BYU-Hawaii alumni surveys show consistent results

BYU-Hawaii conducts a range of surveys to measure institutional effectiveness, including an annual one of graduating seniors and also a follow-up study among graduates to see how they're doing four years after graduation.

"There are lots of surveys, as many as 20." said William Neal —Assistant to President Eric B. Shumway for University assessment, planning and institutional research. "Out of our office Paul Freebairn and I work on four major ones a year, and there are also other smaller ones going on."

Neal

Neal explained the annual survey of graduating seniors is one of the major ones: It's online and as a graduation requirement, has a 100% return rate. "For example, we ask them to give us feedback on the kinds of services they receive here and their academic experiences. We ask second-language speakers how they use the language and how that can be improve. We also ask the seniors about leadership and their spirituality, and how they've grown here," Neal said.

He shared the following anonymous graduate comments from the latest survey:

What influenced your decision to stay and graduate from BYU-Hawaii?

"I was accepted and attended BYU-Provo directly after graduating from high school. I came over to BYU-Hawaii with the intention of visiting for spring [and] within two weeks I had a graduation plan and transferred all of my credits. I think the difference between those who stay to graduate and those who leave depends first on how serious they were about coming to BYU-Hawaii before their arrival; and second, upon the spirit. I just knew I was supposed to be here. It fit, and every time I hear of our school's founding, and the subsequent prophecy of what place it would take in the world...I feel a strong pounding in my heart, and I know I am part of that vision."

"I fell in love with BYU-Hawaii after my freshman year. I enjoyed the small class size and the ability to get to know the instructors. This makes a huge difference in the classroom. I felt like the teachers knew who I was: They really read my work and gave me quality feedback. there is also a special spirit here that does not exist anywhere else in the world. the people here are friendly and giving. This really allows people to feel comfortable and welcomed. I loved attending a school where the other students had the same values as I did and were excited to live their lives by the Gospel standards."

Describe how you feel about your educational experience at BYUH.

"I love BYU-Hawaii. This has been a life-changing experience. I feel like I gained a great deal of knowledge, but more importantly I have been able to learn about myself: Who I really am and what I want to be. I appreciate the fact that I attended a small university where I was able to build relationships with the faculty and staff."

"BYU-Hawaii has met my education expectations. I enjoyed each and every class as I had a great variety of teachers and teaching styles. I enjoyed the way teachers could tie in spirituality in their classes and inspire us to be better people. In short, I would not trade my BYU-Hawaii experience for anything."

Would you recommend BYU-Hawaii to a friend or relative? Why or why not?

"Yes, I would. I think it is a wonderful opportunity for anyone to gain great knowledge and experience the diversity that separates this school from any other. I knew this place isn't for everyone. the people/students here are choice spirits. I think those who are chosen to come here should not take it for granted. It is a great place to learn and grow."

"Yes, for academic and spiritual growth."

Explain how your experience at BYUH has helped to prepare you for further service/activity in the Church.

"It taught me that everyone is the same, no matter where you come from or what language you speak, we are all the same. I no longer notice colors and races first: I see people. I think that this is a teeny tiny bit how God looks on us. It brings a true love and appreciation for al men. Love is the heart of the gospel and the purpose of life."

"I've learned I can share true, unconditional love. You love people because they are songs and daughters of God. I've learned people from other countries are not different from me; they are truly my brothers and sisters. Our similarities outweigh our differences. I have been on the receiving end many times when people here have brought me in and literally would do anything to help me, even though I was a stranger and [there was] no promise that I was going to help them in return. That is what the Gospel requires of us. I think many people in the Church don't understand that. I have learned this and want to live this way. I hope I can teach that."

What change(s) would you make to improve?

"The use of technology has been my greatest weakness. We should prepare students well in this area before they get into their major classes. We should have more computer workshops."

"I wish more students were allowed to attend this campus. I understand why this would be difficult to accomplish, but perhaps more construction and expansion of the school will one day provide this opportunity."

