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2011 National Survey of Student Engagement
Trend Comparisons


This report contains trend data for the three most recent waves of the NSSE survey. Asterisks indicate that there is a statistically significant difference between the responses of 2001, 2009 and 2011 respondents (p<.05).

Active & Collaborative Learning (ACL) | Enriching Educational Experiences (EEE) | Level of Academic Challenge (LAC) | Supportive Campus Environment (SCE) | Student-Faculty Interactions (SFI)
Knowledge, Skills & Personal Development (KSPD) | Behaviors | Global Satisfaction

Active & Collaborative Learning (ACL)

  Mean Rating:
(4=Very often, 3=Often, 2=Sometimes, 1=Never)
NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions 2.75 2.81 2.81
Made a class presentation* 2.37 2.42 2.34
Worked with other students on projects during class 2.41 2.46 2.43
Worked with classmates outside of class to prepare class assignments 2.71 2.81 2.79
Tutored or taught other students (paid or voluntary) 1.85 1.85 1.85
Participated in a community-based project as part of a regular course* 1.31 1.55 1.56
Discussed ideas from your readings or classes with others outside of class* 2.74 2.82 2.72
View frequencies
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Enriching Educational Experiences (EEE)

Encouraging contact among students from different economic, social, and racial or ethnic backgrounds * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating 2.32 2.74 2.80
4: Very much 12.1% 24.6% 28.9%
3: Quite a bit 27.9% 34.9% 33.4%
2: Some 40.0% 30.1% 26.4%
1: Very little 20.0% 10.5% 11.4%
Total (N) 405 1,927 1,363


  Mean Rating:
(4=Very often, 3=Often, 2=Sometimes, 1=Never)
NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Used an electronic medium to discuss or complete an assignment 2.93 2.96 2.96
Had serious conversations with students of a different race or ethnicity than your own 2.71 2.70 2.70
Had serious conversations with students with different religious beliefs, political opinions, personal values* 2.92 2.81 2.74
View frequencies


Practicum, internship, field experience, co-op experience, or clinical assignment NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Done . 35.6% 32.4%
Plan to do . 48.1% 51.5%
Do not plan to do . 9.1% 8.4%
Have not decided . 7.1% 7.7%
Total (N) . 1,969 1,387


Community service or volunteer work NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Done . 57.3% 59.2%
Plan to do . 25.7% 23.5%
Do not plan to do . 8.9% 8.1%
Have not decided . 8.0% 9.2%
Total (N) . 1,959 1,381


Participate in a learning community or other formal program NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Done . 23.2% 23.4%
Plan to do . 14.7% 14.7%
Do not plan to do . 40.5% 39.4%
Have not decided . 21.6% 22.5%
Total (N) . 1,962 1,381


Foreign language coursework NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Done . 40.5% 38.3%
Plan to do . 14.7% 15.0%
Do not plan to do . 35.7% 35.2%
Have not decided . 9.2% 11.5%
Total (N) . 1,971 1,384


Study abroad NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Done . 8.5% 9.4%
Plan to do . 27.9% 30.5%
Do not plan to do . 44.6% 42.2%
Have not decided . 19.1% 18.0%
Total (N) . 1,964 1,385


Independent study or self-designed major NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Done . 8.0% 6.8%
Plan to do . 8.4% 8.9%
Do not plan to do . 64.7% 64.1%
Have not decided . 18.9% 20.3%
Total (N) . 1,959 1,380


Culminating senior experience (capstone course, senior project/thesis, comprehensive exam, etc.) * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Done . 20.8% 17.7%
Plan to do . 33.9% 38.5%
Do not plan to do . 20.8% 18.3%
Have not decided . 24.5% 25.5%
Total (N) . 1,972 1,387


Participating in co-curricular activities NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 30 hours 1.7% 1.9% 1.0%
26-30 0.7% 0.8% 0.7%
21-25 1.7% 2.0% 1.2%
16-20 4.1% 4.2% 4.2%
11-15 5.9% 7.4% 7.4%
6-10 13.2% 16.4% 16.8%
1-5 41.2% 35.7% 38.4%
0 hours per week 31.5% 31.7% 30.3%
Total (N) 410 1,959 1,378


Attending campus events and activities NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating . 2.95 2.93
4: Very much . 28.5% 28.7%
3: Quite a bit . 43.3% 40.6%
2: Some . 22.9% 25.8%
1: Very little . 5.3% 4.9%
Total (N) . 1,927 1,358


