University students' perceptions of quality assessment: Implications for managerial practices at the University of the Virgin Islands

This study examined students' perceptions at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) of quality criteria in their undergraduate educational experience and management structures and practices at the UVI. The purpose was to better understand Caribbean students' perceptions as part of the ongoing discussion in higher education of quality issues.; The descriptive survey method was used for this study, specifically, an adapted version of a survey instrument used by Donald and Denison in 1994 to study students' perceptions. Data were collected and analyzed from a systematic selection sample (N = 120) of the 1,447 students enrolled at UVI during spring semester and summer session 2003.; The results confirmed that students' perceptions, expectations, and levels of satisfaction at UVI are comparable to the findings of the Donald and Denison study. The findings identified and affirmed the quality factors important not only to students but to institutional leaders, apparently true irrespective of geographic location or institutional environment. The findings of this study can serve as indicators to management of the preferred linkages between institutional performance and students' perceptions of quality in their undergraduate educational experience.