Result Summary for Survey:EECS Graduate Student Survey 2009

EECS Graduate Student Survey 2009

1. Which side of the department do you work on?
	answered question		214
	skipped question		0
		Response Percent	Response Count
EE		54.7%	117
CS		45.3%	97
Other (please specify)		0.0%	0

2. What is your gender?
	answered question		214
	skipped question		0
		Response Percent	Response Count
Male		83.2%	178
Female		15.9%	34
Do not wish to answer		0.9%	2

3. What year are you in grad school (as of Fall 2009)?
	answered question		213
	skipped question		1
		Response Percent	Response Count
1		17.4%	37
2		30.5%	65
3		20.2%	43
4		9.9%	21
5		11.7%	25
6		7.5%	16
7+		2.8%	6

4. Are you an international student?
	answered question		214
	skipped question		0
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		38.3%	82
No		61.7%	132

5. What was your undergraduate institution?
	answered question	192
	skipped question	22
		Response Count
view		192

6. Are you on an M.S. or Ph.D. degree track?
	answered question		214
	skipped question		0
		Response Percent	Response Count
5 Year Masters program		2.8%	6
MS (separate program to Bachelors)		0.9%	2
PhD		95.3%	204
Undecided		0.9%	2

7. Did you apply for the Ph.D. track when you first applied to UC Berkeley for graduate school?
	answered question		9
	skipped question		205
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		11.1%	1
No		44.4%	4
Not applicable, I am in the 5 Year Masters Program		44.4%	4

8. What made you choose the M.S. track?
	answered question		7
	skipped question		207
		Response Percent	Response Count
Only accepted in MS program		14.3%	1
Did not pass the prelim/did not want to take the prelim		14.3%	1
Felt Ph.D. track takes too long		14.3%	1
Prefer working instead of school		14.3%	1
My career goals do not require a Ph.D.		42.9%	3
Did not get along with advisor		0.0%	0
Other (please specify)		0.0%	0

9. Do you currently have a research advisor?
	answered question		210
	skipped question		4
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		90.5%	190
No		9.5%	20

10. Do you feel like you have options when you disagree with a decision about you by your professor or the department?
	answered question		210
	skipped question		4
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes, I always feel like I have someone to go to		19.5%	41
Sometimes		23.8%	50
No, I feel I usually do not have a chance to appeal when I don't like a decision		11.4%	24
N/A (This has never been an issue for me)		45.2%	95
viewComments?			12

11. How easy was it to secure an adviser? (1=easy, 5=hard)
	answered question		185
	skipped question		29
		Response Percent	Response Count
1		37.8%	70
2		18.9%	35
3		23.8%	44
4		13.0%	24
5		6.5%	12

12. What difficulties (if any) were the most salient during your search for an advisor? (Check all that apply)
	answered question		140
	skipped question		74
		Response Percent	Response Count
Not knowing the protocol for introducing yourself to a potential advisor		50.7%	71
Difficult to arrange a meeting with a potential advisor		12.9%	18
More students in your area than available advisors		25.7%	36
Few potential advisors in your area		27.9%	39
Your own research interests were not clear		60.7%	85
No potential advisors with funding for you		10.0%	14
Wanting to work with someone outside the department		6.4%	9
No time pressure from the department to push you to find a professor		7.1%	10
Lack of a structure, i.e. rotations in different research labs		35.7%	50
viewOther (please specify)		6.4%	9

13. How often do you meet with your adviser one-on-one?
	answered question		183
	skipped question		31
		Response Percent	Response Count
Rarely		10.9%	20
Monthly		14.8%	27
Twice a month		14.2%	26
Weekly		52.5%	96
Twice a week		4.4%	8
3+ times a week		3.3%	6

14. Does your advisor give you the right amount of guidance regarding what to work on?
	answered question		184
	skipped question		30
		Response Percent	Response Count
Not enough		21.7%	40
Just right		75.0%	138
Too much		3.3%	6

15. Were you a GSI this past semester? (Spring/Summer 2009)
	answered question		203
	skipped question		11
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		9.9%	20
No		90.1%	183

16. Were you getting the GSI stipend supplement (i.e. being paid at the same rate as a GSR)?
	answered question		198
	skipped question		16
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		5.6%	11
No		27.3%	54
N/A		67.2%	133
viewFurther comments			7

17. Are you supported by a fellowship this semester?
	answered question		200
	skipped question		14
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		32.0%	64
No		68.0%	136

