Survey: 66 percent would recommend MCC to others

The general perception of McHenry County College is that it's convenient and affordable, but opinions vary on the quality of faculty and staff, a recent survey shows.

The survey was conducted by Stamats, a research company hired by MCC at a cost of about $37,000 to conduct the first phase of the college's re-branding initiative, which launched in March.

The overall project will cost $150,000 and will culminate with a marketing campaign planned for the second half of 2012, officials said.

At a board meeting Thursday night, Christina Haggerty, MCC's director of marketing and public relations, said the goal of the survey was to assess general perceptions of the college and “identify strengths and areas of opportunity.”

Nearly 1,300 people completed the online survey, which found that MCC staff and students tend to rate the college less favorably than guidance counselors and community partners, with faculty having opinions somewhere in the middle.

However, about two-thirds of respondents said they would recommend MCC to friends or relatives, and nursing, fire science and art were considered the strongest programs offered by the college.

MCC was especially praised in the survey for the amount of individual attention given to students, MCC President Vicky Smith said.

But respondents also pointed to negatives regarding leadership, course availability and parking, the survey shows.

Trustee Dennis Adams pointed out that the makeup of the board has changed recently. “This is the perfect timing because going forward with this, we can get the word out about the positive changes,” said Adams, who was appointed in November and elected in April, along with two more board members.

Haggerty said the process will also include recommendations about how the board can be “directly integrated” into the re-branding plan.

Stamats is expected to present a final brand plan to the board in August or September.