my college classes.<br />

I found <strong>College</strong> in the Schools a great way to earn college credit early and for free while still enjoying high school<br />

and its activities. I didn't have to feel left out <strong>of</strong> high school life as did some students who chose PSEO options.<br />

I found the skills I learned in CIS English to be very useful throughout my 5 years <strong>of</strong> college. I learned how to<br />

write well and read constructively in CIS and used those skills continuously in college. I am very glad I took CIS<br />

English!<br />

I referred back to my experiences in CIS throughout all <strong>of</strong> college (specifically the ethnographic writing<br />

assignment). I'm glad I was given the opportunity to participate and would recommend CIS to current high<br />

schoolers.<br />

I think higher education is extremely important for students and these preparatory courses begin an excellent<br />

foundation for learning.<br />

I think it's important to continue programs like college in the schools…not only does it save some money but it is a<br />

valuable learning experience. I gained insight as to what my college courses would be like.<br />

I think that the literature course I took through CIS was very beneficial in preparing me for college-level writing,<br />

reading, and comprehension skills.<br />

I think the program itself is very good in principle, but the particular year I took CIS courses we had a HORRIBLE<br />

teacher. It was very disappointing.<br />

I think this is an excellent program! It helped me to get a jump start in college. It was excellent that it was free, any<br />

aid helps. It was nice not to leave the school like PSEO programs.<br />

I think this program was excellent and I wish I had more opportunities to earn college credits in high school. They<br />

were most beneficial. I would certainly recommend these courses to high school students who want to get a head<br />

start in their college career.<br />

I took a <strong>College</strong> in the Schools writing course and I think I went into college better prepared than my fellow<br />

students and found the transition into writing for college coursework to be fairly easy.<br />

I was able to graduate with a 4-year degree in 3.5 years. This saved me money and now I have a "real" job before<br />

any <strong>of</strong> my friends! It also gave me the leeway to take optional courses n college, courses that sounded<br />

interesting, instead <strong>of</strong> taking generals.<br />

I wish there were more available CIS courses. A public speaking one would have been nice.<br />

I would strongly encourage <strong>College</strong> in the Schools programs to include more "on campus" days to acquaint<br />

students better to on campus activity.<br />

If education is a value they [legislators] possess, they will support these programs. These programs encourage<br />

students who may be fluctuating upon the decision to attend college or not. They encourage those who need to<br />

be sure they are at that level, but most <strong>of</strong> all they are an experience any student should have the opportunity to<br />

choose.<br />

If Minnesota is interested in an educated informed workforce and citizenry, <strong>College</strong> in the Schools is an excellent<br />

way to jump start this.<br />

Important we provide more programs for those who can't do post-secondary and commute.<br />

It is a major benefit and wonderful opportunity for hs students to have an opportunity to receive an education from<br />

the U <strong>of</strong> M.<br />

It was a great program! I was in a position where I had to pay for my own schooling and because <strong>of</strong> this program I<br />

was able to save myself 1 year <strong>of</strong> student loans--about $20,000!<br />

It was a huge boost in helping Emily graduate in 4 years . Both Stout and Bethel accepted her English credits<br />

without a problem. Her teacher was very positive about Emily doing well when she went on to college. Emily is<br />

CIS 5-year survey December <strong>2006</strong> Page 6 <strong>of</strong> 12


Comments<br />

currently living in Ecuador so I filled this in. Also a real money saver. Her mom Beverly.<br />

It would be great if more schools accepted these credits. I was told when I enrolled I would get credit yet most<br />

colleges I applied to did not recognize them as college undergraduate equivalent courses.<br />

It's a wonderful program for gifted students. Please continue it!<br />

It's an incredible opportunity for students to reach their goals and push them towards achieving maximum<br />

potential. The experience is invaluable and will keep this state's educational system at the top.<br />

It's good for America and helps our country maintain good citizens and a good standard <strong>of</strong> living. Fund it for god's<br />

sake.<br />

Many colleges do not accept CIS credit because they don't allow "double-counting" for both high school and<br />

college requirements.<br />

Many schools require courses to be taught on campus by faculty members for credit. AP and IB <strong>of</strong>fer better<br />

transfer options.<br />

More CIS courses should be available to high school students. The really help prepare you for college curriculum<br />

by grading on an essay and test basis--there aren't any worksheets in college!!!<br />

My CIS English class was the class from high school that prepared me the most for college level classes.<br />

