How do I participate?

(1) REGISTER: To register for this survey, visit the How to Buy page. If you have further questions about this research initiative, contact us.

(2) SCHEDULE FIELDING DATES: Once you register, Percept Research will contact you to schedule your survey. You will be able to customize the invitation date, reminder date, and survey end date of the web-based survey. We will provide recommendations on the best timing to provide an optimal response rate.

(3) DESIGN CUSTOM QUESTIONS (PERCEPT): Our consultants will work with you to tailor the questionnaire to your unique program. Alumni surveys many benchmark metrics along with questions customized to the unique delivery of your program.

(4) COLLECT EMAIL ADDRESSES: Upon registration, Percept Research will provide instructions on how to submit student email addresses in comma-separated format, including class year, first name, last name, and email address.

(5) SEND PRE-ALERT: Percept Research will provide a pre-alert template to encourage your alumni to look for the invitations in their inboxes and let them know that this study has been commissioned on your behalf. This alert should come directly from your program administration 1-2 days before your survey fielding is scheduled to begin.

(6) FIELD SURVEY (PERCEPT): We will send your alumni email invitations to participate in the survey based on the invitation date you select during registration. These invitations will provide a unique hyperlink to the survey that will allow alumni to complete the survey only once. Percept Research will send reminder email messages to alumni who have not responded based on the date of your choosing. We recommend setting the reminder within one week of the invitation as web surveys tend to field quickly.

(7) CLOSE SURVEY (PERCEPT): Percept Research will close the fielding of the survey based on the date you specify (fielding 2-3 weeks is suggested). 

(8) ANNOUNCE EXTENSION: At the end of the 'announced' survey fielding, you will be sent a list of alumni who have not completed the survey for you to follow up directly to achieve a census. Percept Research will provide an extension-alert template to encourage non-responding students to complete the survey and let them know that you have extended the deadline so you can collect their feedback. You can achieve a significant boost in response with this type of direct follow-up with a one-week extension.

(9) PAYMENT: Based on the reporting options you select during registration, you will receive an invoice via email. We offer the option of online payment via a hyperlink within the invoice email. Please note that we must receive full payment in order to release your survey reports.

When will my results be available?

Topline summaries are delivered within 1-2 weeks after the end of fielding for your institution's specific survey.

The Program Roadmap & Market Trends Report will be delivered based on the fielding year schedule. Check out the Timing of Surveys and Reporting for specific dates.