Research Article

Investigating Determinants of Student Satisfaction in the First Year of College in a Public University in the State of Qatar

Table 1

Items used for each variable.

Student overall satisfaction (Likert scale used: strongly agree “5”; agree “4”; neutral “3”; disagree “2”; strongly disagree “1”)
Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of my first-year experience.
I think Qatar University is offering high-quality education to its students.
Other courses I registered for this semester helped me adapt to university life.
I would choose to register at QU if I had the choice to start over again.
I plan to continue to study at Qatar University.

100-level course evaluation (Likert scale used: strongly agree “5”; agree “4”; neutral “3”; disagree “2”; strongly disagree “1”)
Overall course experience
  Overall, I had a good experience with this course.
Timing and duration
  The course session durations were adequate.
  The timing of the course sessions was appropriate.
Content and lesson delivery
  The content delivered in this course was adequate.
  The sessions were delivered as outlined in the syllabus.
Participation in activities
  This course helped me adapt to college life easily after high school.
  This course helped me become aware of the various activities taking place on campus.
Interactions with others
  This course encouraged me to interact both academically and socially with my classmates.
  The course has increased my interactions with faculty members and staff (course instructor, academic advisor, etc.).
Motivation and academic performance
  This course had increased my motivation to excel in my higher education degree.
  This course has endorsed my academic performance.
Improvement in skills and awareness
  The knowledge I gained in this course helped me have clear objectives about my involvement in QU.
  This course has given me the opportunity to develop my writing skills.
  This course has given me the opportunity to develop my presentation skills.
  This course has improved my time management skills.
  This course has given me the tools and skills to succeed in college.
  This course has helped me recognize my career preferences.
Perceived importance
  This course is important for first-year students.

Citizenship skills and knowledge (Likert scale used: strongly agree “5”; agree “4”; neutral “3”; disagree “2”; strongly disagree “1”)
I have good knowledge of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
I have good knowledge of Qatar’s National Development Strategy.
I am aware of the UREP∗ program for undergraduate students.
I plan to achieve change and development in my future career.
I know how to develop my leadership skills through the services and activities offered by QU.

Sense of belonging (Likert scale used: strongly agree “5”; agree “4”; neutral “3”; disagree “2”; strongly disagree “1”)
I feel part of college campus life.
I feel responsible for my own education and learning.
I feel capable to continue my academic studies.

Interaction (scale used: never “0”; 1-2 times per semester “1”; 1-2 times per month “2”; once a week “3”; 2-3 times per week “4”; daily “5”)
How often have you interacted with this course instructor outside class?
How often have you interacted with your other course instructors outside class?
How often have you interacted with academic advisors/counselors?
How often have you interacted with close friends at this institution?
How often have you interacted with graduate students/teaching assistants?

Awareness and utilization of support services
Are you aware of each of the following campus resources/support services? (“Yes”/“no”)
  How often have you utilized each of the following campus resources/support services? (“Frequently,” “occasionally,” and “not at all”)
  Printing and photocopying service
  Financial aid
  Transportation (e.g., campus express)
  Student call center
  Academic advice
  Textbooks
  Group therapy
  Student Learning Support Center (e.g., writing labs)
  Qatar University Center for Volunteer Work
  Career services
  Library
  Student counsel
  International students
  Student employment
  Student clubs
  Sport activities
  Voluntary work and community service
  Awareness (0, 1)
  Frequency of utilization (1, 2, 3)