SUNY Student Satisfaction Survey (SSS)

Last Administration: Fall 2024
Next Planned Administration: Fall 2026

About the Student Satisfaction Survey

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is committed to regularly assessing the experiences and perceptions of our students and using student feedback to strengthen programs, services, and the overall student experience.

The SUNY Student Satisfaction Survey (SSS), formerly the SUNY Student Opinion Survey (SOS), is a SUNY-wide assessment designed to gather student perceptions of their educational experience, campus services and facilities, student life, and campus climate. SUNY administers the survey regularly, at least once every two to three years. Because Downstate is a specialized academic health sciences university whose students are primarily enrolled in graduate and professional programs, Downstate uses a modified version of the SUNY survey that includes questions relevant to our student population and educational environment.

Methodology

The SSS was successfully distributed to 2,240 out of 2,253 active students in October 2024 using individualized Qualtrics survey links sent to their Downstate emails. Participation was voluntary and confidential. The survey, which included mainly multiple-choice and one open-ended question, utilized a Likert Scale of 1 to 5, except for two questions that used a scale of 1 to 4. Responses from the 2023 survey were used to provide comparison to the 2024 responses. Changes in average point values or percentages between the 2023 and 2024 administrations are reported as the change (Δ). Data were analyzed using SPSS and reported using Microsoft Office Suite.

2023 and 2024 Survey Results

Downstate administered its modified Student Satisfaction Survey in Fall 2023 and again in Fall 2024. The 2024 survey was distributed electronically to 2,240 active students using individualized Qualtrics links sent to their Downstate email accounts. Participation was voluntary and confidential. Responses were compared with the 2023 administration to identify changes and trends in student perceptions.

The survey examined six broad areas: General University Satisfaction; Student Life; Academic Services and Environment; University Services and Facilities; Distance Learning; and Campus Climate.

Using Student Feedback

Survey results are reviewed and considered as part of Downstate's broader institutional assessment and continuous improvement processes. Results are shared and discussed with University leadership, academic deans, faculty and student governance bodies, and appropriate advisory committees so that those responsible for relevant programs, services, policies, and procedures can consider student feedback in planning and decision-making.

Downstate administers the Student Satisfaction Survey on a regular basis consistent with SUNY's survey cycle. The next Downstate administration will occur in Fall 2026. Repeated administration allows the University to monitor changes in student perceptions, assess areas in which improvements have been made, and identify areas requiring additional attention.

Overall Student Satisfaction

Results reflected generally positive student perceptions of Downstate, with improvement across each of the broad overall-satisfaction measures.