27,000 students asked to fill out satisfaction survey

About 27,000 student e-mails have been sent out in the past week asking UA undergraduate students to take part in a university-sponsored survey. The Student Satisfaction Inventory is intended to assist UA administrators in determining the needs and satisfaction level of its student population.

"The results of the survey will help us to set new goals for retention and recruitment for the next four to five years," said Lynne Tronsdal, assistant vice president of student retention. "Student input is essential."

A target of 4,000 to 5,000 answered surveys would provide the data required in planning any new recruitment strategies, Tronsdal said. As of yesterday morning, there have been 3,971 replies.

Trosdal made a special appeal to those students in underrepresented groups.

"We hope that the SSI will provide students in smaller colleges a means for voicing their opinions," Tronsdal said.

The survey will conclude Friday. Participants will be entered in a drawing for two $250 cash awards.

For more information, contact Tronsdal's office at 621-8257.

Entreprenuerial students showcase business plans

The state's best and brightest entrepreneurial students will showcase their business plans at the fifth annual Arizona Venture Competition at the Eller College of Business and Public Administration Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The event includes 10 teams of students from the UA, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the American School of International Management.

Arizona Desert Angels, a venture capital firm, provided additional support.

The UA Karl Eller Center and McGuire Entrepreneurship Program has one of the top intercollegiate business plan records in the nation. In 2003, eight UA student teams were among the top three finishers in competitions against other schools.

Five of the last seven graduate student teams who won their respective competitions launched their businesses just after graduation and are still in business.