No overall dissatisfaction w/course curriculum. I never consulted w/my PS advisor. Was not so sure it was ever necessary.

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1 Open-ended Questions Exit Survey Department of Political Science Spring 2004 #1 Negative feedback elaboration -More political theory classes would be helpful -Undergraduate lower division classes were not as well taught (overall!) as upper level. -I was unsatisfied with the courses I took with [censored] -Need stronger academic advising (both in L&S and follow thru within poli sci major) No overall dissatisfaction w/course curriculum. I never consulted w/my PS advisor. Was not so sure it was ever necessary. Academic advising was poor. I didn t feel []helped me much, felt like just a number, when more than half of the capstone class didn t know how to declare their major, I think the advisor was to blame. My neutrality reflects the general lower level of interest in the lower level classes when compared to the upper level ones. First, the selection of upper level courses is very narrow; too narrow. Secondly, the time frame of offered courses is very inconvenient. The availability of desired course: the times that these courses were available could be expanded upon. Meaning that I would like to see more night sections offered. At times, especially while a student is trying to work during the day it would be helpful to see more night sections. Also, I feel that it important to improve the quality of advising offered to Poli Sci students. It may be helpful to have a stable system for advising. I rated just about every category w/an average response cuz none of the courses are entirely bad. There should be more classes that talk about modern politics. I am satisfied with all level courses, except the 203; otherwise, I am very satisfied with all courses I am taking here at UWM. My largest concerns were the size of lower level classes (too large, to many people) and the fact that all issues covered were covered very generally. My second concern was that many classes that I would like to take were usually held at the same time. This often meant that I required 2 semesters to take a few classes when I would rather be able to take them in 1 semester. Finally I have had some God awful professors in my time here. 2 specifically this semester [censored: 1 was a lecturer no longer with us and one is a faculty member] I wish there were more law classes. Overall I was satisfied w/the Poli Sci Dept. 1

2 Overall courses did not provide enough of a foundation for understanding politics more courses on American politics should be required. There were never enough or a variety of political science courses offered throughout the school years of my duration at UWM. More specifically there is not a variety of upper level courses. Some professors are careless with their instruction and need to become more organized. The quality of TA s in PolySci 101 was less than to be desired [probably means 103]. The Poly Sci department is excellent otherwise. I was dissatisfied with advising. Although my advisor was knowledgeable and directed me to resources, he did not check that I completed all my courses adequately. He never contacted me with additional info. Maybe a Political Science reflector with Pol Sci info and advice would be useful. Several professors were not very available and seemed distracted with other things rather than adequately looking out for students. I wasn t really aware of any concerns that the faculty should be addressing, therefore I put only a satisfied because if there were concerns they weren t made known to me. I was not happy with the advisors. My advisor never knew the answers to my questions and always referred me to the undergraduate advisor who was never available. The only items that approached negative were the lower level classes + availability of classes. The only reason the lower levels weren t higher was because the seamed too basic at times, while still necessary, I was excited for more upper level analysis classes. When I got to the upper level certain classes weren t often always available. When I got to 390, which was not fun, the semester I wanted to take it, it was not available. I do not believe the overall required course were bad but I did have an issue w/all the L&S credit that were needed. Even after 5 years I was still short 3 credits. #2 Positive feedback elaboration -Terry Nardin was an amazing professor! I strongly recommend him. -I did a UROP w/thomas Holbrook on voting & media which was really helpful too. Professor Redd he was an excellent instructor. Particularly satisfied w/professors: Dr. Rast and Dr. Nardin. I took multiple classes with both professors, the class were very stimulating, and I feel as though I retained much of what I learned in their classes. Concern for students in the upper division of courses seems to have increased with smaller class sizes. 2

3 I thought there were a few professors that went out of their way to be helpful. Meckstroth, Marlowe, Holbrook. I really liked Professor Ethridge he had a great teaching and lecture style. I enjoyed coming to lecture. Professor Handelman liked the humor he threw into lecture, helped to hold my attention. Meckstroth Enjoyed his theory courses immensely. Marlowe I am diametrically opposed to anything that involves math/stats. This guy made me get it and get an A in 390 he deserves credit in my book. I have enjoyed taking political science classes to obtain my political science degree. I did enjoy the instruction in the lower level classes as well as the upper division classes. It has been nice to take classes in the political science department because it has been more personable with political science teachers. I am satisfied with all. I think in a way Mekstroth is particularly I like about his class. I have thoroughly enjoyed all my professor for the Poli Sci major. One exception is [censored] I believe Dr. Red (Reed?) was probably the finest PolySci Prof. I have had. His styles was very excited while teaching, high knowledgable and very understandable. I received great advising, both from my L&S advisor as well as Prof Handelman. I don t usually ask for help but when I did, all professors were willing to give their time. I gave the requirements a 1 because it was fairly easy. Pol. Sci was my minor until I learned I only had 2 remaining classes to receive my degree. The requirements were comprehensive and I enjoyed that. Prof. Redd, Prof. Benesh, Prof. Nardin were very good instructors. They were tough but fair graders. They are very knowledgeable about their fields. All teachers I worked with were very helpful and supportive. I felt the level of instruction was good. The professors are all very knowledgeable about the subject matter. Most were easy to meet with if necessary. The only thing positive I have experienced is working closely with a member of the political science department on my senior capstone paper. I never had a professor that wasn t available for me when I needed him/her. The nonprofessors that teach in PS department are a testament to how good instruction is here. Zach Cook & Eric Kasper were excellent instructor and were not even profs. 3