18. Do you perceive any inequality between students who are on fellowship and those supported by GSI/GSR?
	answered question		196
	skipped question		18
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		25.5%	50
No		74.5%	146
viewIf yes, please elaborate			41

19. Have you been unable to attend a major conference due to lack of funding?
	answered question		192
	skipped question		22
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes, but only conferences in which I had nothing to present		12.0%	23
Yes, including conferences in which I had a paper to present		2.6%	5
No, I have had sufficient funding		85.4%	164

20. Do you know that EECS Departmental funding is available for conference attendance for post-qual students?
	answered question		200
	skipped question		14
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		24.0%	48
No		76.0%	152

21. Further comments on funding
	answered question	14
	skipped question	200
		Response Count
view		14

22. Were you a first year student in 2008-2009?
	answered question		204
	skipped question		10
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		30.9%	63
No		69.1%	141

23. Did you attend visit day?
	answered question		60
	skipped question		154
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		56.7%	34
No		43.3%	26

24. Rate how each of the following factors impacted your decision to come to UC Berkeley
	answered question					59
	skipped question					155
	Negative impact	Little/no impact	Positive impact	Large positive impact	Rating Average	Response Count
Visit day	3.7% (2)	35.2% (19)	29.6% (16)	31.5% (17)	2.89	54
Financial Offer	12.3% (7)	22.8% (13)	36.8% (21)	28.1% (16)	2.81	57
US News/other ranking	0.0% (0)	15.3% (9)	40.7% (24)	44.1% (26)	3.29	59
Reputation	0.0% (0)	1.7% (1)	33.9% (20)	64.4% (38)	3.63	59
Faculty	0.0% (0)	1.7% (1)	25.4% (15)	72.9% (43)	3.71	59
Research topics available	1.7% (1)	5.1% (3)	37.3% (22)	55.9% (33)	3.47	59
Lab facilities	6.9% (4)	34.5% (20)	34.5% (20)	24.1% (14)	2.76	58
Grad student environment	1.8% (1)	31.6% (18)	38.6% (22)	28.1% (16)	2.93	57
viewOther (please specify)						6

25. How much of an impact did the following portions of visit day have on your decision to come to Berkeley?
	answered question					56
	skipped question					158
	Did not go	Negative impact	Little/no impact	Small impact	Large impact	Response Count
Academic Portion	30.4% (17)	0.0% (0)	8.9% (5)	25.0% (14)	35.7% (20)	56
Social Portion	30.4% (17)	0.0% (0)	19.6% (11)	25.0% (14)	25.0% (14)	56
WICSE Event	75.0% (42)	0.0% (0)	21.4% (12)	3.6% (2)	0.0% (0)	56
Swag/jackets	32.7% (18)	1.8% (1)	47.3% (26)	10.9% (6)	7.3% (4)	55

26. Did you attend the WICSE event?
	answered question		58
	skipped question		156
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		6.9%	4
No		55.2%	32
Not Applicable		37.9%	22

27. If you did not attend the WICSE event, what was the reason?
	answered question		52
	skipped question		162
		Response Percent	Response Count
Wasn�t aware that WICSE was holding an event		5.8%	3
The timing of the event was inconvenient		5.8%	3
Wasn�t interested in attending		5.8%	3
Not applicable / Not female		80.8%	42
Do not wish to answer		1.9%	1

28. Did you feel that you had ample opportunity to meet with faculty?
	answered question		58
	skipped question		156
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		81.0%	47
No		19.0%	11

29. Did you feel able to connect with enough current students with similar interests?
	answered question		58
	skipped question		156
	Yes	No	Response Count
Academic/Research	75.9% (44)	24.1% (14)	58
Social	72.4% (42)	27.6% (16)	58
Other (please specify)			0

30. Did you have a peer advisor/big sibling?
	answered question		58
	skipped question		156
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		53.4%	31
No		39.7%	23
Not applicable		6.9%	4

31. Was your peer advising experience positive?
	answered question		58
	skipped question		156
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		44.8%	26
No		10.3%	6
Not applicable		44.8%	26
viewOther comments			3

32. Please enter any suggestions you have about improving visit day. (e.g. ideas from other visit days you attended, things you did not like)
	answered question	7
	skipped question	207
		Response Count
view		7

33. Did you use your department-assigned desk when you first arrived?
	answered question		60
	skipped question		154
		Response Percent	Response Count
All the time		46.7%	28
Sometimes		18.3%	11
Never		13.3%	8
Was not assigned		0.0%	0
Already in research group when arrived		21.7%	13
viewIf never, why not?			4