Though the questions were stated differently, Neal found that many of the comments from the Class of 1999 alumni mirrored their more recent counterparts. For example, one describes his spiritual experiences as "quite extraordinary. My convictions about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon were gained while I was at BYU-Hawaii. I had undeniable experiences that make me so deeply believe that God is my Father in Heaven. He loves and cares for me very much, and He's always with me as long as I don't drive his spirit away. These experiences give me a confirmation that Jesus is the Christ and my redeemer. The spiritual foundation I built at BYUH helps me to get through adversity and temptation effectively."

Another commented: "I absolutely loved my wards, and my experience there prepared me for future work on a stake level and as a Gospel Doctrine teacher. The religion classes were awesome: I still quote my favorite religion teacher on a regular basis."

Asked about their educational experiences, one alum said: "My classes were engrossing, the faculty enriching (and still my friends), and I found great treasures of the mind at BYUH."

A number of alumni wrote that they met and married their spouses while at BYU-Hawaii. For example: "I met and married my husband. I learned who to love and give freely from the Polynesians. I learned how to find joy and keep going from the Africans. I learned how to be peaceful from the Asians. I learned how to live in a diverse place and be accepting of different cultures and beliefs and still know my place in it all."

Another said of her growth: "I value my beliefs so much more now that I am away from BYU-Hawaii. Living in the real world has definitely been an eye opener and amazing experience. I still cannot believe how ugly people can be. I'm constantly reminding my self that everyone is different and I respect that. Attending BYUH helped me to prepare myself to work and live with people from all walks of life."

And another: "I learned to be an independent and a fully functioning member of society. It was at BYU-Hawaii where I gained confidence in myself, learned to live on my own, and learned to solve problems. I learned to work hard at home and that carried over into my schooling. At school I learned how to interact with people and how to analyze situations. I learned how to have deeper friendships. I learned how to look deeper into people and situations, to see why I do certain things or why others do. This paragraph doesn't do justice to the intellectual and spiritual learning that came to me at BYU-Hawaii. I don't know if I could do justice if I tried."

Among both groups, Neal pointed out that the majority of graduates consistently gave high marks to campus spiritual life and the PCC work experience, while "security and job placement rank the lowest, by far. We also know we need to do a better job on what students will do after graduation. We've seen a clear need from the students to provide more opportunity," he said.

"A year ago we had a special meeting to address customer service, where we recognize we have areas to improve; but a lot of students say they have already seen improvements," Neal continued, adding that the University has also recently employed Kim Austin as the new director of career services: "She will bring new direction and focus to this area, including assisting with placement and internships." A future issue of the e-Newsletter will feature an interview with Austin.

Neal also indicated that a lot of the four-year graduate alumni were "experiencing success in graduate school, and a high percentage of them are working in the areas in which they were trained."

"The thing that's been surprising to Paul [Freebairn] and I is how consistent the results are over the years," he said, noting that President Shumway reads every one of them. "And more importantly, you can still see the love, and that the experience was academically and spiritually beneficial."

 

December graduation:
Elder Russell M. Nelson of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be the main commencement speaker on December 13. The graduation banquet is set for the preceding Thursday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m. in the Cannon Activities Center. There is a $15 charge. Tickets are available from the Alumni office.

BYU-Hawaii sports reports

Sungkyunkwan U.'s disciplined play and dead-eye three-pointers gave BYU-Hawaii a good game. — Photos by Monique Saenz

BYU-Hawaii wins the 2nd annual Asia-Pacific Basketball Classic:
The BYU-Hawaii men's basketball team started their pre-season with the 2nd annual Asia-Pacific Basketball Classic in the Cannon Activities Center on November 14-15.

This year's match-up included Sungkyunkwan University from Seoul, Korea, and Team Samoa from the South Pacific. Cross-island rivals Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade University stepped in to play the round-robin format tournament when another team from Shanghai that was supposed to play couldn't make it.

The most exciting moments of the invitational tournament came in the second game of the first night, when Sungkyunkwan took a 43-39 lead at half-time. The Korean team, supported by enthusiastic Korean Club members in the bleachers, couldn't match the 44 rebounds the Seasiders pulled down, or their blistering 71 percent shooting in the second half; but they yielded only six turnovers, compared with the Siders' 13, while their top scorer nailed five three-pointers to keep the score close. When the final buzzer sounded, however, the Seasider won, 96-89.

