Florida Leader's Annual Statewide Opinion Survey

     This summer, Florida Leader conducted the second annual "What Florida Students Think" statewide survey of student opinion. Florida Leader surveyed campus leaders for their thoughts on critical issues facing students and the state. As of press time in early September 1998, 257 students had participated, representing 59 colleges and universities. Students from nine of 11 state universities are included, as are students from 26 of 28 community colleges and 22 of 39 private colleges and universities.
     The completed surveys were tabulated by Perceptive Market Research, Inc. in Gainesville.
     Who Are You? The survey respondents are some of Florida’s top campus leaders, including 25 student body presidents and 94 other student government officers and members. Many others are deeply involved in Phi Theta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, fraternities and sororities, orientation and ambassador programs, or as resident assistants. Nearly all of the campus leaders surveyed juggle numerous leadership roles while working and attending class.
     Academic Matters. The average Grade Point Average is 3.01, with 35 percent maintaining a 3.75 or higher. Seven percent have perfect 4.0 GPAs.
     How Old Are You? Florida’s most visible campus leaders still are traditional-aged students, which explains the 71 percent of respondents who are 24 and younger. In the 1997 survey, 74% were under 24. Twenty percent report being over 30, with the oldest at age 56.
     Diverse Students. Florida’s campus leaders remain as diverse as the Sunshine State’s continually growing population. While 59 percent call themselves white/caucasian, 13% identify themselves as African American/black, and 13% say they’re Hispanic. Two percent are Asian.
     Going Grad. Seventy-nine percent say they’ll pursue advanced degrees, with 34% planning to enroll in MBA programs, 9% in medicine, and 8% in law. Of these high achievers, 45% plan to stay in Florida to attend graduate school, while 34% still are undecided.
     A Matter of Faith. Florida’s campus leaders have a spiritual side, with 84 percent acknowledging a religious affiliation. Of the major denominations represented, 29% are Catholic, 17% are Baptist, and 4% are Jewish.
    Staying Put. Worries about a "brain drain"—grads leaving the state to work elsewhere—seem premature, as 43 percent of the respondents plan to live and work here after graduation. Eleven percent say that’s because they have family here, and 10% say it will depend on their job offers and opportunities. Only 15 percent definitely will be saying "sayonara" after graduation.
     Deciding on College. Twenty-eight percent rated location as the number-one reason for picking their school, with affordability next at 22%. An institution’s overall reputation (14%) and selection of majors offered (13%) were next important.
     Who Feels Safe? Florida collegians are convinced their schools already are taking the necessary steps to protect them, as an overwhelming 98 percent say they feel safe on campus. "We have 24-hour security," says Lindsay Moyer, SGA vice president at Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, "and I know almost everyone since it’s a small school." At the University of South Florida, SG Comptroller David Armstrong says students get their peers involved in providing for their safety. "USF has several excellent programs to deter crime, such as the SAFE Team," Armstrong says.
     At the University of Tampa, Diplomats President Samantha Swann says having safety conventions, a Laser Team, and campus security officers reassure her. Even when students know there are crimes on campus or nearby, some still don’t fear becoming a victim. "Although it’s urban and there is some crime, I believe God takes care of me," says Natalie Kirk, an admissions counselor at Palm Beach Atlantic College.
     What’s Your Problem? Apathy again appears to be the biggest headache on campuses across Florida, but college leaders may be making some headway. While 28 percent say they constantly struggle to get students involved, that’s down from the 32% in 1997 who said apathy was their toughest challenge. The next most bothersome problem is finding a parking spot (18%). Other campus troubles include the cost of college (13%) and course availability and variety (9%).
     We’re Concerned. About 34 percent worry most about their finances and how they’re going to pay for school. Studying also causes some tension, not to mention lost sleep, as 18% of students surveyed say they’re stressed about their grades.

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