First Destination Survey
The collection of First Destination data ended for 2021-2022 graduates in December 2022. We achieved a knowledge rate of 49% for UMaine and 47% for UMaine Machias. This dataset of employment and continuing education outcomes for recent graduates was collected from electronic surveys (i.e., a short survey at the time of graduation and a longer survey administered starting in August), phone calls, as well as information from the National Student Clearinghouse and LinkedIn.
The positive-outcome rate, which reflects the percentage of Bachelor and Associate degree graduates (for whom we have knowledge) who are engaged in employment, or continuing education in a degree program, was 95% for UMaine and 90% for UMaine Machias. The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment will be sharing these results two ways: (a) through brief one-page reports and (b) with a detailed dashboard that will be made available to those with responsibility for career services and alumni relations.
We are now gearing up to collect these data for the next cohort of graduates (Summer 2022 – Spring 2023). We will be refining the process in order to improve our knowledge rate. An early version of the survey will be available on the portal later this Spring, and graduates will be invited to participate at commencement ceremonies and related events. The more detailed long form survey will be sent in the summer.