NSSE

What is the survey about?

Survey items on The College Student Report represent empirically confirmed "good practices" in undergraduate education. That is, they reflect behaviors by students and institutions that are associated with desired outcomes of college. NSSE doesn’t assess student learning directly, but survey results point to areas where colleges and universities are performing well and aspects of the undergraduate experience that could be improved.

NSSE can provide a wealth of institutional data for a limited investment of time and money on the part of the institution.

Jeff Roberts, Director of Assessment, Sam Houston State University

How are survey results used?

Institutions use their data to identify aspects of the undergraduate experience inside and outside the classroom that can be improved through changes in policies and practices more consistent with good practices in undergraduate education. This information is also used by prospective college students, their parents, college counselors, academic advisors, institutional research officers, and researchers to learn more about how students spend their time at different colleges and universities and what they gain from their experiences.

NSSE's widespread use has spawned several other nationally used instruments including:

Banner photo courtesy of Stephen F. Austin State University.