Undergraduate Experiences Survey #1 Comparison Group

Undergraduate Experiences Survey_1

Updated on 1/20/22

Page 54 of 54

Undergraduate Experiences Survey #1 [REU Program Survey #1]

Thank you for taking part in the Computing Research Association's (CRA’s) Undergraduate Experiences Survey [REU Program Survey]! The survey should take no more than 20 minutes of your time to complete. This survey works best with Google Chrome.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The OMB control number for this collection is 3145-XXXX. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding the burden estimate and any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation Alexandria, VA 22314.

CONSENT FORM

1. In what year were you born?

[List of years]

[If minimum age not met, exit survey]

2. Before we continue, please click here to read the consent form. [Consent form – REU or comparison group participant version – will be linked in-text]

2. Now that you have read the consent form and we have verified your age, please indicate whether or not you wish to complete the survey. If you have any questions about this research, the study, or your participation, please email [email protected].

• Yes, I have read the consent form and wish to complete the survey.

• No, I have read the consent form and DO NOT wish to complete the survey. [If selected, go to exit survey]

[REU ONLY – Q2 to Q15]

CONTACT AND REU INFORMATION

Please provide the following information about yourself and the REU you will be participating in.

2. First name: ________________

3. Last name: ________________

4. Your NSF ID: ________________

5. Primary email: ________________

6. Alternate email: _______________

7. State of your permanent residence: [pulldown]

8. Zip code of your permanent residence: ________

9. REU project name: _____________________________

10. REU project Principal Investigator: ___________

11. REU award number (if known): ___________

12. REU location: [dropdown list of schools]: ___________

13. REU start date (or approximate date): ___________

14. REU end date (or approximate date): ___________

15. Type of REU award:

• REU Site (typically involves working with a group of 10 or so undergraduates at a university other than one’s undergraduate institution)

• REU Supplement (typically working individually or with one other student on a PI’s funded project, usually at one’s undergraduate institution)

• Don’t know

[ALL RESPONDENTS]

DEFINITION TO RESPONDENT:

Note that throughout this survey, we will use the terms "computing" and "computing-related". 

"Computing" or "computing-related" includes the fields below and other similar fields:

• Computer Science

• Computer Engineering

• Software Engineering

• Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Systems Engineering

• Computer Hardware Engineering

• Computing Information Systems

• Information Systems, Information Science

• Informatics, Bioinformatics

• Cybersecurity

• Data Science/Data Analytics

• Machine Learning

• Robotics

• High Performance Computing

• Human-Computer Interaction

• Computational Science/Social Science

• Computational Biology

• Computational Economics

• Computational Mathematics

• Any other computing & technology field

2. Are you currently an undergraduate student?

• Yes

• No [If selected, exit survey]

For the following questions, when we refer to your institution, we are asking about the school where you are currently enrolled as an undergraduate and/or where you expect to get your undergraduate degree.

2. Please select the institution that you are currently attending from the list below. If you do not see your institution on the list, scroll to the bottom of the list and select 'Other'.

[List of institutions]

[If Other is selected]

2. Please list the name of the institution that you are currently attending below: ______________________________
   
   

COMMUNITY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

2. Which of the following applies to you? Select all that apply.

• I have taken courses for credit at a community college

• I have completed a degree or certificate at a community college

• None of the above [Exclusive answer]

[Display if Q19 Is “I have completed a degree or certificate at a community college”]

2. In the previous question, you indicated that you completed a degree or certificate at a community college.

What did you earn from community college? Select all that apply.

• Associate’s degree

• A certification (not a degree)

• Something different

[Display if Q20 is “Associate’s degree”]

ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE INFORMATION

2. At which institution did you earn your most recent associate’s degree? If you do not see your institution on the list, scroll to the bottom of the list and select 'Other'.

[List of institutions]

[Displayed if Q21 is “Other”]

2. Please list the name of the institution at which you earned your most recent associate’s degree. Please avoid acronyms.

________________________________________________________________

2. What was your field of study for your most recent associate’s degree? Choose up to 2 responses if you had a double-major.

Note: If you do not see your exact program name, please select the option(s) most closely related.

[List of fields]

2. In what year did you earn your most recent associate’s degree?

[Drop down list of years]

CURRENT PROGRAM DETAILS

2. Which of the following applies to you? Select all that apply.

• I temporarily withdrew from my current institution due to economic hardships.

• I temporarily withdrew from my current institution for reasons not related to economic hardships.

• I transferred from a 2-year institution to my current institution.

• I transferred from a 4-year institution to my current institution.

• None of the above [Exclusive answer]

[Display if Q25 is “I transferred from a 2-year institution” or “I transferred from a 4-year institution”]

2. You indicated that you transferred from another institution to your current institution. In what year did you enter the institution from which you transferred?

[List of years]

2. In what year did you enter your current institution for your current program?

[List of years]

2. In what year do you expect to complete your current program? If you aren't sure, pick the year that seems most likely.

[List of years; last option = “I am not completing a degree or certificate”]

2. In which academic term do you expect to complete your current degree? If you aren't sure, pick the option that seems most likely.

• Fall

• Winter

• Spring

• Summer

2. What is your enrollment status for your current program?

• Full-time student

• Part-time student

EDUCATIONAL FINANCING

2. How are you paying for your education? Please select all that apply.

• Federal student loans

• State student loans

• Private student loans

• Credit (e.g., personal loans, credit cards, etc.)

• Personal savings

• Scholarship, fellowship, grant, or other aid – NOT to be repaid

• Research assistantship

• Teaching assistantship

• Full-time work

• Part-time work

• Employer support (e.g., vocational rehabilitation, tuition benefits, etc.)

• Military/Veterans benefits/assistance

• Family support (e.g., spouse/partner, parents, etc.) – to be repaid

• Family support (e.g., spouse/partner, parents, etc.) – NOT to be repaid

• Other

2. Are you receiving a stipend from your institution?

(REU Participants only) Please do NOT include any stipend you are getting for your REU in your answer.

