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National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
A benchmark survey that is growing in popularity among students looking at
colleges is the National Survey of Student Engagement. It’s a way to compare educational
practices at different schools by using the same ‘measuring stick.’ NSSE
(pronounced "nessie") attempts to go beyond college rankings by asking
students about their level of engagement during their first year and senior
year in college. Students are asked a variety of questions developed to
measure their experiences while attending the institution.
Sponsored by the
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Pew Forum on
Undergraduate Education, NSSE polled over 313,000
students at 610 colleges nationwide in 2007.
Milligan's results exceeded those of its peers at other baccalaureate
colleges in all five benchmarks.
Source:
USA Today searchable online database
What are the Benchmarks?
• Academic Challenge
• Active and Collaborative Learning
• Supportive Campus Environment
• Enriching Educational Experiences
• Student-Faculty Interaction
Academic Challenge
What does Academic Challenge mean?
Challenging intellectual and creative work is central to student
learning and collegiate quality. Colleges and universities promote high
levels of student achievement by emphasizing the importance of academic
effort and setting high expectations for student performance.
How is the score determined?
The Academic Challenge benchmark score in NSSE comes from a
combination of different survey questions asked of first-year and senior
students at the College. Survey items for this benchmark include:
- Preparing for class (studying, reading, writing, rehearsing, etc.
related to academic program)
- Number of assigned textbooks, books, or book-length packs of course
readings
- Number of written papers or reports of 20 pages or more; number of
written papers or reports of between 5 and 19 pages; and number of written
papers or reports of fewer than 5 pages
- Coursework emphasizing analysis of the basic elements of an idea,
experience or theory
- Coursework emphasizing synthesis and organizing of ideas, information,
or experiences into new, more complex interpretations and relationships
- Coursework emphasizing the making of judgments about the value of
information, arguments, or methods
- Coursework emphasizing application of theories or concepts to
practical problems or in new situations
- Working harder than you thought you could to meet an instructor's
standards or expectations
- Campus environment emphasizing time studying and on academic work
Collaborative Learning
What does Active and Collaborative Learning mean?
Students learn more when they are intensely involved in their
education and asked to think about what they are learning in different
settings. Collaborating with others in solving problems or mastering
difficult material prepares students for the messy, unscripted problems they
will encounter daily during and after college.
How is the score determined?
The Active and Collaborative Learning benchmark score in NSSE comes from a
combination of different survey questions asked of first-year and senior
students at the College. Survey items for this benchmark include:
- Asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions
- Made a class presentation
- Worked with other students on projects during class
- Worked with classmates outside of class to prepare class assignments
- Tutored or taught other students
- Participated in a community-based project as part of a regular course
- Discussed ideas from your readings or classes with others outside of
class (students, family members, co-workers, etc.)
Supportive Campus Environment
What is Supportive Campus Environment?
Students perform better and are more satisfied at colleges that are
committed to their success and cultivate positive working and social
relations among different groups on campus.
How is the score determined?
The Supportive Campus Environment benchmark score in NSSE comes
from a combination of different survey questions asked of first-year and
senior students at the College. Survey items for this benchmark include:
- Campus environment provides the support you need to help you succeed
academically
- Campus environment helps you cope with your non-academic
responsibilities (work, family, etc.)
- Campus environment provides the support you need to thrive socially
- Quality of relationships with other students
- Quality of relationships with faculty members
- Quality of relationships with administrative personnel and offices
Enriching Educational Experiences
What are Enriching Educational Experiences?
Complementary learning opportunities in and out of class augment
academic programs. Diversity experiences teach students valuable things
about themselves and others. Technology facilitates collaboration between
peers and instructors. Internships, community service, and senior capstone
courses provide opportunities to integrate and apply knowledge.
How is the score determined?
The Enriching Educational Experiences benchmark score in NSSE comes
from a combination of different survey questions asked of first-year and
senior students at the College. Survey items for this benchmark include:
- Participating in co-curricular activities (organizations,
publications, student government, sports, etc.)
- Practicum, internship, field experience, co-op experience or clinical
assignment
- Community service or volunteer work
- Foreign language coursework and study abroad
- Independent study or self-designed major
- Culminating senior experience (comprehensive exam, capstone course,
thesis, project, etc.)
- Serious conversations with students of different religious beliefs,
political opinions, or personal values
- Serious conversations with students of a different race or ethnicity
- Using electronic technology to discuss or complete an assignment
- Campus environment encourages contact among students from different
economic, social, and racial or ethnic backgrounds
- Participate in a learning community or some other formal program where
groups of students take two or more classes together
Student-Faculty Interaction
What is Student-Faculty Interaction?
Students learn firsthand how experts think about and solve practical
problems by interacting with faculty members inside and outside the
classroom. As a result, their teachers become role models, mentors, and
guides for continuous, lifelong learning.
How is the score determined?
The Student-Faculty Interaction benchmark score in NSSE comes from
a combination of different survey questions asked of first-year and senior
students at the College. Survey items for this benchmark include:
- Discussed grades or assignments with an instructor
- Talked about career plans with a faculty member or advisor
- Discussed ideas from your readings or classes with faculty members
outside of class
- Worked with faculty members on activities other than coursework
(committees, orientation, student-life activities, etc.)
- Received prompt feedback from faculty on your academic performance
(written or oral)
- Worked or planned to work with a faculty member on a research project
outside of course or program requirements
Back to Reputation |
2004 NSSE results | NSSE website
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