From the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE): Diversity, Climate and More at Penn State

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) annually collects information at four-year colleges and universities about student participation in educational and cocurricular programs and activities.



NSSE data is meant to be used by participating institutions to aid in data driven planning.  At Penn State this is focused on (1) responding to the University’s First-Year Experience plan requirement for assessment; (2) measuring change in student engagement since the last NSSE administration in 2008
Measure student-centeredness; (3) examining involvement in educationally enriching experiences; and (4) supporting the assessment requirements of accreditation.  (See Penn State, Student Affairs, Research and Assessment website).  This post provides links to that data for 2011.




An overview of the survey’s findings and other related reports can be found at http://www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/assessment/nsse2011.shtml. 

NSSE Overview

• 2011 NSSE Survey Instrument
• 2011 NSSE Administrative Overview - University Park (PDF)
• 2011 NSSE Select Indicators - University Park (PDF)
• 2011 NSSE Executive Summary - University Park (PDF)

Research Briefs

• 2011 NSSE Diversity and Climate - University Park Research Brief (PDF)
• 2011 NSSE High-Impact Practices - University Park Research Brief (PDF)
• 2011 NSSE Student Engagement and Residence Life - University Park Research Brief (PDF)

Penn State's NSSE Steering Committee has prepared a report summarizing the benefits and costs to the University of participating in the 2011 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). It is being distributed to the President's Council, Academic Leadership Council, Administrative Council for Undergraduate Education, and individual NSSE liaisons around the University.  People interested in this area, including students, alumni, faculty and others, might contact the NSSE administration at Penn State for more information.