HAYS, Kan -- Contacts with 1,054 Fort Hays State University graduates from the 2008-2009 academic year found a "success rate" -- a placement in a job or enrolled in advanced study -- of 95 percent, according to a report from the university's Career Services office.

The percentage is a result from contact with every FHSU graduate from locations inside the United States. The 1,054 figure includes Virtual College, on-campus students and associate and undergraduate degree students. Not included in the percentage are Virtual College graduates from China and other international locations.

"With the tight economy, we are pleased with our 95-percent success rate," said Dan Rice, director of Career Services. "This is a reflection of the quality of students and faculty of FHSU."

This placement rate for FHSU graduates continues the success of recent years. The placement rate was 98 percent in 2007-08, 98 percent in 2006-07, 98 percent in 2005-06, 98 percent in 2004-05, 98 percent in 2003-04, 98 percent in 2002-03, 98 percent in 2001-02, 99 percent in 2000-01, 99 percent in 1999-2000, 99 percent in 1998-99, 98 percent in 1997-98, 97 percent in 1996-97, 97 percent in 1995-96 and 99 percent in 1994-95.

Another significant aspect of the success rate of 2009 graduates is that 689 of them are working in their major field and 181 are continuing their education. Another 105 reported being employed outside of their majors, 55 were still seeking employment and 24 were not seeking employment.

The geographic employment data show that of the employed graduates,175 are working in Ellis County, 293 are employed in western Kansas, 96 are employed in other Kansas regions, and 230 are employed out-of-state.

The survey is conduced annually by Rice's Office of Career Services, which assists FHSU students in acquiring the skills necessary for a successful job search and provides information about available jobs. The survey report is issued in late December each year.

An extraordinary effort goes into the completion of the survey. The Career Services office uses phone, mail and e-mail surveys and then turns to faculty, alumni, fraternity or sorority contacts, families and various other sources to find the employment or study status of all graduates.

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