34. If there were an office specifically for first years, would you be likely to use it?
	answered question		59
	skipped question		155
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		62.7%	37
No		37.3%	22

35. What sector are you planning to enter after graduation?
	answered question		198
	skipped question		16
		Response Percent	Response Count
Startup		6.6%	13
Industry (Engineering)		25.8%	51
Business (consulting, finance, etc.)		2.5%	5
Academia		20.2%	40
Undecided between academia & industry		40.9%	81
I do not wish to answer		2.0%	4
viewOther (please specify)		2.0%	4

36. Have you interned since coming to Berkeley?
	answered question		196
	skipped question		18
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		39.3%	77
No		60.7%	119

37. If you were looking for an internship, what do you feel would help you get the position?
	answered question		185
	skipped question		29
		Response Percent	Response Count
I would like my advisor to put me in touch with more contacts		60.0%	111
I would like more grad student-specific infosessions		41.6%	77
A workshop on application and interview techniques		23.2%	43
I feel I have everything I need already		28.1%	52
viewOther (please specify)		1.1%	2

38. Would you like a report/email to be regularly sent to you on anonymous salaries for internships? (similar to the full-time salaries from the exit survey)
	answered question		197
	skipped question		17
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		75.1%	148
No		4.6%	9
Indifferent		20.3%	40

39. Do you feel adequately informed about the full-time job application process and available jobs in your area?
	answered question		196
	skipped question		18
		Response Percent	Response Count
I know nothing		22.4%	44
I know a little but would like to know more		56.1%	110
I know just about enough		18.4%	36
I am very informed		3.1%	6

40. Which of the following organized assistance programs would be helpful to you in finding a full time job?
	answered question		169
	skipped question		45
		Response Percent	Response Count
Academic job talk practice		56.2%	95
Industry job talk practice		68.0%	115
Practice with one-on-one faculty interviews		49.7%	84
Workshop on what to expect in applying for full-time work e.g. applications, interviews, negotiations		72.2%	122
viewOther (please specify)		1.8%	3

41. How did you apply for the internship
	answered question		75
	skipped question		139
		Response Percent	Response Count
My advisor put me in touch with a contact at the company		37.3%	28
Another grad student put me in touch with a contact at the company		8.0%	6
I applied through the standard channels, without using a contact		26.7%	20
I had an inside contact or prior relationship with the company		24.0%	18
viewOther (please specify)		4.0%	3

42. Did you try to negotiate the salary or benefits of the offer?
	answered question		74
	skipped question		140
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		10.8%	8
No		89.2%	66

43. What was your total pre-tax salary, including relocation? Check the higher valued range if exactly on the border.
	answered question		75
	skipped question		139
		Response Percent	Response Count
$0-20 hourly ($0-3480 monthly)		5.3%	4
$20-25 hourly ($3480-4350 monthly)		10.7%	8
$25-30 hourly ($4350-5220 monthly)		12.0%	9
$30-35 hourly ($5220-6090 monthly)		16.0%	12
$35-40 hourly ($6090-6960 monthly)		24.0%	18
$40-45 hourly ($6960-7830 monthly)		13.3%	10
$45-50 hourly ($7830-8700 monthly)		9.3%	7
$50+ hourly ($8700+ monthly)		0.0%	0
Do not wish to answer		9.3%	7

44. Do you think there are enough graduate classes offered that interest you?
	answered question		190
	skipped question		24
	Yes	No	Response Count
Fall	62.1% (118)	37.9% (72)	190
Spring	78.5% (142)	21.5% (39)	181

45. What do you think of the department's new course requirements? (12 hours in major, 6 hours inside minor, 6 hours outside minor)
	answered question		192
	skipped question		22
		Response Percent	Response Count
Too many still		12.5%	24
Right amount		69.8%	134
Too few		17.7%	34

46. Would you like more guidance on inside/outside minors (ie examples)?
	answered question		193
	skipped question		21
		Response Percent	Response Count
No, I have a clear idea		34.2%	66
Maybe, I am not 100% positive it will be approved		25.9%	50
Yes, more guidance from the department would be good		39.9%	77
viewComments?			19

47. What courses have/had scheduling time conflicts that you would have taken in the same semester if possible?
	answered question	30
	skipped question	184
		Response Count
view		30

48. What kind of classes would you like to see the department offer (that it does not currently offer)?
	answered question	49
	skipped question	165
		Response Count
view		49

