Surveys at UC Santa Cruz

Institutional Research, Assessment, and Policy Studies (IRAPS) at UC Santa Cruz is actively engaged in conducting a strategic survey research program that includes participation in nationally-developed survey projects and the development and administration of locally-developed survey instruments.

These survey activities are part of the university's commitment to institutional effectiveness and improvement.

What's New in the 2023-2024 Academic Year?

• See the UC Santa Cruz Campus Surveys Calendar for a schedule of campus-wide student surveys.
• The University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES) will be held in Spring 2024, and is the largest campus-wide student survey for 2023-2024.

University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES)

A survey for all enrolled undergraduates, about a comprehensive set of topics including academics, student life, and future plans.

Every 2 years in Spring quarter (2022; next 2024)

• Data tables for the 2022 survey
• Program specific reports - students in the program
• Remote learning
• Advising
• Campus climate for diversity
• Student participation in research

A survey for recent UC Santa Cruz undergraduate degree recipients, about employment, graduate school plans, and career plans.

Every quarter

(Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer quarters)

• 2016-2021 Dashboard of Results which current students and recent graduates can use to help with major selection and career preparation

A survey for all enrolled graduate students about a comprehensive set of topics including academic training, research, teaching preparation, financial support, basic needs, well-being, and campus services. Part of the University of California Graduate Student Experience Survey (UCGSES).

Every 2 years in Spring quarter (2023; next 2025)

• Program specific reports - students in the program
• Financial security and support
• Teaching preparation
• Campus services

The UC Santa Cruz Doctoral Placement Survey is for doctoral students during the quarter of program completion.

Ongoing

• For campus units, by request at (surveys@ucsc.edu)

A series of surveys focusing on undergraduates' perceptions and attitudes of the environmental sustainbility movement on campus, sponsored by the People of Color Sustainability Collective.

Periodic (2016, 2019, 2022)

• Infographics of environmental concerns, community health, environmental justice, and definitions of sustainability

A survey of first-year and transfer students admitted to UC Santa Cruz, about students' college choice and experience with the admissions process.

Periodic (most recent 2023)

• For campus units, by request at (surveys@ucsc.edu)

A series of surveys that focused on students' experiences during remote learning (2020-2021).

Results include:

• Special reports and infographics on each topic

A survey of students, faculty, and staff about child care and dependent adult care needs, conducted in collaboration with the UC Santa Cruz Academic Senate's Child Care and Family Services Advisory Committee (2020).

A survey of all enrolled undergraduates about class availability, designed in collaboration with the UC Santa Cruz Student Union Assembly (2010-2017).

Queer Students of Color: Experiences and Engagement

A report based on survey research findings and recommendations for the improvement of visibility, inclusivity, and retention of queer students of color at UC Santa Cruz (2015).

A survey with research findings available at UC Office of the President's webpage (2014).

A survey of undergraduates, designed by the Higher Education Research Institute, that was part of the Diversity and Community Building Study at UC Santa Cruz (2011).