My college in the schools course gave me a glimpse <strong>of</strong> what college-level courses are like. It helped prepare me<br />

for the workload typical <strong>of</strong> many college classes. I appreciated the warning--greatly!<br />

My experience with CIS adequately prepared me for the type <strong>of</strong> work I would encounter in college. I especially<br />

valued my CIS writing course. Strong writing and oral skills were key in my success at Hamline University. CIS<br />

substantially contributed to the development <strong>of</strong> these skills.<br />

No.<br />

Not only did CIS save me time and money in my undergraduate degree, it also really prepared me for college. It<br />

was a great experience and I am still very happy that I had the option <strong>of</strong> CIS. I would recommend CIS to any high<br />

school student.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the best programs available! I only wish I would have taken more CIS courses while in high school.<br />

Perfect for those intending to go on to college. Prepares you for what to expect to come and how to handle the<br />

coursework.<br />

Please teach students how to use these credits for undergraduate programs.<br />

Probably one <strong>of</strong> the best decisions I made in high school was enrolling in CIS courses. When I went to college, I<br />

was ahead <strong>of</strong> the game.<br />

Programs like CIS are very important. Not only did CIS allow me to earn college credit while in high school but my<br />

class prepared me for the pace <strong>of</strong> college studies.<br />

Some <strong>of</strong> the books I read in CIS are still my favorites to date, and the reading I did in CIS helped prepare me for<br />

the difficulties <strong>of</strong> college because I had already entered the literary college "discussion" realm in my CIS class.<br />

Taking CIS honors composition was key to my success in college but only because I had a pr<strong>of</strong>essor that treated<br />

her students like adults and expected pr<strong>of</strong>essional work.<br />

The benefit <strong>of</strong> the CIS program is in the rigor <strong>of</strong> the course. It varies from school to school and teacher to teacher.<br />

It is ridiculous to consider that the U <strong>of</strong> M's campus and accrediting process is so loosely controlled there is too<br />

much (rest <strong>of</strong> comment could not be deciphered).<br />

The CIS program prepared me very well for college. It was more beneficial than the AP program because the<br />

credits automatically transferred and instead <strong>of</strong> judging your knowledge by one cumulative test, the entire<br />

curriculum was challenging.<br />

The CIS program was a great alternative for advanced placement classes. CIS classes were focused on learning<br />

instead <strong>of</strong> studying for a test. CIS classes kept me focused on college, which average high school classes<br />

couldn't do for me.<br />

The class I took was wonderful. There was no pressure unlike an AP Class, to succeed. It also helped me<br />

prepare for college and know what to expect.<br />

The college in the schools course was one <strong>of</strong> the best classes I took in h.s. even with being in all IB classses.<br />

The <strong>College</strong> in the Schools program gave me the advanced option I wanted to improve upon my high school<br />

experience. I did the honors program at my university, which used seminars coming the subjects that I would<br />

CIS 5-year survey December <strong>2006</strong> Page 7 <strong>of</strong> 12


Comments<br />

have received credit for through CIS, otherwise the credits might have helped me more.<br />

The <strong>College</strong> in the Schools program helped me gain critical thinking skills that were key to college-level learning. I<br />

also became prepared to handle the academic responsibilities <strong>of</strong> an undergraduate. It was a wonderful stepping<br />

stone.<br />

The <strong>College</strong> in the Schools program is great for high school kids that are not challenged by the normal high<br />

school curriculum.<br />

The courses helped me to graduate a semester early from college. Very worthwhile program.<br />

The credits I earned from the U <strong>of</strong> M allowed me to take courses for a minor and complete my major and minor in<br />

4 years. Very Valuable!<br />

The extra college credits I earned through CIS allowed me to take lighter course loads throughout my undergrad<br />

education and thus allowed me to concentrate on and excel in my courses.<br />

The problem I encountered during my CIS experiences was that my HS gave me a grade higher than I received in<br />

the college course. Example a B became an A. However, the teacher told us our grade in the HS section<br />

therefore I began college with a 2.0 and had to work to increase it because my credits transferred automatically<br />

because I enrolled in a U <strong>of</strong> M campus. If I had gone to a non-U <strong>of</strong> M affiliated school I would have chosen not to<br />

transfer the credits but was not given a choice with the U <strong>of</strong> M system.<br />

The reason I checked disagree for #11 is because I only took one CIS course. Had there been more <strong>of</strong>fered it<br />

would have played a more significant role on my college prep.<br />

The University <strong>of</strong> Minnesota -Twin Cities Medical School does not accept CIS credit, which is <strong>of</strong> annoyance for<br />

me at the present moment.<br />

These programs are important motivators and are particularly encouraging for students from low-income families.<br />

