Overview
The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) collects information annually from samples of first-year and senior students about the nature and quality of their undergraduate experience. Since its inception, approximately 1,200 baccalaureate degree-granting colleges and universities in the US and Canada have used the instrument to measure the extent to which students engage in effective educational practices that are empirically linked with learning, personal development, and other desired outcomes such as student satisfaction, persistence, and graduation. NSSE data are used by faculty, administrators, researchers, and others for institutional improvement, accountability, and related purposes.

More than one million first-year and senior students from 610 institutions in the US and Canada were invited to participate in the 2007 NSSE administration. Of this survey population, 323,147 students responded, including more than 14,000 students from Canadian institutions.

The following responses were provided by 681 randomly selected NMSU students on the 2007 NSSE survey.

Academic Challenge

To what degree is studying and spending time on academic work emphasized? 78% of first-year students feel that this institution places substantial emphais on academics.

Do faculty hold students to high standards? 55% of first-year students frequently work harder than they thought they coud to meet faculty expectations.

How much time do students spend on homework each week? 23% of first-year students spend more than 15 hours per week preparing for class. 26% spend 5 hours or less.

What types of thinking do assignments require? First-year students report substantial emphasis on the following activities:

How much writing is expected? 9% of first-year students write more than 10 papers between 5 and 19 pages and 25% have written a paper more than 20 pages in length.

How much reading is expected during the school year? 18% of first-year students read more than 10 assigned books and packs of course readings. 27% read fewer than 5.

Do exams require students to do their best work? 43% of first-year students report that their exams strongly challenge them to do their best work.

Active Learning

How often are topics from class discussed outside of the classroom? 56% of first-year students frequently discuss readings or ideas from coursework outside of class.

Do students work together on projects - inside and outside of class? 59% of first-year students frequently work with other students on projects in class, 42% work with peers on assignments outside of class.

How often do students make class presentations? 41% of first-year students report that they make frequent presentations in class.

How many students participate in community-based projects in regular courses? 10% of first-year students frequently participate in service-learning or community-based projects during a given year. 65% never took part in such activities.

How many students apply their classroom learning to real life through internships or off-campus field experiences? By their senior year, 43% of students have participated in some form of practicum, internship, field experience, co-op, or clinical assignment.

Do students have opportunities to tutor or teach other students? 28% of seniors frequently assist their fellow students by tutoring or teaching them.

Student-Faculty Interaction

Are faculty members accessible and supportive? 49% of first-year students say their faculty are available, helpful and sympathetic.

How many students work on research projects with faculty? By their senior year, 22% of students have done research with a faculty member.

Do students receive prompt feedback on academic performance? 49% of first-year students indicate that they frequently get prompt verbal or written feedback from faculty members.

How often do students talk with advisors or faculty members about their career plans? 86% of seniors at least occasionally discuss career plans with faculty. 14% never talk with faculty about career plans.

Do students and faculty members work together on committees and projects outside of course work? 43% of first-year students at least occasionally spend time with faculty members on activities other than coursework.

Enriching Educational Experiences

What types of honors courses, learning communities, and other distinctive programs are offered? During their first year, 16% of students participate in a learning community. By their senior year, 15% of students have taken an independent study class.

How often do students interact with peers with different social, political, or religious views? 56% of first-year students say they frequently have serious conversations with students who are different from themselves in terms of their religious, political, or personal beliefs.

How often do students interact with peers from different racial or ethnic backgrounds? 56% of first-year students frequently have serious conversations with those of a different race.

How many students study in other countries? By their senio year, 11% of students have studied abroad.

Do students participate in activities that enhance their spirituality? 27% of first-year students frequently engage in spiritually enhancing activities such as worship, meditation, or prayer.

What percentage of students participate in community service? By the time they are seniors, 60% of students have participated in community service or volunteer work.

Supportive Campus Environment

How well do students get along with other students? 59% of first-year students report that their peers are friendly, supportive, and help them feel as if they belong.

Are students satisfied with their overall educational experience? 86% of first-year students report a favorable image of the institution; 83% of seniors would choose this school again if they could start their college career over.

How much time do students devote to co-curricular activities? 12% of first-year students spend more than 15 hours a week participating in co-curricular activities. 43% spend no time participating in co-curricular activities.

How well do students get along with administrators and staff? 34% of first-year students find the administrative personnel and offices helpful, considerate, and flexible.

To what extent does the school help students deal with their academic and social needs? 69% of first-year students feel that this institution has a substantial commitment to their academic success. 47% feel well-supported by the institution regarding their social needs.