• Yes, I am receiving a stipend

• No, I am not
  
  

[Display if Q32 is “Yes..”]

2. How difficult or easy is it to cover your basic expenses with your current stipend?

• Very difficult

• Somewhat difficult

• Neither difficult nor easy

• Somewhat easy

• Very easy

MAJOR PROMPT

2. Which type of undergraduate degree will you be earning?

• Associate’s degree

• Bachelor of Science (BS/SB degree)

• Bachelor of Arts (BA/AB degree)

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA degree)

• Other

2. Are you enrolled in an accelerated or joint bachelor's/master's program?

• Yes

• No

2. Which of the following applies to you:

• I have one declared major

• I have more than one declared major

• I have not declared a major

2. Which of the following applies to you:

• I have one minor

• I have more than one minor

• I do not have a minor

DECLARED {MAJOR/MINOR 1/2}

[Repeat Q38-Q43 for each major/minor, if answers to Q36 and Q37 are NOT “I do not have a major” or “I do not have a minor”]

2. From the list below, please select your major, or one of your majors.
   Note: If you do not see your exact major, please select the option most closely related.

[List of majors]

[If Q38 is Other]

2. Please specify this major in the space below: __________________________

[If Q38 is NOT computing-related]

2. Does this major have a strong computing component? (Does not include basic use of computers for your major.)

• Yes

• No

2. How committed are you to this major: [Insert response from Q38]?

• Not at all committed

• Slightly committed

• Moderately committed

• Quite committed

• Extremely committed

[For major and second major path only; do not display for minor and second minor]

2. Which of the following is true of this major: [Insert response from Q38]?:

• I have not started taking courses in my major yet

• I am currently enrolled in courses for my major

• I have completed all of the coursework for my major

[For major and second major path only; do not display for minor and second minor]

2. Why did you choose this major ([Insert response from Q38])? Choose up to 3 responses.

• I like learning about this field

• The courses required of this major are interesting

• The major will allow me to make an impact on society

• The job market for this field is promising

• This major will enable me to make a lot of money

• I will be successful completing the courses required of this major

• My friends are majors in this field

• Professors/faculty at my institution influenced my decision

• My family influenced my decision

• Other; please specify:________

UNDECLARED MAJOR

[If Q36 is “I have not declared a major”]

2. Which of the following reasons explain why your major is undeclared? Select all that apply.

• My institution does not allow students to declare a major until later semesters.

• I am taking pre-requisite courses for the major.

• I do not know what I want to major in.

• I plan to graduate in general studies

• None of the above

2. If you had to choose a major today, what would it be?
   Note: If you do not see your exact major, please select the option most closely related.

[List of majors]

[If Q45 is Other]

2. Please specify your major choice in the space below.

________________________________

2. Which of the following reasons explain why you would choose this major ([Insert response from Q45])? Choose up to 3 responses.

• I like learning about this field

• My friends are majors in this field

• The courses required of this major are interesting

• Professors/faculty at my institution are encouraging me toward this major

• The major will allow me to make an impact on society

• This major will enable me to make a lot of money

• The job market for this field is promising

• My family is encouraging me toward this major

• I will be successful completing the courses required of this major

• Other; please specify:______

2. How confident are you that you will declare this intended major: [Insert response from Q45]

• Not at all confident

• Slightly confident

• Moderately confident

• Quite confident

• Extremely confident

FOR NON-COMPUTING MAJORS/MINORS OR UNDECLARED: COMPUTING MAJOR/MINOR INTEREST

[If Q36 is “I have not declared a major” or Q37 is “I do not have a minor” or Q38 is a non-computing major or Q38 is a non-computing minor]

2. Please rate your agreement with the following:

{Strongly disagree; Somewhat disagree; Neither agree nor disagree; Somewhat agree; Strongly agree}

• I am considering changing my major to a computing-related major

• I am considering declaring a computing-related major

• I am considering adding a computing-related minor

[If Q49, item “I am considering changing my major to a computing-related major”, “Somewhat agree” or “Strongly agree” is selected]

2. Which of the following reasons have influenced your consideration to change your current major to a major related to computing? Choose up to 3 responses.

• I like learning about computing

• The courses required of the computing major are interesting

• A computing major will allow me to make an impact on society

• The job market for the computing field is promising

• A computing major will enable me to make a lot of money

• I will be successful completing the courses required of the computing major

• My friends are majors in computing

• Professors/faculty at my institution are encouraging me to major in computing

• My family is encouraging me to major in computing

• Other; please specify:_________

SWITCHED MAJORS

2. How many times in your undergraduate experience have you switched majors?

• None

• Once

• Twice

• More than two times

[If Q51 is “Once” or “Twice” or “More than two times”]

2. From what majors have you switched? Select all that apply.

[List of majors]

[If Q52 is a computing-related major and current major(s) is/are NOT computing-related]

2. Of the reasons below, which best explain why you switched out of computing? Choose up to 3 responses.

• The courses are too difficult

• I am not interested in learning about computing and technology

• My non-computing major aligns with my future career goals better

• I do not have any friends in the major

• The professors are not supportive

• The department does not make me feel welcome

• I do not like the course material

• Too many people major in computing

• I do not meet the eligibility requirements to major in computing

• The math requirements are too hard

• Computing is not a valuable career

• The job market is not promising

• I wanted to try something new

• Scheduling is too difficult (courses are full, not offered frequently enough, etc.)

• There is no sense of community in the department

• I do not feel safe in the computing department

• Other; please specify;________

ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM?

2. Is your program primarily on campus or online?
   Note: Please do not include temporary circumstantial changes to program formats due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

• On campus only

• Online only

• Primarily on campus, but taking some online courses

• Primarily online, but taking some courses on-campus

• I am not sure

PROMPT: PERCEPTIONS OF DEPARTMENT AND INSTITUTION

The following questions relate to the courses and people within the computing program at your institution. Even if you are not currently earning a computing-related degree or certificate, think about the computing program at your institution and answer the following questions.
 