This is a valuable experience for high school students. I have never regretted taking CIS courses; and I highly<br />

recommend them to high schoolers.<br />

This is a valuable program. For me, it allowed me to have upperclassman standing more quickly, allowing me to<br />

register for classes before many <strong>of</strong> my peers.<br />

This is a very strong program that prepares students for the rigorous class schedule.<br />

This is a wonderful program and a great advantage for students from Minnesota.<br />

This is a wonderful program that allowed me to mature and prepare for college while in high school.<br />

This is absolutely a necessary program for students who are advanced learners.<br />

This is an amazing program that allowed me the opportunity to take a college-level course as a high school<br />

senior. I was able to visit the campus for a speaker and was given a feel for what the level <strong>of</strong> academics might be<br />

like at a post-secondary institution.<br />

This is an excellent way for high school kids to earn credits while still attending near home and with peers.<br />

This program allows for unique opportunities for more challenge in high school. I believe it is important for kids<br />

who get bored with regular classes and beneficial for a college career.<br />

This program was by far the best opportunity I had in high school to prepare for college work, especially at a<br />

college like St. Olaf.<br />

This program will only be effective with good teachers in the high schools, something CIS has no control over.<br />

This was a fantastic program. It helped me prepare for college as well as allowed me to graduate early.<br />

This was a wonderful program for high school students to earn free college credits plus give them an advanced<br />

course while in high school, is very important and extremely worthwhile.<br />

This was such a great opportunity for me. It really helped me as well as my fellow classmates get a feel for a real<br />

college course. It helped to put things into perspective as they relate to the college experience.<br />

U <strong>of</strong> M's CIS program is excellent but needs to have a balanced conservative/liberal view point (classes tend to<br />

have a liberal viewpoint.)<br />

When compared to PSEO I enjoy CIS more because you did not need to leave the comfort <strong>of</strong> your high school<br />

and your friends to get college credit.<br />

When I reflect back to my college in the schools experience from high school, I now realize it was the best<br />

preparation I could have had to easy transition into the college lifestyle. I am so thankful for the resources it<br />

<strong>of</strong>fered me.<br />

CIS 5-year survey December <strong>2006</strong> Page 8 <strong>of</strong> 12


Comments<br />

With the right teacher, CIS can be challenging and helpful in preparing for college. I went to a public university so<br />

the credits transferred easily, but making sure they transfer to all schools would be helpful.<br />

CIS 5-year survey December <strong>2006</strong> Page 9 <strong>of</strong> 12


Language Studies<br />

56 students indicated that they had participated in a CIS language class:<br />

∙ 2 chinese<br />

∙ 22 French<br />

∙ 28 German<br />

∙ 1 Hebrew<br />

∙ 3 Spanish<br />

27% <strong>of</strong> the respondents that had participated in a CIS language class had completed or anticipated completing a<br />

major or minor in the language they had studied through CIS.<br />

∙ 8 French<br />

∙ 6 German<br />

∙ 1 Spanish<br />

Former CIS language students had used or anticipated using their foreign language skills in the following ways<br />

(respondents were able to select more than one choice)<br />

∙ 2 <strong>Graduate</strong> studies in the language (2 French)<br />

∙ 19 Study abroad (2 Chinese, 8 French, 8 German, 1 Spanish)<br />

∙ 12 Work abroad (1 Chinese, 8 French, 3 German)<br />

∙ 3 A teaching career in the foreign language (1 Chinese, 2 French)<br />

∙ 35 Travel (2 Chinese, 13 French, 19 German, 1 Spanish)<br />

∙ 19 By combining the language with work in business or a career for which the foreign language might be useful<br />

(9 French, 9 German, 1 Spanish)<br />

∙ 8 Double major (5 French, 3 German)<br />

∙ Other: Personal relationships/friendships; Peace Corps<br />

Impact <strong>of</strong> CIS language courses on choice <strong>of</strong> study or scholarship options<br />

90%--It made me want to be a German teacher. I even applied for the full-ride scholarship and took 2 more<br />

semesters <strong>of</strong> German in college and continue on learning languages--Danish!!<br />

Allowed me to explore the language more fully.<br />

CIS courses allowed me to enter college with a head start, enabling me to concentrate on fewer classes per<br />

semester, study abroad and still graduate early!<br />

CIS was better. I am teaching English in France. Only French I took was CIS.<br />