4 Teachers in Political Science department came to class motivated and showed great knowledge of material. This made me more interested in the topics and material and made it fun to come to class. I felt that the Political Science department is considerably well-rounded. It does concern me that a number of courses are taught by staff who are not full time faculty, but I was affected by this very little. Every professor (Pol Sci) I had at UWM was willing to give extra help and understanding of concepts I did not get. I felt the requirements covered a very broad basis. Dr. Redd was very helpful and available for assistance. Professor Redd really did a nice job of challenging me and I really liked that. I got a B in his foreign policy class, which took a lot of work. I m happy I didn t just get handed an easy grade. Sara Benesh, 411-con law civil rights was the best class. Lots of class participation and a great set-up! I also really enjoyed Meckstroth and Nardin s classes. All in all I enjoyed my experience with the UWM Poli Sci Dept. I think it was more of a collective and group effort, not as much of individuals. I learned a great deal from all of the professors I had, some perhaps more than others, but that was differences in style. Overall, I enjoyed all the professors here at Milwaukee. Prof. [censored] class was kind of a waste of time. The major requires a wide variety of political knowledge and encourages critical thinking and in-dept critiquing of many aspects of political thinking. Professors are very knowledgeable and accomplished and are easily approachable. #3 Overall assessment of experience Good. I would have liked a more active Pi Sigma Alpha chapter and wider selection of courses, but I am satisfied overall. I enjoyed the experience and was taught well. Satisfied. Overall I am satisfied. Very enjoyable. It s a good major. I like this major including staff. They re very helpful. Good. 4

5 I might be a little smarter because of it. Kidding. It was great. Overall, I believe that I have had a good experience. I just wish that there would be more focuses on student advising in the political science department. I learned a lot. I am please with my experience here at UWM. All in all were I to do it again, I would have picked a better major, although I have little bad to say about the Econ department (my 2 nd major). I loved it! I almost wish there were more classes I had to take, but after six years, I m ready to go. Satisfied. I felt the quality of the teaching was better in the upper level courses. Professors were caring and good but there was a lack of class opportunity. It s a great program. I enjoyed the diversity of required courses. I had several outstanding professors. This is a well done program. There is enough variety for specific types of PoliSci (Law, statistics, etc.) I enjoyed most of the Professors and learned a great deal about Pol. Sci. Perhaps I ll go on to graduate school. I am highly disappointed with the Political Science department based on the fact there are never enough classes offered. Great. I was previously in the school of Business in which I will receive a minor in, and compared to Poli Sci the teachers are more approachable, motivated, and take the time to talk with you, which means a lot. The professors are integrous [sic] and bring a fun tint to the material. I had a good experience here. Professors are wonderful! It was mediocre. The major gave me extensive knowledge of various aspect of the political and law community. I was thoroughly impressed. Fair. 5

6 Well, it was good. I am just thrilled to be done. This is my second time through this class, so I am relieved to be done w/it finally. Keep up the great work! Overall, I was happy w/my classes. I have a positive general assessment of the Political Science program and enjoyed the diversity of courses offered in the major. #4 How can major be improved -Offer some of the classes in the undergraduate catalog more often. -Is there any way for someone to look at the website and understand the political ideology or main area which the PolSci department focuses on (int rltns, theory, Am gvt, etc)? This understanding might increase satisfaction. More courses. More theory courses as opposed to historical background classes. Offer more constitutional law courses for those who are interested in legal studies. Eliminate discussion sections for classes that don t require them. ex Intro to Pol Sci. Offer more classes. Not sure how valuable the Poli Sci Law Studies Option is. Only useful if going on to law school and I felt other Poli Sci majors outside of Law Studies really stood out. Drop stat requirement. More classes. I d like to see something new; on par with big schools. The advising department needs to be stronger. More classes or more subjects. It s good so far. Offer more internship opportunities & political experience not just based on grades. More specific classes maybe, improve availability in classes. Add more law classes. N/A Program is good overall. 6

7 More law classes; more classes about women in politics. Nothing in particular. Get more faculty that will be able to teach a variety of political science courses. Now that I am graduating!! he he! I believe the requirements for degree should be higher. It was remarkably easy, credits wise to graduate. It is not representative of the level of instruction. Expand the topics, bring in more teachers particularly right out of school who bring a energetic and different point of view to current subjects. I m not sure. More extra-curricular functions would be nice. Other than that, nothing. Provide more information to students on activities, political info, opportunities, internships. Better student/professor relationships. Clearer understanding of what s desired. I don t think it can be; it was great. I liked that you could choose options (i.e. the law studies option) that could enhance your experiences. More classes like con-law civil rights w/sara Benesh. The classrooms didn t fit the way the class was being taught. Some should be more of a discussion class + it is hard to do in a classroom that all the seats are facing forward. I feel that the capstone seminar allowed fewer students per class and involved more small in depth discussion. It would be nice to have more course offerings in the summer session. 7