Highlights
of Student Orientation Survey
Northern’s
natural environment, cost, and proximity to home are the three most
important factors that led new students to choose NMU, according
to the 2003 orientation survey. While these factors have consistently
topped the list over the past five years, there have been two noticeable
shifts in how much influence they exert on students. For example,
11 percent of new students surveyed this year cited “close to home”
as an important factor. But back in 1998, that figure exceeded 30
percent.
Moving
in the opposite direction is the issue of cost. The percentage who
indicated cost was important in the selection process increased
from about 9 percent in 1998 to more than 15 percent this year.
Students had an opportunity to select up to three factors that weighed
in their decision. When asked specifically if Northern’s rank as
one of the lowest in the state for tuition and room and board rates
was important, about 74 percent either agreed or strongly agreed.
Survey
results reveal that new students this year were more likely to first
learn about Northern through friends, parents or high school counselors
than other sources. While these same people have some influence
on their decision to attend NMU, the campus visit is becoming increasingly
important in the selection process. When asked which skills students
thought they could use help developing, writing papers was the frontrunner,
followed by taking notes and managing time.
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