Institutional Research & Assessment

Conclusions

The results of the NSSE indicate the extent to which students are engaged in good educational practices and what they gain from their college experience. Items on the NSSE ask about student behaviors that correlate with positive learning and personal development outcomes of attending a university. SUU senior students were generally satisfied with their education, while first-year students were less satisfied.

NSSE results indicated that SUU helped students achieve desirable learning outcomes, but the results also draw attention to areas where the institution could improve. Notable examples were the first-year experience and advising. SUU first-year students rated the quality of their advising lower than other master’s or NSSE students did. And, in general, responses of SUU first-year students to questions regarding academic and intellectual experiences, mental activities, reading and writing, institutional environment and education and personal growth indicated a broad base for needed improvement. Because a number of changes have occurred to strengthen the first-year experience and advisement, results of future administration of the NSSE should reflect higher levels of satisfaction on par with our peers.

| NSSE 2003 | Institutional Research |