49. Are you involved in a collaborative research center or lab (e.g. RAD Lab, PAR Lab, BWRC, ICSI, Wireless Foundation, DOP Center)?
	answered question		188
	skipped question		26
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		50.0%	94
No		50.0%	94

50. Do you think collaborative research centers or large labs: (Check all that apply)
	answered question		167
	skipped question		47
		Response Percent	Response Count
Strengthen research groups		72.5%	121
Provide better collaboration		73.7%	123
Negatively divide the Department		18.6%	31
Negatively impact common space (e.g. meeting rooms) and office density outside such labs		15.6%	26
Should be actively considered as the "standard" throughout the Department		23.4%	39
Have no substantial impact on the Department		9.6%	16
Promote a better sense of Departmental identity		21.0%	35

51. Many students want access to various research centers or labs. How relevant, would you say, are each of the following reasons for wanting this access?
	answered question			181
	skipped question			33
	Irrelevant	Somewhat relevant	Very relevant	Response Count
Co-location with students & Faculty in your area	2.8% (5)	38.5% (69)	58.7% (105)	179
Access to low-density common lounge space	19.7% (35)	55.1% (98)	25.3% (45)	178
Access to well-equipped meeting rooms	6.3% (11)	51.1% (90)	42.6% (75)	176
Access to free drinks (e.g. soda, juice, coffee)	28.1% (50)	47.2% (84)	24.7% (44)	178
Access to game console systems or TV	61.5% (107)	29.3% (51)	9.2% (16)	174

52. Do you think access to research centers other than your own would foster collaboration/interaction between graduate students?
	answered question		182
	skipped question		32
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		81.3%	148
No		18.7%	34

53. How often do you use the desk provided to you by the department?
	answered question		189
	skipped question		25
		Response Percent	Response Count
Never		3.2%	6
Sometimes		10.1%	19
Often		11.1%	21
Almost every day		70.9%	134
I do not have a desk		4.8%	9

54. If you do not often use your desk, would you be willing to share it with another graduate student?
	answered question		162
	skipped question		52
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		13.0%	21
No		59.3%	96
Depends on the time sharing arrangement		27.8%	45

55. Are you moving to the CITRIS Building?
	answered question		189
	skipped question		25
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		14.8%	28
No/Don't think so		85.2%	161

56. How happy are you about moving to the new building?
	answered question		29
	skipped question		185
		Response Percent	Response Count
Very Unhappy		6.9%	2
Somwhat Unhappy		17.2%	5
Neutral		24.1%	7
Somewhat Happy		24.1%	7
Very Happy		27.6%	8

57. Are you happy with moving into large cubicle space (rather than offices) as offered by the CITRIS Building?
	answered question		29
	skipped question		185
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		31.0%	9
No		44.8%	13
Don't Know		24.1%	7

58. Do you think that being mixed with students and faculty from other departments and areas will help foster collaboration?
	answered question		29
	skipped question		185
		Response Percent	Response Count
Not at all		13.8%	4
Somewhat, but not a lot		48.3%	14
A decent amount		20.7%	6
Very much		17.2%	5

59. Any other comments about the move to the new CITRIS Building?
	answered question	10
	skipped question	204
		Response Count
view		10

60. Have you been affected by EECS email outages in the past year?
	answered question		187
	skipped question		27
		Response Percent	Response Count
No		40.1%	75
Somewhat		47.1%	88
Greatly		11.8%	22
Severely enough that I now use another email account		1.1%	2

61. If the department provided free email forwarding after graduation, would you use it?
	answered question		188
	skipped question		26
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes, but I only need it for a year or two		30.9%	58
Yes, and I need it indefinitely		62.8%	118
No		3.7%	7
viewOther (please specify)		2.7%	5

62. What type of printer access do you have?
	answered question		181
	skipped question		33
		Response Percent	Response Count
My group has a printer		85.1%	154
Instructional account		8.3%	15
I don't have access to a printer		6.6%	12

63. How do you make copies?
	answered question		186
	skipped question		28
		Response Percent	Response Count
My group has a copier		23.7%	44
Copy card		31.2%	58
Reimbursed by advisor		3.2%	6
Out of my pocket		17.2%	32
Never make copies		24.7%	46

64. Would you like the department to offer copy/print card privileges?
	answered question		184
	skipped question		30
		Response Percent	Response Count
No need, my group is fine		19.0%	35
Only for first year students without group access		9.2%	17
Yes, we should all have access to a department copier		20.7%	38
Yes, we should all have access to a department copier and printer		51.1%	94

