Survey helps admin, faculty understand student involvement

Results of the National Survey of Student Engagement conducted last spring show a steady growth in student satisfaction levels since the survey was first offered in 2001, said Dr. Peter J. Fos, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

The survey is conducted each spring and is only open to freshmen and senior-level students in order to paint a fair picture of an overall collegiate experience, according to the survey’s Web site.

This year, 140 first-year and 465 senior-level students took the online survey, according to the data. That’s 31 percent of eligible students.

“The NSSE takes a sample of the student body. I feel that 31 percent is an adequate sample,” Fos said.

Information gathered from the survey provides data about student participation in programs and activities that institutions provide for their learning and personal development. Results also show how undergraduates spend their time and what they gain from attending college.

The NSSE plays a part in the University’s Quality Enhancement Program and results also are used by the University for planning purposes.

“As provost, I look to NSSE results to assist me in planning for improvements to the quality of our academic programs at UT Tyler,” Fos said.

The survey consists of 42 questions revolved around five benchmarks: Level of Academic Challenge, Active and Collaborative Learning, Student-Faculty Interaction, Supportive Campus Environment and Enriching Educational Experiences.

Results are published on several levels, from a breakdown of how each question was answered to how the University’s results as a whole compare to the UT system, as well as against other select universities in the nation.

“Of course we feel that UT Tyler currently provides the best educational experiences for students, compared to other universities in the UT system,” Fos said.

Spring 2008 first-year students who completed the survey agree with Fos.

Benchmark comparisons rank the University’s Level of Academic Challenge at 51.1, compared with 50.7 earned by the UT system as a whole. First-year students also scored The University almost five full points higher than the UT system in the Active and Collaborative Learning section.

These sections of the survey included questions concerning the amount of time a student prepares for class, the number of course readings, the number of written reports and how hard a student works to meet an instructor’s standards or expectations, according to the report.

“UT Tyler freshmen rated active and collaborative learning higher than other UT System universities, UT selected peers and all NSSE universities,” Fos said.

Though the data shows improvements in all five key areas since 2001, the Enriching Educational Experiences section shows a decline over the past year.

“When weaknesses are identified we begin to plan some intervention which will strengthen the area,” Fos said. “To improve this area we have begun to formally provide study abroad opportunities.”

Fos said University students have the opportunity this spring to study and live in an abbey in France, and this summer students have the opportunity to spend 4 weeks in London as part of a British studies program.

In addition, the University plans to begin an honors program in fall 2009. Fos said this program will feature field experiences, study abroad, undergraduate research and learning community experiences.

“By Fall 2010, as part of our SACS reaffirmation process, the Quality Enhancement Plan will be implemented which will consist of living/learning communities of students who will be engaged in global awareness activities, including courses,” Fos said.

The NSSE is a joint venture between the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research, the Indiana University Center for Survey Research, and the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems.

It is not part of the existing accountability structure of colleges and universities.

Melissa Greene Associate Editor