1. Higher Education in Colorado: The Citizens' Viewpoint. The Results of a State-Wide Survey of Colorado Residents on Higher Education in the State.
- Author
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Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins. Dept. of Sociology., Brouillette, John R., and Rogers, David L.
- Abstract
The views of Colorado citizens on a wide variety of issues about higher education in the state were surveyed. A questionnaire was mailed to 3,939 persons 18 years of age or older who were chosen from driver's license lists. From the 1,816 usable responses, information was obtained on respondent background characteristics and the following nine issues: (1) how important to Colorado residents is higher education; (2) what do Colorado residents expect from institutions of higher education; (3) how well is higher education doing; (4) what categories of students should be assisted in attending college; (5) how and at what levels should higher education be financed; (6) what are acceptable alternatives for dealing with changes in the size of student populations at Colorado institutions; (7) where does higher education rank when compared with other state priorities; (8) how should faculty performance be evaluated; and (9) how much should faculty be paid? For each questionnaire item concerning higher education, the overall frequency distribution is examined along with any significant differences related to the respondents' demographic characteristics (sex, age, race, level of education, geographic location, occupation, and income). It was found in general that Colorado citizens: (1) have a favorable attitude toward higher education; (2) support a broad definition of the mission of higher education; (3) favor state funding of higher education; (4) feel that faculty members' performance should be evaluated on the basis of teaching, research, and service to community and government, in that order; and (5) support salaries for faculty members at levels similar to those at colleges and universities in other states as well as the level comparable to private industry. A sample questionnaire and bibliography are appended. (SW)
- Published
- 1980