NSSENSSENSSE
Debuted in 2022, the Early Raw Data Download allows participating institutions to access their NSSE survey data as early as April—months before reports are delivered in August—to get a jump on assessment, planning, and internal reporting. The early raw data include responses to all core survey items, Topical Modules, consortium items, open-text comments, and if applicable, your Custom Item Set. It also includes information provided in your population file.
Perhaps the most popular method for customizing NSSE to institutional needs is appending Topical Modules—short sets of questions on designated topics such as career preparation, civic engagement, and mental health. Over NSSE's past three administrations, 93% of institutions chose to add one or more Topical Modules to the core survey.
NSSE continues to review and update existing Topical Modules to ensure timely, representative responses, as well as to develop new offerings, such as the Mental Health & Well-Being module in 2023 and the several modules updated for 2025.
Participating institutions can submit their own custom item sets with up to ten questions to fit their individualized assessment needs.
Traditionally, NSSE sends five recruitment messages to your students during the survey administration period. Now, you have the option to select to send these five recruitment messages directly from your campus during the registration process if you prefer.
NSSE suggests posting individualized survey links in institutional portals and learning management systems as part of your institution's survey recruitment efforts. A document with individual links is provided to all institutions without additional cost.
Institutions may now append their own end-of-survey open-ended comment prompt as an alternative to NSSE’s four standard options
What is NSSE Forward? NSSE director Dr. Leonard Taylor and associate director Dr. Jillian Kinzie explain the vision behind NSSE Forward, from NSSE 2025 and beyond.
The Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE) complements NSSE by documenting instructional staff perceptions of student engagement and use of effective educational practices. Together, FSSE and NSSE results stimulate productive campus discussions about teaching, learning, and the quality of undergraduate education.
The Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE) complements NSSE by providing an in-depth understanding of entering students’ prior academic and co-curricular experiences, as well as their expectations for participating in educationally purposeful activities during the upcoming college year.
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