* If you are an online student, answer the following questions to the best of your ability. If one or more of the following questions are not relevant to you as an online student, simply skip those questions.

PERCEPTIONS OF DEPARTMENT AND INSTITUTION

2. Please indicate the extent to which you disagree or agree with the following statement:

{Strongly disagree; Somewhat disagree; Neither disagree nor agree; Somewhat agree; Strongly agree}

• Overall, I am satisfied with the computing program at my institution.

2. How often do you receive the following from other students?

{Never; Rarely, Occasionally, Often, All of the time}

• Help and support

• Willingness to listen to issues you are having in your program

• Helpful feedback about your work

• Respect for your work and/or ideas

• Inclusion of your perspective on their work and/or ideas

• Opportunities to collaborate

2. Think about the faculty, staff, administrators (e.g., the department chair, dean, staff) in the computing department and rate the extent to which you disagree or agree with the following statements:

{Strongly disagree; Somewhat disagree; Neither agree nor disagree; Somewhat agree; Strongly agree}

• The department cares about its students.

• The department is not very supportive of its students.

• Computer science administrators and faculty care about diversity.

2. Think about the environment of the computing department as a whole (including faculty, staff, administrators, and students), and rate the extent to which you disagree or agree with the following statements:

{Strongly disagree; Somewhat disagree; Neither agree nor disagree; Somewhat agree; Strongly agree}

• I feel a sense of community in the computing department.

• People in the department often attribute my success to special treatment or luck, rather than my competence.

• The environment in the computing department inspires me to do the best job that I can.

• My ideas or opinions are minimized or ignored.

2. Please provide any additional comments you have about your experiences in the computing department.

__________________________________________

PERSISTENCE

2. During your studies at your current institution, how often have you considered leaving your degree program before completing it?

• Never

• Rarely

• Occasionally

• Often

• All of the time

[If Q60 is NOT “Never”]

2. Why did you consider leaving your current degree program? Choose up to 3 responses.

• The courses were difficult

• The math requirements were too hard

• I was interested in trying something new

• I did not like the course material

• I was having trouble passes my courses

• I did not have any friends in the major

• The professors were not supportive

• I felt isolated in my program

• The department did not make me feel welcome

• I experienced health issues that inhibited my ability to feel/be successful

• I was considering a job

• Other; please specify:___________

[If Q60 is NOT “Never”]

2. What helped you continue in your current degree program when you were contemplating leaving? Choose up to 3 responses.

• My family encouraged/supported me

• My friends encouraged/supported me

• Professors/faculty encouraged/supported me

• I had already invested too much time and resources

• I liked the field of study

• The job market is promising

• Other; please specify:____________

ADVISOR QUESTIONS

2. An academic advisor is an individual, or group of people, that is responsible for helping you manage the requirements of your degree program and giving academic advice.
   Do you have access to one or more academic advisor(s)? Select all that apply.

• Yes, I have an academic advisor(s) affiliated with the computing department

• Yes, I have an academic advisor(s) affiliated with another department

• No, I do not have an advisor yet, but I know how to get one

• No, I do not have an advisor yet, and I do not know how to get one

[REU ONLY - If Q63 is “Yes, I have an academic advisor(s) affiliated with the computing department” or “Yes, I have an academic advisor(s) affiliated with another department”]

2. Is your academic advisor a current/upcoming or former REU advisor?

• Yes, a current/upcoming REU advisor

• Yes, a former REU advisor

• No

[If Q63 is “Yes, I have an academic advisor(s) affiliated with the computing department” or “Yes, I have an academic advisor(s) affiliated with another department”]

2. How dissatisfied or satisfied are you with the following?

{Very dissatisfied; Somewhat dissatisfied; Neither dissatisfied nor satisfied; Somewhat satisfied; Very satisfied}

• How often you meet with your advisor(s)

• The academic guidance your advisor(s) provides

• The career advice your advisor(s) provides

• How available your advisor(s) is to meet with you

• How supportive your advisor(s) is of your academic goal(s)

[If Q63 is “Yes, I have an academic advisor(s) affiliated with the computing department” or “Yes, I have an academic advisor(s) affiliated with another department”]

2. About how many times per academic term do you interact with academic advisor(s) for the following reasons?

{Never; Once; Two or three times; Four or more times}

• Course-related guidance

• Career advice

• Graduate school advice

• Other reason

CURRENT REU INFORMATION (NSF REU PARTICIPANTS ONLY)

We would like to learn more about the research experience you will be starting soon through the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.

2. Which of the following reasons best explain your motivations to participate in this NSF REU? Please choose up to 3 responses.

• To increase my competitiveness for graduate school

• To learn more about what graduate school might be like

• To have something to do outside of my coursework

• To build work experience and my resume/CV

• To participate in something prestigious

• To expand on what I had been learning about in my classes

• To develop or improve my technical skills

• The research project(s) seemed interesting

• To learn more about a specific research area of interest to me

• To learn more about what being a researcher is like

• To build my confidence as a researcher

• To better understand the connection between research and real-world applications

• To build connections and/or collaborate with other student researchers

• To build connections and/or collaborate with particular faculty

• To have a paid opportunity

• To help pay for my living expenses while in college

• Other; please specify: _______

2. How did you learn about your upcoming REU? Select all that apply.

• My advisor or other mentor told me about it

• A peer told me about it who was also looking into REU opportunities

• A former REU participant told me about it

• I saw an announcement in a mailing list

• I learned about it as a participant of a mentoring program

• I was familiar with the faculty member’s work, so I looked for REU openings with that faculty member

• I was familiar with the institution, so I looked for REU openings there

• I have worked with the faculty member before, and the faculty member wanted me to continue our research

• I knew the faculty member, so I reached out about opportunities

• I searched the list of REU opportunities on the NSF website

• I used another search engine to find REU opportunities relevant to me

• I don’t remember

• Other, please specify: ______

2. Where will you participate in this REU?

• At my current college or university

• At another college or university

2. Are you just starting this REU, or is this a continuing REU that you have worked on in previous semesters/terms?

• Just starting [Skip to Q72]

• Continuing [Go to Q71]

2. How many semesters/quarters have you already participated in this REU?

[dropdown numbers]

REU PROMPT (Questions 72 through 75 are for COMPARISON GROUP PARTICIPANTS ONLY)

The next set of questions will focus on your previous formal research experience as an undergraduate student (i.e., REU). Formal research includes any experience you applied for and through which you worked closely with a mentor or research advisor.

