The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) measures student involvement in activities that research demonstrates results in “more gain from the college experience”. Our most recent NSSE results provide a picture of the College experience as felt by Saint Mary’s seniors which can be compared with responses of seniors in a national and peer sample.


Our Lasallian mission is alive in our students.

Saint Mary’s seniors were much more likely to indicate that:

• Saint Mary’s contributed to their development of a deepened sense of spirituality.
• they participated in activities to enhance their spirituality (worship, meditation, prayer, etc.).
• Saint Mary’s contributed to their development of a personal code of values and ethics.
• they participated in a community-based project (e.g., service learning) as part of a regular course.
• Saint Mary’s facilitated their contributions to the welfare of their community.

We are academically rigorous.

Saint Mary’s seniors:

• were in the top 10% nationally on reported Level of Academic Challenge.
• were assigned more books and readings.
• were required to do more short papers.
• reported that they spent more time preparing for class.
• were much more likely to have done a culminating senior experience (comprehensive exam, capstone course, thesis, project, etc.).
• were more likely to say that Saint Mary’s contributed to their critical and analytical thinking.

We provide students what they need to succeed in College and in professional life.

Saint Mary’s is in the top 10% nationally on Supportive Campus Environment. Seniors in the College were more likely to report that Saint Mary’s:

• emphasized providing support needed to help succeed academically.
• provided the support they needed to thrive socially.
• emphasized helping them cope with non-academic responsibilities (work, family, etc.).
• contributed to their self-understanding.
• were more likely to say that Saint Mary’s contributed to their clear and effective writing.

Our students engage in a variety of enriching activities in a residential setting.

Saint Mary’s seniors were much more likely to indicate that they:

• attended an art exhibit, gallery, play, dance, or other theater performance.
• found Saint Mary’s emphasized attending campus events and activities (special speakers, cultural performances, etc.).
• spent time participating in co-curricular activities (organizations, campus publications, students government, etc.).
• exercised or participated in physical fitness activities.

Students have valuable interactions with faculty in and out of class.

Saint Mary’s seniors were more likely to indicate that they:

• found faculty members to be available, helpful, and sympathetic.
• discussed ideas from readings or classes with a faculty member outside of class.
• worked with faculty members on activities other than coursework (committees, orientation, etc.)
• talked about career plans with a faculty member or advisor.
• found the overall quality of academic advising they received to be excellent or good.

We promote cooperation and connection.

Saint Mary’s seniors were more likely to report that:

• They worked frequently with classmates outside of class to prepare class assignments.
• Saint Mary’s contributed to their working effectively with others.
• They experienced friendly and supportive relationships with other students, and a sense of belonging.

For more information about the National Survey of Student Engagement, please contact:

Kim Oren
Director of College Assessment
507.457.6671
koren@smumn.edu