Did not affect it either way.<br />

Did not have any impact.<br />

Did not impact.<br />

Gave me an introduction to something I wanted to continue studying in college.<br />

I already wanted to study French but my extra credits from CIS made it easier to complete a double major with<br />

one major being French.<br />

I studied abroad in France due to my French language background. I used these and other French courses to<br />

complete a European Studies minor.<br />

I use German in my job today. The fact that I am pr<strong>of</strong>icient in the language helped me get the job.<br />

I was able to get French credits before arriving to college. This allowed me to spend a semester abroad and to<br />

double major.<br />

I was further along in German so I was able to start at a higher level and complete that major in less time so I was<br />

able to have a second major too and still graduate in 4 years<br />

I went into international studies. I understood Latin American people's needs and their culture.<br />

I would have liked to minor in French but my major was too demanding for a minor.<br />

CIS 5-year survey December <strong>2006</strong> Page 10 <strong>of</strong> 12


Impact <strong>of</strong> CIS language courses on choice <strong>of</strong> study or scholarship options<br />

Influenced me to study another language (Chinese)<br />

It allowed me to only need one more semester <strong>of</strong> language--and I chose to expand on German. The program<br />

helped strengthen my German skills. I did not receive any scholarships for German, nor was I <strong>of</strong>fered any.<br />

It allowed me to take classes that involved some information that I learned in U <strong>of</strong> M-CIS language courses. Gave<br />

me interest to take classes I wouldn't think <strong>of</strong> taking<br />

It didn't really.<br />

It didn't so much. I just liked the language and wanted to learn it while in high school.<br />

It didn't, it was just an opportunity to get ahead before I started college.<br />

It furthered my interest and advanced my language learning. Also helped me to learn more about that culture. It<br />

opened a door for me to look at a different culture other than the U.S.<br />

It gave me more freedom in class selection. I was exempted from having to take language courses and that<br />

allowed me to complete my double major in just 4 years.<br />

It prepared me for the pace and structure college courses require.<br />

Learning a second language is important. It helps broaden your perspective and helps overcome global<br />

isolationism. "Language shapes thought." and learning at least one additional language is a start.<br />

More scholarship options available.<br />

No impact<br />

No impact.<br />

Not much<br />

Not only did I learn another language, but I also learned part <strong>of</strong> a different culture which is important to my<br />

personal background and my pr<strong>of</strong>essional work today.<br />

The experience opened up more study abroad choices, but didn't apply to my general college study or<br />

scholarship options.<br />

Very strong impact. Increased my desire to continue learning (abroad) especially with starting position/advanced<br />

courses.<br />

Additional comments about CIS language studies<br />

Comments<br />

I enjoyed the challenge. My instructor was kind and very knowledgeable about her material.<br />

I work for Alliame - a German owned company. The experience opened doors for me to potentially work in<br />

Germany at some point in my career. I am unsure if I will ever do this.<br />

In my career as a fashion publicist in LA, I have many Parisian clients.<br />

It's wonderful!<br />

Thanks for allowing me to be a part <strong>of</strong> this research. I hope my children will have CIS opportunities <strong>of</strong>fered in their<br />

schools in the future.<br />

The course on the high school campus was outstanding (actually 2 courses). Both <strong>of</strong> my parents also taught<br />

German and they had the greatest respect for my hs German teacher.<br />

This was a great experience in high school!<br />

CIS 5-year survey December <strong>2006</strong> Page 11 <strong>of</strong> 12


NOTES for next 5-year survey:<br />

Consider <strong>of</strong>fering an incentive (respondents to the first 5-year survey were eligible to receive a $50 gift certificate<br />

from Barnes and Noble)<br />

Collect responses from juniors, too. There is no incentive for the juniors to return a blank survey. Ask<br />

respondents to indicate whether they were juniors or seniors in 200? at the end <strong>of</strong> the survey. Move other<br />

demographic questions to the end <strong>of</strong> the survey as well. Make the first question something interesting.<br />

Change the question about whether CIS played a significant role in preparing the student for college. Some<br />

students disagreed with the statement because they had only taken 1 CIS class and didn’t feel that it played a<br />

“significant” role in preparing them. Maybe this question should only be asked <strong>of</strong> students who took two or more<br />

CIS classes.<br />

Change the question about the impact <strong>of</strong> CIS language courses on choice <strong>of</strong> study. At least one person appears to<br />

have misinterpreted this and answered the question about the language courses they took after CIS.<br />

CIS 5-year survey December <strong>2006</strong> Page 12 <strong>of</strong> 12

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