65. Further comments on IT resources
	answered question	23
	skipped question	191
		Response Count
view		23

66. What do you recommend is the best time to finish your GSI requirement?
	answered question		163
	skipped question		51
		Response Percent	Response Count
before prelims		21.5%	35
between prelims and quals		54.6%	89
immediately after quals		19.0%	31
last semester		4.9%	8
viewComments			16

67. How many times have you been a GSI at Berkeley, and what motivated you?
	answered question				186
	skipped question				28
	0	1	2	3+	Response Count
Required to do so (e.g. needed GSI for funding, advisor required a GSI, Ph.D requirement)	53.3% (97)	26.4% (48)	12.1% (22)	8.2% (15)	182
Voluntary (e.g. as a supplement to income, wanted the experience)	76.6% (118)	16.9% (26)	4.5% (7)	1.9% (3)	154

68. Were mandatory first-time GSI courses EE/CS 301 helpful?
	answered question		186
	skipped question		28
		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		15.1%	28
No		26.9%	50
Don't know/NA		58.1%	108

69. How could the department improve upon the mandatory GSI courses?
	answered question		125
	skipped question		89
		Response Percent	Response Count
Shorten the duration of the course instead of letting it run for an entire semester.		56.0%	70
Restructure the course content and its expectations.		16.8%	21
viewOther (please specify)		27.2%	34

70. How �happy� are you being a graduate student at UC Berkeley? (1=miserable, 5=very satisfied)
	answered question		188
	skipped question		26
		Response Percent	Response Count
1		1.6%	3
2		7.4%	14
3		29.3%	55
4		45.7%	86
5		16.0%	30

71. Which of the following contribute to any dissatisfaction you have as an EECS graduate student?
	answered question		163
	skipped question		51
		Response Percent	Response Count
uncertainty about the future		66.3%	108
relationship with advisor		25.2%	41
financial situation		23.9%	39
lacking a social network		35.0%	57
competition amongst graduate students		16.6%	27
difficulties with motivation		44.2%	72
viewOther (please specify)		10.4%	17

72. Many graduate students find graduate life overwhelming. In the past couple of months, has the following situation happened to you?
	answered question		148
	skipped question		66
		Response Percent	Response Count
Feel that you have too much work and you cannot cope with the pressure		29.7%	44
Feel that there is no time for hobbies and you�re always thinking about work		54.1%	80
Irritability, crying or similar reaction without provocation		23.6%	35
Insomnia		27.0%	40
Guilt when taking a break		68.9%	102
viewOther (please specify)		6.8%	10

73. Many graduate students experience stress related health issues. Since starting graduate school at UC Berkeley, which stress related health issues have you experienced?
	answered question		117
	skipped question		97
		Response Percent	Response Count
chronic gastrointestinal problems, like IBS, ulcers, or nervous stomachs		14.5%	17
severe neck/back muscle stiffness/soreness		35.9%	42
vision issues due to long hours staring at the computer screen		30.8%	36
wrists pains, carpal tunnel syndrome		33.3%	39
depression or general unhappiness		49.6%	58
viewOther (please specify)		11.1%	13

74. If the department offered a masters only program (with about 100 additional students/year entering), do you think this would affect the PhD program?
	answered question		180
	skipped question		34
		Response Percent	Response Count
Positive effect		11.7%	21
No effect		28.9%	52
Negative effect		59.4%	107

75. How do you think a Masters only program will affect these areas of the department?
	answered question					180
	skipped question					34
	Very negative	Negative	No effect	Positive	Very positive	Response Count
Class size	26.8% (48)	57.5% (103)	12.3% (22)	2.8% (5)	0.6% (1)	179
Course selection	12.5% (22)	21.6% (38)	22.7% (40)	38.1% (67)	5.1% (9)	176
Funding	12.9% (23)	24.7% (44)	33.7% (60)	24.2% (43)	4.5% (8)	178
Space in department	23.6% (42)	64.0% (114)	11.8% (21)	0.0% (0)	0.6% (1)	178
Administration	14.9% (26)	45.7% (80)	34.3% (60)	4.6% (8)	0.6% (1)	175
Effect on quality of research	9.7% (17)	21.6% (38)	42.0% (74)	26.1% (46)	0.6% (1)	176
Ability to find advisor	12.4% (22)	42.1% (75)	43.8% (78)	0.6% (1)	1.1% (2)	178

76. Other comments on the possible Masters only program?
	answered question	38
	skipped question	176
		Response Count
view		38

77. Please enter any more comments or feedback that you'd like to provide.
	answered question	20
	skipped question	194
		Response Count
view		20