  Mean Rating:
(4=Very often, 3=Often, 2=Sometimes, 1=Never)
NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Examined the strengths and weaknesses of your own views on a topic or issue . 2.69 2.64
Tried to better understand someone else's views by imagining issue from his/her perspective* . 2.82 2.75
Learned something that changed the way you understand an issue or concept* . 2.88 2.81
View frequencies
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Level of Academic Challenge (LAC)

  Mean Rating:
(4=Very much, 3=Quite a bit, 2=Some, 1=Very little)
NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Spending significant amounts of time studying and on academic work 3.17 3.25 3.23
Analyzing basic elements of an idea, experience, or theory* 3.14 3.28 3.26
Synthesizing and organizing ideas/info/experiences into new, more complex interpretations/relationships 2.94 3.04 3.03
Making judgments about the value of information, arguments, or methods* 2.74 2.94 2.94
Applying theories or concepts to practical problems or in new situations* 3.08 3.24 3.24
View frequencies


Worked harder than you thought you could to meet instructor's standards/expectations * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating 2.51 2.66 2.64
4: Very often 12.4% 17.8% 15.4%
3: Often 37.0% 37.9% 40.4%
2: Sometimes 40.1% 36.6% 36.8%
1: Never 10.5% 7.8% 7.4%
Total (N) 411 2,015 1,440


Number of assigned textbooks, books, or book-length packs of course readings * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 20 8.5% 11.3% 7.6%
11-20 21.2% 18.7% 13.3%
5-10 45.1% 42.8% 49.2%
1-4 23.9% 25.2% 28.6%
None 1.2% 2.0% 1.4%
Total (N) 410 1,997 1,420


Number of written papers or reports of 20 pages or more * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 20 1.0% 0.6% 0.2%
11-20 0.2% 1.4% 0.8%
5-10 2.9% 5.3% 2.8%
1-4 25.9% 25.3% 22.0%
None 70.0% 67.4% 74.2%
Total (N) 410 1,998 1,416


Number of written papers or reports between 5 and 19 pages * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 20 2.9% 2.3% 1.6%
11-20 10.2% 8.5% 5.5%
5-10 30.9% 33.7% 27.9%
1-4 49.9% 48.6% 56.0%
None 6.1% 7.0% 9.0%
Total (N) 411 1,994 1,420


Number of written papers or reports of fewer than 5 pages * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 20 10.5% 9.0% 6.4%
11-20 22.7% 14.0% 12.9%
5-10 33.0% 30.4% 30.7%
1-4 31.1% 42.4% 44.7%
None 2.7% 4.3% 5.2%
Total (N) 409 1,998 1,424


Preparing for class (studying, reading, writing, homework, etc.) * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 30 hours 6.3% 6.8% 5.4%
26-30 4.1% 6.4% 6.4%
21-25 11.0% 13.1% 13.2%
16-20 13.9% 20.7% 21.7%
11-15 17.6% 22.0% 21.3%
6-10 28.8% 20.3% 20.9%
1-5 17.8% 10.3% 11.0%
0 hours per week 0.5% 0.3% 0.1%
Total (N) 410 1,951 1,379


Extent to which examinations have challenged you to do your best work NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating 5.57 5.59 5.63
7: Very much 18.0% 19.5% 20.5%
6 37.6% 40.7% 37.8%
5 32.4% 27.0% 30.3%
4 8.5% 8.1% 8.3%
3 2.2% 2.9% 1.8%
2 1.2% 1.2% 1.0%
1: Very little . 0.7% 0.3%
Total (N) 410 1,997 1,424


Using computers in academic work NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating . 3.57 3.54
4: Very much . 65.5% 63.8%
3: Quite a bit . 26.9% 27.4%
2: Some . 7.0% 7.6%
1: Very little . 0.6% 1.1%
Total (N) . 1,929 1,365


  Mean Rating:
(4=Very often, 3=Often, 2=Sometimes, 1=Never)
NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Prepared two or more drafts of a paper or assignment before turning it in 2.50 2.46 2.40
Worked on a paper or project that required integrating ideas or information from various sources* 3.10 3.26 3.17
Included diverse perspectives in class discussions or writing assignments . 2.73 2.68
Come to class without completing readings or assignments* 2.25 2.12 2.05
Put together ideas/concepts from different courses when completing assignments/class discussions . 2.80 2.81
View frequencies


