S ome questions were open ended. Issues about which students offered the most positive comments included the Brown curriculum, campus environment, and freedom and responsibility. On the other hand, food services, housing, advising, facilities and a sense of community on campus are most in need of change, according to their comments. At the same time, many students suggest that one of the things most in need of change is the sense of community on campus, the need for a greater degree of school spirit. That more than 85 percent of respondents took the time to write additional comments after completing the survey came as a pleasant surprise, said Kay Lewis, director of the Office of Institutional Research.
Seniors are significantly higher than freshmen on every item.
T he report has been shared with the sponsoring offices and other senior officers, and will be shared with Janina Montero, the incoming vice president for campus life and student services, said Lewis. The survey was designed by the Consortium on Financing Higher Education, which tallied the data and returned it to Brown earlier this fall. All responses were kept confidential. Beginning the week of Oct. 8, the Office of Institutional Research will launch a graduate student survey sponsored by President Gee and Peder Estrup, dean of the Graduate School. It will be mailed to every active graduate student.