Before we move into questions about formal REUs, please answer the following question.

2. Up to this point in your undergraduate program, which of the following experiences were you involved in that were NOT part of a formal REU?

• Independent research projects

• Course-based research projects

• Internships or co-ops

• Research Assistant

• None of the above

2. During your college career so far, have you participated in any formal REUs?

Reminder: Formal REU includes any experience you applied for and through which you worked closely with a mentor or research advisor.

• Yes, I have participated in at least one formal research experience while I have been in college [Answer Q75; skip to PAST REU INFORMATION section]

• No, I have NEVER participated in a formal research experience but I plan to [Answer Q75; skip to RESEARCH SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE section]

• No, I have NEVER participated in a formal research experience and I do not plan to[Answer Q74; skip to RESEARCH SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE section]

[If Q73 is “No, I have never… and I do not plan to”]

2. Which of the following reasons explain why you do not plan to participate in a formal research experience? Choose up to 3 responses.

• I am not aware of research opportunities available to me

• I don't have time

• It never occurred to me to do research

• I am not interested in doing research

• I prefer more practical experiences such as internships

• It doesn't pay well enough or not at all

• Other; please specify: _______________________

[If Q73 is “Yes” or “No, I have never… but I plan to”]

2. Which of the following reasons best explain your motivations to participate in a formal REU? Please choose up to 3 responses.

• To increase my competitiveness for graduate school

• To learn more about what graduate school might be like

• To have something to do outside of my coursework

• To build work experience and my resume/CV

• To participate in something prestigious

• To expand on what I had been learning about in my classes

• To develop or improve my technical skills

• The research project(s) seemed interesting

• To learn more about a specific research area of interest to me

• To learn more about what being a researcher is like

• To build my confidence as a researcher

• To better understand the connection between research and real world applications

• To build connections and/or collaborate with other student researchers

• To build connections and/or collaborate with particular faculty

• To have a paid opportunity

• To help pay for my living expenses while in college

• Other; please specify: _____________

REU PROMPT (Questions 76 through 77 are for NSF REU PARTICIPANTS ONLY)

The next set of questions will focus on your previous formal research experiences as an undergraduate student (i.e., REU). Formal research includes any experience you applied for and through which you worked closely with a mentor or research advisor. Please do NOT include the NSF REU you will soon start in your answers below.

Before we move into questions about formal REUs, please answer the following question.

2. Up to this point in your undergraduate program, which of the following experiences were you involved in that were NOT part of a formal REU?

• Independent research projects

• Course-based research projects

• Internships or co-ops

• Research Assistant

• None of the above

2. During your college career so far, have you participated in any formal REUs? Please do NOT include the NSF REU you will soon be starting in this answer.

Reminder: Formal REU includes any experience you applied for and through which you worked closely with a mentor or research advisor.

• Yes, I have participated in at least one formal research experience while I have been in college [Go to Q78]

• No, I have not previously participated in a formal research experience.

[Answer the section below (PAST REU INFORMATION) if Q73 OR Q77 is “Yes, I have participated in at least one formal research experience while I have been in college”]

PAST REU INFORMATION (ALL PRIOR REU PARTICIPANTS – NSF REU OR COMPARISON GROUP)

2. Up to this point in your undergraduate program, how many formal REUs have you completed?
   (REU Participants ONLY) Remember, please do NOT include the NSF REU you will soon start in your answers below.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4 or more

[Repeat Q79 – Q88 for each REU]

2. In which year did your [first/second/third/fourth] formal REU start?

[List of years]

2. Was this REU funded by NSF?

• Yes [answer next question]

• No [skip to Q83]

• I do not know [skip to Q83]
  
  

2. Please indicate the NSF program in which you participated. Select all that apply.

• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

• Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation

• Research Experiences for Teachers

• Other: please specify

2. [If Q81 = “REU”] Was this an REU Site or REU Supplement?

• Site

• Supplement

• Don’t know

2. When and where did your formal REU take place?

{Academic Year; Summer}

• At my home college or university

• At another college or university

• At a company or organization or government institution outside of my college or university

• Somewhere else

[If “At another college or university”]

2. What was the name of the institution where you completed this REU?

[List of institutions]

[If “At a company…”] 

2. What was the name of the company or organization where you completed this REU?
   _________________

2. Which of the following apply to this REU?

• You received a stipend (not including other paid benefits)

• You were provided housing

• You were provided with a local public transportation pass

• You were provided with a meal stipend

• You were provided with a computer

• You had a dedicated space to do your work

• You could attend professional development seminars (including grad school advice)

• You could attend technical seminars

• You received one-on-one advising from my faculty mentor

• You met peers with whom you have kept in touch

• I don’t remember [Exclusive answer]

• None of the above [Exclusive answer]

[Answer Q87 - 88 if received a stipend]

2. You indicated that you received a stipend for this REU. How much do you feel you deserved to be paid relative to the amount of work expected of you during this REU?

• Deserved a lot less

• Deserved a little less

• Deserved neither less nor more

• Deserved a little more

• Deserved a lot more

2. How much was your total stipend amount for this REU (in USD), not including other paid benefits?

• Less than $1,000

• $1,000 - $2,999

• $3,000 - $4,999

• $5,000 - $6,999

• $7,000 - $8,999

• $9,000 - $10,999

• $11,000 - $12,999

• $13,000 - $14,999

• $15,000 or more

• I don’t remember

RESEARCH SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

2. How would you rate your current skill level in each of the following:

{Poor/Fair/Good/Very good/Excellent}

• Generating hypotheses

• Using scientific methods to test a hypothesis

• Collaborating with colleagues

• Collecting data or conducting experiments

• Analyzing data with statistics or other tools

2. How would you rate your current skill level in each of the following:

{Poor/Fair/Good/Very good/Excellent}

• Summarizing published research results

• Explaining research results

• Writing or co-authoring a research paper or report

• Presenting a research paper or report

• Publishing a research paper or report

CURRENT STUDENTS: ACTIVITIES

Next, we would like to ask about your engagement in various activities.

