BCSSE targets three distinct groups of entering students: 1) first-year students who are recent high school graduates, 2) transfer students, and 3) older students who have no prior experience in higher education. BCSSE is administered locally and is available on paper, online, or both (mixed mode) for summer/fall administration. Institutions generally administer BCSSE during orientation or welcome week, or in the first two weeks of the fall term—depending on academic calendar and assessment needs. An online-only winter administration is also available.

Administering BCSSE involves active collaboration between BCSSE staff and institutional participants. Each BCSSE institution is assigned a project services team upon registration approval. The project services team will assist institutional users with every aspect of preparing and administering BCSSE. Keep in mind that unlike NSSE, BCSSE is locally administered by each campus. The project services team and BCSSE staff are always available to assist you with the administration process.

The Institution Interface provides a secure portal for downloading all necessary files including data and reports. The interface also contains all the information you need for a successful BCSSE administration including IRB-approved messages, informed consent, and administration procedures.

The timeline below approximates the general activities for BCSSE administration.