National surveys
The surveys unit manages a number of nationally based surveys
Australian Graduate Survey (AGS)
Australian Graduate Survey is administered to graduates approximately four months following the completion of their course. There are three distinct components of the AGS:
- Graduate Destination Survey (GDS) - looks at what type of work, further study and other activities graduates are involved in, post their initial studies;
- Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) - explores graduates' perceptions on their course and teaching staff; and
- Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire (PREQ) - seeks feedback from research postgraduates' on their experience in their higher degree course.
The AGS is nationally coordinated by Graduate Careers Australia (GCA). Survey Services manages the ECU campaign; codes responses from graduates and organizes the final submission of ECU's data set.
Australian University Student Survey of Engagement (AUSSE)
ECU has participated in the AUSSE since 2009. The majority of Australian and New Zealand universities also participate in this survey. The AUSSE attempts to gauge the extent to which students are involved in 'engaged' behaviour promoting positive learning outcomes. (Note: despite some overlap, this is not the same as ECU's own particular brand of mutually beneficial community Engagement.)
University Experience Survey
As part of the Commonwealth Government's performance-based funding mechanism, universities will be soon be required to participate in this new survey. At the time of writing, this is still under development, but is likely to be rolled out in 2012.
Sustainable Research Excellence (SRE) Survey for DIISR – survey of academic activities/hours
In 2010 and 2011 Commonwealth Government required all universities to survey research staff to assess the proportion of their working time spent on research in relation to other activities. This was part of an exercise in allocating additional funding towards the indirect costs of research.
Beyond Graduation Survey (BGS)
The BGS can be seen as an extension of the AGS, where students surveyed upon completion of their courses are then followed up 3 and then 5 years afterwards and asked similar questions about their employment status, further study outcomes, and perceptions of their ECU course.