2. How often have you been involved in each of the following during your current program?

{Never; Once; Two or three times; Four or more times}

• Visiting lectures related to computing

• Mentored students

• Taught courses

• Received study support in computing (e.g. received tutoring; supplemental Instruction [SI])

• Provided study support in computing (e.g. provided tutoring; supplemental Instruction [SI])

• Worked as a teaching assistant

• Jobs related to computing (not as a TA or RA)

• Entrepreneurial or consulting projects (e.g., tech start-ups, client services, etc.)

• Independent computing projects (e.g., tinkering and technical skill building outside of your coursework)

2. How often have you been involved in each of the following during your current program?

{Never; Once; Two or three times; Four or more times}

• Computing-related contests (e.g., Hackathons, robotics competitions, programming competitions, etc.)

• Computing-related online social networking (listservs, etc.)

• Outreach to K-12 students related to computing

• Involvement in efforts to broaden participation in computing

2. How often have you been involved in each of the following during your current degree program?

{Never; Once; Two or three times; Four or more times}

• Computing-related student groups (e.g., technical organizations on campus, ACM student chapters, etc.)

• Other student groups (e.g., Greek Life, volunteer groups, academic merit societies, etc.)

• Professional societies related to computing

• Technical conferences related to computing

• Career mentoring programs or workshops

• Trainings or workshops in computing (other than conferences)

• Summer institutes or short courses related to computing (other than summer research programs) (e.g., Google for Education Computer Science Summer Institute, online courses/MOOCs, etc.)

DIVERSITY ACTIVITIES - STUDENTS

2. During your academic career to date, have you participated in any of the following conferences or programs? Select all that apply.

If you are not sure, click each link that will take you to a webpage to learn more. The webpage will open in a new window.

• ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing

• ACM Programming Languages Mentoring Workshops (PLMW)

• Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing

• STARS Computing Corps conference or workshops, or home team meetings

• Residential/Living Learning Community on campus

• Local events related to diversity in computing

• None of the above

SKILLS PROFICIENCY

2. Please rate the degree of your proficiency (how skilled you are) in the following items:

{Highly deficient, deficient, average, proficient, highly proficient}

• Mentoring others

• Building/maintaining a professional network

• Dealing with conflict

• Providing constructive feedback

2. Please rate the degree of your proficiency (how skilled you are) in the following items:

{Highly deficient, deficient, average, proficient, highly proficient}

• Time management

• Speaking clearly and effectively

• Presenting research

• Planning and organizing projects

• Writing scientific papers

2. Please rate the degree of your proficiency (how skilled you are) in the following items:

{Highly deficient, deficient, average, proficient, highly proficient}

• Identifying career options

• Preparing job application materials

• Interviewing techniques

• Preparing your CV/resume

• Preparing graduate school application materials

• Identifying graduate school options

Scientific Identity

2. The following questions ask how you think about yourself and your personal identity. We want to understand how much you think that being a scientist is part of who you are. 

How true of you is the following statement:

{Not at all true; A little true; Moderately true; Quite true; Extremely true}

• In general, being a scientist is an important part of my self-image. 

• I have a strong sense of belonging to the community of scientists. 

• Being a scientist is an important reflection of who I am.

• I have come to think of myself as a “scientist.”

• I am a scientist.

BELONGING

2. Please indicate the extent to which you disagree or agree with the following statements:

{Strongly disagree; Somewhat disagree; Neither agree nor disagree; Somewhat agree; Strongly agree}

• I see myself as a “computing person".

• I feel like I “belong” in computing.

• I feel like an outsider in computing.

• Computing is a big part of who I am.

• I feel welcomed in computing.

• I do not have much in common with the other students in my computing classes.

SELF-EFFICACY

2. I am confident that I can…

{Strongly disagree; Somewhat disagree; Neither agree nor disagree; Somewhat agree; Strongly agree}

• pass my computing courses.

• learn the foundations and concepts of computing.

• do well in a computing-related contest (e.g., programming contest, robotics contest, hackathon).

• quickly learn a new programming language on my own.

• contribute to a research project in computing.

2. I am confident that I can…

{Strongly disagree; Somewhat disagree; Neither agree nor disagree; Somewhat agree; Strongly agree}

• clearly communicate technical problems and solutions to a range of audiences.

• articulate thoughtful answers to questions about my work during a presentation.

• introduce myself to new peers/colleagues at professional meetings.

• be a capable researcher in computing.

• find employment in an area of computing interest.

2. I am confident that I can…

{Strongly disagree; Somewhat disagree; Neither agree nor disagree; Somewhat agree; Strongly agree}

• complete an undergraduate degree in computing.

• get admitted to a graduate computing program.

• be successful in a graduate computing program.

MENTOR SUPPORT

2. A mentor is someone with whom you have an ongoing relationship, and who provides you with advice and assistance in advancing in your career.    To what extent do you have a mentor who....

{Not at all; A little; Somewhat; Quite a bit; Very much}

• helps you improve your computing skills?

• helps you improve your research skills?

• helps you identify or develop your research interests?

• gives you insight into what graduate school is like?

• provides information or advice about applying for graduate school?

• Shows compassion for any issues you discussed with them?

• shares personal experiences as an alternative perspective to your problems?

• explores career options with you?

• encourages you to do the best you can in your coursework?

• supports your research ideas?

• provides constructive feedback?

