 The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) measures student involvement in activities that result in “more gain from the college experience.” The NSSE, conducted by Indiana University, is a large-scale survey of freshmen and senior students, asking them to assess their colleges. It is increasingly recognized as a more authentic indicator of college quality than traditional rankings.
Our most recent NSSE results show that Saint Mary’s provides a distinctive and superior college experience compared with other colleges nationally and even with other small, liberal arts colleges in the Midwest. In many important categories, our students’ responses were much more favorable than the comparison groups.
Here are some noteworthy characteristics of the Saint Mary’s experience:
We provide students what they need to succeed in College and in professional life.
Seniors in the College were more likely to report that Saint Mary’s:
- provided support needed to help succeed academically.
- provided support they needed to thrive socially.
- emphasized helping them cope with non-academic responsibilities (work, family etc.).
- contributed to their self-understanding.
Students have valuable interactions with faculty in and out of class.
90% of Saint Mary’s seniors responding to the survey said faculty members were available, helpful and sympathetic. They were also more likely to indicate that they:
- discussed ideas from readings or classes with a faculty member outside of class.
- worked with faculty members on activities other than coursework (committees, student orientation etc.).
- talked about career plans with a faculty member or advisor.
- found the overall quality of academic advising 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.
- they experienced friendly and supportive relationships with other students, and a sense of belonging.
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 (clubs and organizations, campus publications, student government etc.).
- exercised or participated in physical fitness activities.
We are academically rigorous.
Saint Mary’s seniors:
- reported a higher level of academic challenge as compared to the average of all surveyed schools.
- were assigned more books and readings.
- were required to write more papers of 5 pages or less, 5-19 pages, and 20 or more pages.
- 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 coursework emphasized applying theories/concepts to practical problems or to new situations.
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.
- 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
Students are pleased with their Saint Mary’s experience.
- 88% of Saint Mary’s seniors rated their college experience as good or excellent.
- 83% of seniors stated they would pick Saint Mary’s if they could start their college experience over again.
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