Sacramento State students are being encouraged to use their voices now more than ever before, as the university adopts a more high-tech way to survey subjects.

The new method – known as StudentVoice – uses mobile devices like personal digital assistants and online services to survey students on various subjects.

According to the StudentVoice website, the process of collecting data and receiving results is quick and easy. The electronic devices allow surveyors to ask more questions, while taking up less of the subject’s time.

Upon completion of the survey, results are immediately available on a StudentVoice reporting website, according to the website.

A number of Sac State organizations and departments have already taken an interest in the method, including Peak Adventures, Associated Students Inc. and the Office on Institutional Research.

Vice President of Student Affairs Lori Varlotta said the university is pleased about how fast data can be collected.

“We’re really excited about the speed at which we can generate data from students,” Varlotta said. “It allows us to survey students simultaneously, which gives us more time to analyze the data, as well.”

A division of Student Affairs introduced the program, Varlotta said, adding that the university then elected to contract with StudentVoice for the next year.

“The cost of the one-year contract is significantly less than it would be for one single staff member to work on assessments for the year,” Varlotta said.

Associate Vice President for Public Affairs Frank Whitlatch said the project is really catching on.

Whitlatch said there are many possibilities with StudentVoice. With StudentVoice, Sac State can get more information on student attitudes, perceptions and priorities, he said.

“This approach will allow us to conduct more and better surveys of our students,” Whitlatch said. “It is incredibly efficient, and we’ll be able to reach students in person, rather than relying solely on phone, (paper surveys) or e-mail.”

StudentVoice will improve response rates dramatically, Whitlatch said.

The program – which was founded in 1999 and is currently being used by more than 200 universities and community colleges around the United States – is primarily geared toward student affairs and auxiliary service assessments.

According to the website, by using the handheld devices, StudentVoice eliminated inefficiencies of the paper process, allowing surveyors to focus more on survey content and results.

The platform has been proven to be a beneficial tool for on-site data collection, according to the website.

“It’s nice because it allows students the opportunity to pursue areas of interest,” said ASI Executive Director Pat Worley. “(ASI) hasn’t actually done anything yet?.(ASI is) still in the process of developing survey questions.”

Worley said the nice thing about StudentVoice is that there are a couple of options on how surveys can be distributed.

“The first option for us is an online survey where we can direct students to a website,” Worley said. “Students would then take the surveys and submit their work sending the data straight to the database. The second option is for us to use electronic devices.”

What ASI envisions is having its student representatives go into an area of campus, like the Library Quad, where they will approach other students with the devices, Worley said. They will then let the students answer the survey questions on the devices and then take them back, she said.

Worley adds ASI already purchased 10 devices for its support surveying.

StudentVoice is the leading form of new technology, Varlotta said. It allows administrators the opportunity to poll students and assess school programs and services, she said.

“It is the most cost-efficient way to conduct surveys that will be of great benefit to students,” Varlotta said.

Garrett White, a junior business major, said the new method will serve students well.

“I think that this is a great idea,” White said. “It will limit the amount of time spent on surveying students and ensure a more accurate depiction of the results.”

Student Affairs will be offering a comprehensive training program for all people and departments interested in the StudentVoice program on Nov. 13 and Nov. 14, Varlotta said.