2. Among the people below, who do you consider to be a mentor? Select all that apply.

• My advisor

• A professor within my department (not my advisor)

• A professor outside of my department

• A Director or administrative faculty

• A graduate student (includes graduate teaching/research assistants and student mentors)

• An undergraduate student (includes undergraduate teaching/research assistants and student mentors)

• Someone I met at a conference or mentoring program sponsored by an outside organization (or other professional activity)

• A family member, partner, friend, religious leader, or someone else with whom I have a personal relationship

• A coworker, supervisor, or someone else with whom I have a professional relationship

• Someone else

• No one

PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

2. To what extent is each of the following available to you at this point?

{Not at all; A little; A moderate amount; Quite a bit; Very much}

• People with whom you can ask professional development questions

• People with whom you can discuss graduate school opportunities.

• A strong network of peers to interact with at conferences.

• A strong network of mentors to interact with at conferences.

• People who would be excited to learn about your professional successes.

• People with whom you can discuss issues you are having.
  
  

ENTITY BELIEFS

2. Please indicate the extent to which you disagree or agree with the following statements:

{Strongly disagree; Somewhat disagree; Neither agree nor disagree; Somewhat agree; Strongly agree}

• People have a certain amount of ability to learn computing, and they really can't do much to change it.

• Anyone has the ability to learn computing and be good at it.

• Computing comes naturally to some people but not others.

• Not everyone is well-suited for computing.

IMPOSTER SYNDROME

2. In your opinion, to what extent are each of the following statements true of you:

{Not at all true; A little true; Moderately true; Quite true; Extremely true}

• I can give the impression that I'm more competent than I really am.

• When others praise me for something I have accomplished, I am afraid I will not be able to live up to their expectations of me in the future.

• At times, I feel my success has been due to some kind of luck.

• At times, I am disappointed in my present accomplishments and think I should have accomplished much more by now.

INTEREST IN COMPUTING RESEARCH

The following questions ask about your interests in and knowledge about future computing research pathways.

2. What is your current level of interest in the following:

{Not at all interested/Slightly interested/Moderately interested/Quite interested/Extremely interested}

• Conducting research as an undergraduate

• Conducting research as a graduate student

• Learning more about computing

• Pursuing a master’s degree in a computing field

• Pursuing a doctoral degree in a computing field

• Pursuing a research career

• Pursuing a non-research career

• Mentoring others on a future REU project

2. How likely is it that you will enroll in a terminal master’s program in a computing field?

• Not at all likely

• Slightly likely

• Moderately likely

• Quite likely

• Extremely likely

2. How likely is it that you will enroll in a doctoral program in a computing field?

• Not at all likely

• Slightly likely

• Moderately likely

• Quite likely

• Extremely likely

2. How much do you feel you know about the following:

{Nothing, a little, a moderate amount, quite a bit, a lot}

• What to look for in a graduate research advisor

• The research areas you would pursue in graduate school

• What graduate admissions committees look for in an applicant

  • How to choose graduate programs that are a good fit for you

  • What being a graduate student would be like

2. How much do you feel you know about the following:

{Nothing, a little, a moderate amount, quite a bit, a lot}

• Career options in computing

• Career options in research

• What it would be like to work in academia

HIGHEST DEGREE ASPIRATIONS

2. What is the highest degree you plan to attain? Note: Even if you are not sure yet, please select the degree you would like to attain if you could.

• High school degree

• Technical certificate

• Associate’s degree

• Bachelor’s degree

• Graduate certificate

• Master’s degree

• Doctoral degree

2. In which field do you intend to earn your highest degree? Select up to 2 responses. Note: If you do not see your exact field, please select the option(s) most closely related.

[List of fields]

FUTURE PLANS PROMPT

Now, we would like to ask about your future plans and career aspirations.

2. After you complete your current program, what are your plans after graduation? Choose up to 2 responses.

• Go back to school

• Start working (includes internship, full/part time work, postdoc, etc.)

• Create a start-up

• Take a break from work and/or school

• Traveling

• Another plan

• I don’t know at all [Exclusive answer]

[Display if Q115 is “Start working…” AND expected graduation date is current or subsequent year]

FUTURE PLANS – START WORKING

2. Which of the following steps, if any, have you taken in the job search process? Select all that apply.

• Met with someone from my institution’s career services

• Exploring my options

• Applied for jobs

• Interviewed for jobs

• Received a job offer

• Negotiated a job offer

• Accepted a full-time job offer [Go to Q118]

• Accepted a part-time job offer [Go to Q118]

• None of the above [Exclusive answer]

[If Q116 is “Received a job offer” or “Negotiated a job offer”]

2. How many job offers have you received since starting the job search process? (Please use numerical values only.)

_____________

[Display following section if Q116 is “Accepted a full-time/part-time job offer”]

FUTURE PLANS – WORKING, ACCEPTED JOB OFFER

We would like to ask you some questions about the job offer you accepted.

2. How best would you describe your new job?

• Entry level

• Mid level

• Senior level

• Executive level

2. To which field is your new job most closely related? Choose up to 2 responses.
   Note: If you do not see your exact field, please select the option(s) most closely related.

[List of fields]

2. In what setting is your new job?

• Academia, PhD-granting institution

• Academia, non-PhD granting institution

• Industry

• Government (includes national labs)

• Other

2. What is the primary focus of your new job? Select up to 2 responses.

• Research

• Teaching

• Administration/Leadership

• Technical

• Administrative

• Analytical

• Management

• Skilled labor

• Developer

• Operations

• Other

2. What is your job title? (50 character limit): __________________________________________

2. What is the starting annual salary for your job?

▼ $0 (23) ... More than $150,000 (22)

2. Which of the following apply to your new job?

• I received a signing bonus

• I received relocation funds

• I will relocate to a new area for my job

• I will be managing or supervising other staff

• None of the above [Exclusive answer]

[If Q124 is ”I will relocate to a new area for my job”]

2. To which country/location are you relocating for your job?

Note: The list below if taken from the US State Department List of Countries & Regions. If you are re-locating within your same country, please select that country.

