According to recent survey information released by the Office of the Dean of Students, University students trail their peers at comparable universities in several markers of student-faculty interaction, but administrators and professors questioned the seriousness of the survey's implications.
Of the 13 index markers used to survey faculty-student interaction, University students outscored students at other doctoral, research-extensive universities in four indexes and lagged behind their peers in the other nine indexes, according to the survey.
"Even though there were a lot of differences between U.Va. and its peer group, the differences were considered small," said Lori Ann Willy, director of administration and technology for the Office of the Dean of Students.
All of the "effect sizes," statistics that measure the difference between U.Va. and its peer group, were below the level that would be considered moderate, as stated in the report.
"When my colleagues reviewed the information, we did not see it as cause for concern but as interesting information to share that we've learned about the students," Willy said.
The report also highlighted higher levels of faculty interaction here at the University among upperclassmen, transfer students and students living in residential colleges.
"We have some great information about the residential college system," Willy said.
The survey did not find any differences based on race, current residence, or Greek status. Also, the report found that there was no correlation between faculty-student interaction and cumulative GPA in this sample.
The recently released information is part of the results of the College Student Experiences Questionnaire administered by the Office of the Dean of Students during the spring of 2003.
"This is part of the Office of the Dean of Students' ongoing assessment efforts," Senior Associate Dean of Students Shamim Sisson said.
The faculty-student interaction data is the fourth set to be released in a bulletin from the Office of the Dean of Students.
"We've been continuing to study it and pull out parts we feel would be beneficial to the University community," Sisson said.
According to Faculty Senate Chair-elect Kenneth Schwartz, many members of the faculty are aware of the importance of the issue.
"Many of us are very interested in the positive interactions between students and faculty," Schwartz said.
According to the report, the results reveal opportunities for the University to grow.
"There's always room for improvement," Schwartz said. "We try to strengthen the positive models."
One positive model that is aiding faculty-student interaction is Alderman Café, Schwartz said.
"It is an amazing place where people can get together outside the classroom," Schwartz said.
Willy added that the report also may heighten attention to the resources already available to the faculty, such as the Faculty Entertainment of Students Fund, which reimburses faculty for expenses accrued in hosting students.
The report stressed the importance of improving faculty-student interaction as a key facet of education.
"That form of interaction is often very memorable and meaningful for students and faculty involved," Schwartz said.
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