NSSE Pulse

Copyright © 2020 Trustees of Indiana University  |  Last updated on 10-02-20

NSSE Pulse collects information about the quality of interactions, supportive campus environment, sense of belonging, the pandemic, and general satisfaction with the college experience, as well as the background and demographic status of student respondents. Its goal is to identify aspects of the undergraduate student experience during the fall semester worthy of attention and discussion during these difficult times.

Which of the following best describes the courses you are taking this term?
Response options: Mostly remote instruction; Mostly in-person instruction; Mostly hybrid or blended instruction (a combination of remote and in-person instruction); A balanced mix of formats

During the current school year, to what extent have your courses challenged you to do your best work?
Response options: 1=Not at all to 7=Very much

How much does this institution emphasize the following?
Response options: Very much, Quite a bit, Some, Very little
a. Providing support to help students succeed academically
b. Providing support for your overall well-being (recreation, health care, counseling, etc.)
c. Helping you manage your non-academic responsibilities (work, family, etc.)

Indicate the quality of your interactions with the following people at this institution.
Response options: 1=Poor to 7=Excellent, Not applicable
a. Students
b. Academic advisors
c. Faculty
d. Student services staff (career services, student activities, housing, etc.)
e. Other administrative staff and offices (registrar, financial aid, etc.)

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Response options: Strongly agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly disagree
a. I feel comfortable being myself at this institution.
b. I feel valued by this institution.
c. I feel like part of the community at this institution.

How important is it to you that you graduate from this institution?
Response options: Not important (1) to Very important (7)

How would you evaluate your entire educational experience at this institution so far?
Response options: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor

To what extent has this institution kept students safe and healthy during the current school year?
Response options: Very much; Quite a bit; Some; Very little; Not at all; Don’t know/Unsure

How concerned have you been about the following?
Response options: Very much, Quite a bit, Some, Very little, Not at all
a. Complying with health policies (mask wearing, physical distancing, etc.)
b. Others' compliance with health policies (mask wearing, physical distancing, etc.)

Open ended: What has been most satisfying about your experience so far at this institution, and what has been most disappointing?

What is your class level?
Response options: Freshman/first-year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Other/Unclassified

Which of the following best describes where you currently live?
Response options: Campus housing other than a fraternity or sorority house; Fraternity or sorority house; House, apartment, or other residence within walking distance to campus; House, apartment, or other residence within commuting distance to campus; House, apartment, or other residence farther than commuting distance to campus; Homeless or in transition; A living situation not listed above

[Students reporting mostly remote, mostly hybrid, or a balanced mix of instruction with Q1 receive the following three questions.]
Considering your experience taking partly or entirely online courses during the current school year, to what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Response Options: Strongly agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly disagree
a. Internet service (availability, speed, reliability, etc.) where you live has been sufficient to participate in the course.
b. The hardware (computer, tablet, mobile phone, printer, etc.) and software where you live have been sufficient to participate in the course.
c. Study spaces where you live have been sufficient for your needs.

Did either of your parents (or those who raised you) complete a Bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S., etc.) or higher?
Response options: Yes, No, Don’t know

How would you describe yourself? (Select all that apply.)
Response options: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latina/o, Middle Eastern or North African, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, White, Another race or ethnicity, I prefer not to respond

What is your gender identity?
Response options: Man; Woman; Another gender identity, please specify: __ ; I prefer not to respond

Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation?
Response options: Straight (heterosexual); Bisexual; Gay; Lesbian; Queer; Questioning or unsure; Another sexual orientation, please specify: __; I prefer not to respond

Have you been diagnosed with any disability or impairment?
Response options: Yes, No, I prefer not to respond

[If answered “yes”] Which of the following has been diagnosed? (Select all that apply.)
Response options: A sensory impairment (vision or hearing), A mobility impairment, A learning disability (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia), A mental health disorder, A disability or impairment not listed above

Canadian institutions will use different student demographic questions similar to their standard NSSE administration.