▼ Afghanistan (1) ... Zimbabwe (1357)

[Display following section if Q115 is “Go back to school”]

FUTURE PLANS – GRAD SCHOOL, ATTENDING OR APPLYING

You indicated your future plans include going back to school. We’d like to ask you a few questions related to going back to school.

2. Where are you in the application process? Select all that apply.

• Exploring my options

• Preparing applications

• Submitting applications

• Received waitlist notifications

• Received acceptance letters

• Accepted an offer from a program to which I applied

• None of the above [Exclusive answer]

[Display if Q126 is “Received waitlist notifications”]

2. How many waitlist notifications did you receive? (Numbers only.)__________________

[Display if Q126 is “Received acceptance letters”]

2. How many acceptance letters did you receive? (Numbers only.)__________________

[Display Q129-Q131 if Q126 is “Preparing applications” or “Submitting applications”]

Future plans: Preparing and submitting applications to go back to school

2. To which type of programs are you applying to go back to school? Select all that apply.

• Certificate programs

• Associate’s programs

• Bachelor’s programs

• Master’s programs

• Doctoral programs

• None of the above [Exclusive answer]

2. Are you applying for on campus or online programs? Select all that apply.

Note: Please do not include temporary circumstantial changes to program formats due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

• On campus only

• Online only

• Primarily on campus, but some courses are online

• Primarily online, but some courses are on campus

2. In which fields are you applying for going back to school? Select all that apply.
   Note: If you do not see your exact field, please select the option(s) most closely related.

[List of fields]

[Display following section if Q126 is “Accepted an offer from a program to which I applied”]

FUTURE PLANS - GRAD SCHOOL, ACCEPTED OFFER

2. From which program did you accept an offer?

• Certificate program

• Associate's program

• Bachelor's program

• Master's program

• Doctoral program

• Other

2. In which field will your program be? Choose up to 2 responses.

Note: If you do not see your exact program name, please select the option(s) most closely related.

[List of fields]

2. Will your program be full time or part time?

• Full time

• Part time

• Non-degree earning student

2. Is your program on campus or online?

Note: Please do not include temporary circumstantial changes to program formats due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

• On campus only

• Online only

• Primarily on campus, but taking some online courses

• Primarily online, but taking some courses on campus

2. Will you have to relocate to a new geographic location for your program?

• Yes, I am relocating within the United States

• Yes, I am relocating to a country outside of the United States

• No, I am not relocating

[If Q136 is “Yes, I am relocating to a country outside of the United States”]

2. To which country/location are you relocating for your program?

Note: The list below is taken from the US State Department List of Countries & Regions. If you are relocating within your same country, please select that country.

▼ Afghanistan (1) ... Zimbabwe (1357)

[if Q115 is NOT “Go back to school”]

FUTURE PLANS – WHY NOT GO BACK TO SCHOOL

We are interested in why your future plans do not include going back to school after you finish your current program.

2. Why are you not planning to go back to school? Choose up to 3 responses.

• I have personal and/or family obligations

• I do not feel academically prepared

• I am worried about financial support

• I want to take a break from school

• I am considering a job

• It takes too long to complete

• I do not see the value in it

• I think school is too difficult

• I am not interested in getting another degree

• I have already earned the highest degree I plan to attain

• I am currently earning the highest degree I plan to attain

• I had not considered it

• Other; please specify: ___________

2. How likely are you to apply for graduate programs in the future?

• Not at all

• A little

• Moderately

• Quite a bit

• Extremely

GENERAL JOB INTEREST

2. How interested are you in having the types of jobs listed below? 

{Very uninterested; Somewhat uninterested; Neither uninterested nor interested; Somewhat interested; Very interested}

• College or university professor in computing field (teaching focused)

• College or university professor in computing field (research focused)

• K-12 computing teacher

• Computing researcher in industry

• Computing researcher in a government lab or agency

• A non-research computing position in industry (e.g. software engineer)

• A non-research computing position in government

• Entrepreneur (computing related; e.g., individual contractor, build a start-up)

• Non-computing career

SPECIFIC CAREER INTERESTS

2. For your future career, in which setting would you like to work the most?

• Academia

• Industry

• Government

• Self-employment

• Something else

2. How likely will your future career have a computing-related focus?

• Extremely unlikely

• Somewhat unlikely

• Neither likely nor unlikely

• Somewhat likely

• Extremely likely

2. How likely will your future career have a research focus?

• Extremely unlikely

• Somewhat unlikely

• Neither likely nor unlikely

• Somewhat likely

• Extremely likely

2. What job title would you like to have after you finish your highest degree? If you are uncertain, you are welcome to enter a job title that interests you the most (e.g., Professor; Software Engineer; Senior Researcher; etc. 50 character limit.): ________________________________________________________________

CAREER VALUES

2. How important to you is it that your career allows you to do each of the following?

{Not at all; A little; A moderate amount; Quite a bit; Extremely}

• Make a lot of money

• Work independently

• Work collaboratively

• Spend a lot of time with my family and friends

• Have a social impact

• Have a flexible work schedule

• Be a role model

• Become well-known in my field

• Help others

• Build a strong professional network

2. In your opinion, to what extent would a career in computing allow you to do the following...

{Not at all; A little; A moderate amount; Quite a bit; Extremely}

• Serve humanity

• Be in a position of influence in society

• Spend a lot of time with family

YOUR BACKGROUND

We have just a few more questions about your academics and background.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

2. Which of the following experiences did you have prior to entering an undergraduate program? Select all that apply.

• Took AP Computer Science A

• Took AP Computer Science Principles

• Took AP Computer Science AB

• Took other AP courses

• Took dual enrollment courses

• Learned a computer programming language

• Engaged in software or hardware related projects

• Took part in student groups related to computing

• Completed an online course related to computing (e.g., MOOC)

• Attended a workshop or other training in computing (e.g., through your local library, community center, etc.)

• None of the above
  
  

2. Which of the following mathematics courses did you take prior to entering an undergraduate program? Select all that apply.

