University Housing at the University of Illinois
2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT

University Housing Assessment

University Housing staff use assessment to guide strategic decisions.

This past fall semester, 1,830 or 22% of undergraduate residents in University Housing responded to a survey using an assessment tool recognized by ACUHO-I and industry standards (SKYfactor, previously known as EBI). This assessment tool has been used for years within University Housing and allows for detailed comparative analysis. In November, the results were analyzed and here are a few findings gleaned from this year’s results:
  • Residents were most satisfied with safety and security in the halls and with the hall staff.
  • Residents were least satisfied with the room assignment process and dining services.
  • When digging deeper into the dining responses, residents were satisfied with the dining facilities and the service they receive from dining staff. They were least satisfied with the cost of the meal plan, and the variety of foods served.

Campus WebTools was used to initiate surveys to collect information on why residents made the decision to return or chose to live elsewhere the following year. Each survey had more than 2,000 responses.
  • Cost was stated as the number one reason students would not return the next year.
  • The “community” and “friends” were the reasons 40% of the responders who chose to return to live in the residence halls.

Multiple assessment efforts in University Housing ran continuously through the year. In Dining Services, staff assessed the menus with taste panels and survey students about new products. Staff took daily measurements of post-meal food waste in the dining facilities and analyzed trends, with the ultimate goal to reduce waste. Secret shopper appraisals provided another source of information to guide decisions within the dining operation. A quick response assessment was gained through the Text & Tell survey. Students eating in the residence hall dining facilities provided immediate input via text message and in some instances, staff were able to take immediate action.

Additional surveys built with the Campus Labs/Baseline tool included:
  • Detailed information gathered from residents in the Living & Learning Communities (LLCs).
  • Cell phone and wireless access survey responses guided decisions of access points and increasing customer satisfaction.
  • Graduate residence hall resident assistants were evaluated to increase customer service.
  • Information regarding the room selection process was collected from over 1,200 students.

We also utilized student focus groups to gather information about a multitude of topics. One of these focus groups asked for feedback related to the furniture and finishes within the new Wassaja Hall. These focus groups were conducted during student leadership meetings, during dining hours, and in student staff meetings.



University Housing
University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana

University Housing on the Web
View our contact information