Memorizing facts, ideas, or methods from courses/readings for repetition NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating 2.86 2.88 2.91
4: Very much 26.3% 27.3% 28.7%
3: Quite a bit 38.2% 40.2% 39.5%
2: Some 30.7% 25.7% 26.1%
1: Very little 4.9% 6.9% 5.7%
Total (N) 411 2,011 1,431


Number of problem sets that take you more than an hour to complete NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 6 . 12.2% 11.5%
5-6 . 9.2% 9.8%
3-4 . 30.6% 32.9%
1-2 . 35.3% 32.8%
None . 12.8% 12.9%
Total (N) . 1,998 1,421


Number of problem sets that take you less than an hour to complete * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 6 . 11.3% 12.8%
5-6 . 9.1% 8.2%
3-4 . 24.8% 23.5%
1-2 . 35.2% 39.1%
None . 19.6% 16.5%
Total (N) . 1,992 1,420
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Supportive Campus Environment (SCE)

  Mean Rating:
(4=Very much, 3=Quite a bit, 2=Some, 1=Very little)
NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Providing the support you need to help you succeed academically* 2.85 3.13 3.13
Helping you cope with your non-academic responsibilities (work, family, etc.)* 1.82 2.14 2.15
Providing the support you need to thrive socially* 2.09 2.41 2.48
View frequencies


Relationships with other students NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating 5.76 5.67 5.71
7: Friendly, Supportive, Sense of belonging 28.8% 28.0% 29.4%
6 36.2% 35.6% 34.9%
5 23.4% 21.7% 20.6%
4 6.9% 8.4% 10.1%
3 3.7% 3.6% 2.6%
2 0.5% 2.1% 1.6%
1: Unfriendly, Unsupportive, Sense of alienation 0.5% 0.6% 0.7%
Total (N) 406 1,962 1,382


Relationships with faculty members NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating 5.19 5.24 5.28
7: Available, Helpful, Sympathetic 12.3% 15.6% 16.3%
6 31.3% 31.5% 31.1%
5 31.8% 27.2% 28.8%
4 16.3% 17.1% 15.6%
3 5.2% 5.1% 5.0%
2 2.5% 2.2% 2.6%
1: Unavailable, Unhelpful, Unsympathetic 0.7% 1.2% 0.6%
Total (N) 406 1,961 1,381


Relationships with administrative personnel and offices NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating 4.57 4.73 4.77
7: Helpful, Considerate, Flexible 6.7% 11.3% 12.0%
6 23.2% 23.3% 20.9%
5 24.4% 24.3% 26.4%
4 25.9% 22.4% 23.0%
3 10.1% 9.0% 10.5%
2 6.4% 6.2% 5.0%
1: Unhelpful, Inconsiderate, Rigid 3.4% 3.4% 2.1%
Total (N) 406 1,959 1,382


Evaluate the quality of academic advising you have received at your institution * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating 2.80 3.06 3.09
4: Excellent 24.4% 36.0% 37.8%
3: Good 41.1% 40.9% 39.8%
2: Fair 24.4% 16.3% 15.8%
1: Poor 10.0% 6.8% 6.6%
Total (N) 409 1,907 1,342
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Student-Faculty Interactions (SFI)

  Mean Rating:
(4=Very often, 3=Often, 2=Sometimes, 1=Never)
NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Discussed grades or assignments with an instructor* 2.71 2.69 2.62
Talked about career plans with a faculty member or advisor* 2.27 2.46 2.31
Discussed ideas from readings/classes with faculty members outside of class* 1.76 1.89 1.81
Received prompt written or oral feedback from faculty on academic performance 2.66 2.72 2.71
Worked with faculty members on activities other than coursework* 1.49 1.73 1.70
View frequencies


Work on a research project with a faculty member outside of course or program requirements NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Done . 16.5% 14.0%
Plan to do . 25.9% 28.9%
Do not plan to do . 33.2% 32.9%
Have not decided . 24.3% 24.2%
Total (N) . 1,972 1,384


Used e-mail to communicate with an instructor * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating 3.23 3.42 3.39
4: Very often 42.9% 54.2% 53.8%
3: Often 37.8% 33.5% 32.2%
2: Sometimes 19.1% 12.0% 13.6%
1: Never 0.2% 0.3% 0.4%
Total (N) 413 2,057 1,469
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Knowledge, Skills & Personal Development (KSPD)

