UF wants to know how students really feel and its willing to shell out $500 cash prizes for insight about the university.
On Monday, UF President Kent Fuchs emailed students the Student Experience in the Research University survey, released every two years. Of those who take the survey, an unknown number of them will win the cash prize.
Noelle Mecoli, the Office of Institutional Planning and Research’s associate director, said it helps UF know how undergraduates feel about the university.
“One of the good examples that came out is Newell Hall,” Mecoli said. “Over 50 percent of the students said they needed additional study space, and so as a direct result of that Newell Hall was built.”
She said questions ask students about inclusivity, academics and how they feel on campus. About 25 percent of participants will receive questions specific to UF departments, like the Career Resource Center and Student Affairs.
More than 500 people took the survey Monday, Mecoli said. She expects 12,000 total to complete the survey, which closes April 20.
The last survey had a 31-percent response rate, she said. Mecoli said students selected have received technology such as iPads in the past, but this year UF is awarding cash prizes from $100 to $500 as a larger incentive.
Aaron Aguila, a 21-year-old UF wildlife ecology and conservation junior, said the cash prizes motivate him more than other prizes to complete the survey.
“I feel like also with each year there’s a new model for tech,” he said. “Money is just more versatile.”
Contact Romy Ellenbogen at rellenbogen@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @romyellenbogen
