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The National Survey of Student Engagement returns

Student participation in this biennial survey helps the U design programs and services to meet students' needs.

Select students are being asked to participate in a survey to help the University of Utah design programs and services to make sure students’ needs are being met. The survey—National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)—is conducted every two years by Indiana University and has more than 1,600 participant peer colleges and universities.

“We learn things such as how much our students work and how much time they spend in community engagement and other activities,” said Lori McDonald, vice president for student affairs. “Like the Campus Climate Survey, the findings help us design programs and services to make sure we are meeting students’ needs.”

The survey opens Monday, March 14, and closes Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Select first-year and senior students will receive an email to their UMail account beginning March 14 and reminder emails will also be sent through April 12.

In appreciation for participating, all students who complete the survey by April 12 will be entered into a drawing for 1 of 25 Amazon gift cards worth $50 each. Your chances of winning depend on how many complete the survey; the last time this survey was administered, about 1,514 students responded.

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.

Higher education plays an important role in exploring new ideas, expanding boundaries and in the possibility of being transformed during one’s educational journey. This process involves being attentive to and engaging with, the variety of perspectives and experiences reflected in our campus population, which allows students to benefit from diversity and to experience the world through a new lens.