NWC News Desk

Community survey (plus a chance to win $100 in groceries or gas) coming to Washakie County residents

Posted January 20, 2010
By

POWELL, Wyo. - Washakie County residents will find something a little different in their mailboxes this year - a survey package with a chance to win one of three $100 gift certificates to an area grocery store or gas station of their choice.

The community survey is being conducted by Northwest College to better understand how residents in the Worland and Ten Sleep area view the college. NWC officials are hoping the gift certificates will entice more returns. Respondents can choose to mail back their completed survey or fill it out and submit it online.  

NWC surveyed Washakie County residents five years ago and is now checking in again to see how perceptions of the college have changed in the intervening years.

"The college's image is its most important asset," Mark Kitchen, NWC's vice president for college relations, said. "Because perceptions often drive behavior, it's important to know how NWC is perceived." Kitchen said Northwest is trying to get a better understanding of attitudes, perceptions and needs as it makes curricular and promotional plans for the future.

Designed to take only five minutes or fewer to complete, the survey includes questions about classes, training needs, enrollment status, factors in choosing a college, campus visits and how information about Northwest College is received, among others.

"Perhaps the most important question," Kitchen said, "is the last one, which asks residents to tell 'what change(s) would improve your perceptions of the college.' This gives individuals a voice to help shape the college's future." The Washakie County survey is the beginning of a second five-year plan to survey all residents in Northwest College's service area, which also includes Big Horn and Park counties.

Northwest asks that survey responses be returned by Feb. 8.

For more information about the survey, contact Mark Kitchen or call (307) 754-6405, or toll-free at (800) 560-4692.