The next night the Seasiders demolished Team Samoa, 100-50, although it was fun to watch assistant coach Brandyn Akana ('99, Exercise and Sports Science) play again. Yes, he's still got game.

"Our first tournament last year, as well as this year's was a huge success in bringing together international teams for exciting basketball and friendship," said BYU-Hawaii athletic director and men's basketball head coach Ken Wagner. "We really look forward to this annual event."

Members of the BYU-Hawaii Korean Club cheer on their countrymen in the Asia-Pacific Classic.

The Seasiders use the Asia-Pacific tournament as their two official pre-season games allowed under NCAA Division II rules.

The day before the tournament started, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle personally welcomed the visiting team members to Hawaii and praised BYU-Hawaii for developing the tournament and international relationships. "It gives me great pleasure to commend BYU-Hawaii for sponsoring a tournament of this caliber in our islands and furthering the goals of building academic and athletic relationships with our international neighbors from around the Pacific rim," she said.

The invitational tournament is co-sponsored by the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Women’s volleyball comes to an unexpected end:
The defending national champion BYU-Hawaii women's volleyball team, who were on track to dominate the national tournament again this year, shocked fans and media on November 14 when they announced they had learned one of the team members was ineligible according to NCAA Division II rules.

As a result, the Seasider Ladies forfeited nine of the Pacific West Conference games, the Pac West championship they had already won, and their automatic berth in the NCAA II regional tournament. Consequently, HPU, who the Seasiders had defeated three times, went on to the Pacific Region tournament, where they were ousted in the second round.

The ineligible player, whose name was withheld for privacy reasons, had apparently been registered at another university for one day, but did not attend classes, before transferring to BYU-Hawaii. According to NCAA rules, she should have served a transfer year in residence before playing.

"We regret this situation and we are doing everything we can to cooperate with the NCAA regarding this unfortunate occurrence," said BYU-Hawaii athletic director Ken Wagner. "BYU-Hawaii is committed to the NCAA and to following all NCAA rules and guidelines."

Following the forfeiture, the Lady Siders won their final game of the season, beating HPU again.

In other women's volleyball news, outside hitter Yu Chuan Weng received Pacific West Conference All-Academic honors for carrying a 3.26 GPA in exercise and sports science. Weng is a sophomore from Hsinchu, Taiwan, and a First-Team All-American for last year's national champion Seasiders.

In the week prior to the surprising announcement, league coached picked sophomore middle blocker Chun Yi Lin as their unanimous choice as Pacific West Conference Player of the Year. The Seasiders' senior middle blocker/outside hitter Ashley Moeai joined Lin on the All-Conference First Team, while Yu and junior setter Kaala Lo both were named to the All-Conference Second Team.

The men's basketball team almost beats UH:
In their first match-up since 1982, the BYU-Hawaii men's basketball team used up their first official NCAA season game for the valiant chance to play the University of Hawaii Division I Rainbow Warriors on November 17 at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu.

The Seasiders fought a hard battle and surprised the Warriors with a half-time lead of 33-25, but in the end the score stood at 63-56. The Warriors dominated the boards, grabbing 34 rebounds to the Seasiders' 24, and they shot 15 of 24 from the free throw line, while BYU-Hawaii put up 5 for 9.

Cross Country:
Cross country runner Chelsea Smith claimed BYU-Hawaii's first NCAA II individual championship when she took first place in the women's Cross Country National Championship meet in Raleigh, North Carolina, on November 22. She finished the 6-kilometer course in 20:33, setting a BYU-Hawaii record, and came in an amazing 25 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher.

"Chelsea worked very hard this year and she deserved to win the championship," BYU-Hawaii coach Norm Kaluhiokalani ('69, Physical Education) told the media.

In other BYU-Hawaii sports news:

Men’s water polo:
The BYU-Hawaii men's water polo completed a winning season on November 22 in Redlands, California, by defeating UC Santa Cruz, 12-9 in the Western Water Polo Association regional tournament. Over the course of the season, the Seasiders accumulated a 15-7 record and finished the regionals in fifth place. The team also ranked 14th nationally.

For more news of BYU-Hawaii athletics...