• Algebra I

• Algebra II

• Trigonometry

• Pre-calculus

• Calculus

• Statistics

• None of the above

GPA & TEST SCORES PROMPT

2. Please tell us your GPA below using numerical values. If you do not know your GPA, simply leave the space blank.

Note: If you have a weighted GPA (e.g. 5.0 scale), please convert to a 4.0 scale for the questions below.

• Overall GPA [choices]

• [If Q36 is NOT “I have not declared a major”] Major GPA (1)

• [If Q36 is “I have more than one declared major”] Major GPA (2)

TEST SCORES

2. Which of the following standardized tests have you previously taken? Select all that apply.

• ACT

• SAT

• GRE

• GMAT

• LSAT

• None of the above

[If Q150 is “ACT”]

2. Please provide us with your ACT scores using numerical values. If you do not know your score, simply leave the space blank

Total ACT Score:________________________________________________

Mathematics Score:________________________________________________

Reading Score:________________________________________________

[If Q150 is “SAT”]

2. Please provide us with your SAT scores using numerical values. If you do not know your score or if not applicable, simply leave the space blank. 

Total SAT Score:________________________________________________

Mathematics Score:________________________________________________

Reading/Writing Score (if combined):________________________________________________

Reading Score:________________________________________________

Writing Score:________________________________________________

[If Q150 is not “GRE”]

2. Do you plan to take the GRE in the future?

• Yes, I plan to take the GRE in the future

• No, I do not plan to take the GRE in the future

• I am not sure yet

[If Q150 is “GRE”]

2. Please provide us with your GRE scores using numerical values. If you do not know your score, simply leave the space blank. 

Verbal score:________________________________________________

Quantitative score:________________________________________________

Analytic writing score:________________________________________________

DEMOGRAPHICS

Thank you for answering all of those questions! We are almost finished. This last section asks about your demographic details and should go by quickly.

Why should you provide demographic details?

• People experience things in different ways, and these details help us understand who and why.

• Demographics help us accurately represent people from different backgrounds and experiences.

Remember, no information will be connected to you as an individual. All responses you provide are kept completely confidential. If you prefer not to answer a given question, simply skip that question.

GENDER, RACE

2. What sex were you assigned at birth, on your original birth certificate?

• Male

• Female

• Refused

• Don’t know

2. Do you currently describe yourself as male, female or transgender?

• Male

• Female

• Transgender

• None of these

2. Just to confirm, you were assigned {insert from Q155} at birth and now you describe yourself as {insert from Q156}. Is that correct?

• Yes

• No

• Refused

• Don’t know

2. What is your ethnicity? Select all that apply.

• Not of Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish origin

• Mexican, Mexican Am., Chicanx

• Puerto Rican

• Cuban

• Another Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish origin

2. What is your race? Please select all that apply.

• African American/African/Black

• American Indian/Alaska Native

• Arab/Middle Eastern

• Caucasian/European/White

• East Asian (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Korean)

• Southeast Asian (e.g., Cambodian, Vietnamese, Hmong, Filipino)

• South Asian (e.g., Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese, Sri Lankan)

• Other Asian

• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

VETERAN STATUS

2. Have you ever served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard?

• Never served in the military

• Only on active duty for training in the Reserves or National Guard

• Now on active duty

• On active duty in the past, but not now

CITIZEN, YEAR BORN, ORIENTATION

2. What is your citizenship status?

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident (includes dual-citizenship)

• Non-U.S. citizen with temporary visa

• Other non-U.S. citizen

2. Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation?

• Heterosexual

• Homosexual

• Bisexual

• Asexual

• Something else

• I don’t know

DISABILITY

2. What type of disability do you have? Please check all that apply.

• I do not have a disability

• Attention deficit

• Auditory disability

• Autism spectrum disorder

• Blind or visually impaired (does not include near/far sightedness)

• Health-related disability

• Learning disability

• Mental health disability

• Mobility or orthopedic disability

• Speech or language disorder

• Something else

MARITAL/FAMILY

2. What is your marital status?

• Married/Domestic Partnership

• Divorced/Separated

• Widowed

• Never married

2. Are you a primary caregiver to any children? A primary caregiver is the person most responsible for childcare.

• Yes, I am a primary caregiver.

• No, I do not have any children who need caregiving.

• No, my partner/spouse or other family member is the primary caregiver.

• No, I share caregiver responsibility equally with my partner/spouse or other family member.

2. Are you a primary caregiver to any family members who are not children (e.g., parents, grandparents, spouse)? A primary caregiver is the person most responsible for caregiving.

• Yes, I am a primary caregiver.

• No, I do not have any adult family members who need caregiving.

• No, my partner/spouse or other family member is the primary caregiver.

• No, I share caregiver responsibility equally with my partner/spouse or other family member.

2. What is your best estimate of your family household’s total annual income last year? “Family household” income includes yourself and anyone in your immediate family with whom you live.

[List of choices]

PARENTS

2. What is the highest level of education attained by any of your parent(s)/guardians?

• Less than high school

• High school graduate or G.E.D.

• Some college (no degree earned)

• Associate's degree

• Bachelor's degree

• Master's degree

• Doctoral degree

• I don't know

2. Do any of your parent(s)/guardian(s) currently have, or have held, a career related to the following fields: Computer science/Information Technology Engineering Mathematics Any other STEM field

• Yes

• No

• I don't know

2. Growing up, what do you think your family’s socioeconomic status was?

• Poor

• Below average/Lower middle class

• Average/Middle class

• Above average/Upper middle class

• Wealthy

• I don't know

RAFFLE BLOCK – COMPARISON GROUP ONLY

2. If you are interested in being entered in the CRA raffle to win 1 of 150 $10.00(USD) gift cards to Amazon, please provide your email address. The email you provide will only be used to contact you if your name is drawn for the prize; it will not be used for any other purpose. 

Email address:

This survey was developed by Computing Research Association’s (CRA) Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline (CERP). Please acknowledge CRA and CERP in all publications using this survey and direct other parties interested in obtaining the survey to CERP ([email protected]).