  Mean Rating:
(4=Very much, 3=Quite a bit, 2=Some, 1=Very little)
NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Acquiring a broad general education* 3.10 3.23 3.25
Acquiring job or work-related knowledge and skills* 2.85 3.04 3.03
Writing clearly and effectively* 2.85 3.01 3.00
Speaking clearly and effectively* 2.64 2.84 2.82
Thinking critically and analytically* 3.16 3.36 3.32
Analyzing quantitative problems* 2.96 3.23 3.20
Using computing and information technology 3.30 3.33 3.32
Working effectively with others* 3.02 3.18 3.18
Voting in local, state, or national elections* 1.93 2.56 1.97
Learning effectively on your own* 3.00 3.11 3.03
Understanding yourself 2.83 2.84 2.81
Understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds . 2.65 2.67
Solving complex real-world problems . 2.91 2.87
Developing a personal code of values and ethics* 2.53 2.66 2.68
Contributing to the welfare of your community* 2.10 2.54 2.48
Developing a deepened sense of spirituality . 1.94 1.90
View frequencies
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Behaviors

Number of books read for personal enjoyment or academic enrichment (not assigned) NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 20 3.9% 3.4% 2.7%
11-20 3.9% 4.6% 3.3%
5-10 13.7% 15.2% 13.7%
1-4 53.4% 53.7% 52.9%
None 25.1% 23.0% 27.4%
Total (N) 410 1,998 1,420


  Mean Rating:
(4=Very often, 3=Often, 2=Sometimes, 1=Never)
NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Attended an art exhibit, play, dance, music, theater, or other performance . 2.06 2.00
Exercised or participated in physical fitness activities . 3.07 3.08
Participated in activities to enhance your spirituality (worship, meditation, prayer, etc.) . 2.15 2.12
View frequencies


Working for pay on campus NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 30 hours 0.5% 0.9% 0.3%
26-30 0.2% 0.3% 0.2%
21-25 0.7% 0.5% 0.7%
16-20 1.5% 2.8% 2.3%
11-15 3.9% 3.1% 3.9%
6-10 6.9% 5.9% 6.1%
1-5 5.1% 3.2% 3.0%
0 hours per week 81.1% 83.4% 83.5%
Total (N) 408 1,948 1,374


Working for pay off campus NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 30 hours 4.9% 2.7% 3.5%
26-30 2.2% 2.0% 1.6%
21-25 6.1% 3.8% 4.2%
16-20 5.9% 6.8% 5.2%
11-15 7.1% 6.8% 5.4%
6-10 7.6% 6.0% 5.6%
1-5 5.2% 4.6% 4.9%
0 hours per week 60.9% 67.3% 69.5%
Total (N) 407 1,950 1,379


Relaxing and socializing (watching TV, partying, etc.) * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 30 hours 7.5% 4.7% 4.5%
26-30 4.4% 2.7% 2.4%
21-25 8.3% 6.0% 5.8%
16-20 13.6% 13.6% 13.4%
11-15 20.2% 24.0% 20.6%
6-10 28.2% 30.6% 30.3%
1-5 16.8% 17.8% 22.2%
0 hours per week 1.0% 0.6% 0.8%
Total (N) 411 1,950 1,377


Providing care for dependents living with you NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 30 hours 2.2% 1.5% 1.9%
26-30 0.7% 0.5% 0.3%
21-25 1.0% 0.4% 0.5%
16-20 1.0% 0.5% 0.7%
11-15 2.9% 2.3% 1.3%
6-10 3.7% 3.1% 3.0%
1-5 6.3% 8.0% 8.2%
0 hours per week 82.2% 83.7% 84.2%
Total (N) 410 1,945 1,373


Commuting to class (driving, walking, etc.) NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
More than 30 hours . 0.5% 0.3%
26-30 . 0.2% 0.1%
21-25 . 0.3% 0.2%
16-20 . 1.3% 1.0%
11-15 . 4.4% 3.8%
6-10 . 17.0% 18.0%
1-5 . 72.6% 71.7%
0 hours per week . 3.8% 5.0%
Total (N) . 1,950 1,376
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Global Satisfaction

Evaluate your entire educational experience at this institution * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Mean Rating 3.26 3.37 3.38
4: Excellent 36.1% 47.1% 47.8%
3: Good 55.0% 43.7% 44.1%
2: Fair 7.9% 7.9% 6.7%
1: Poor 1.0% 1.3% 1.4%
Total (N) 404 1,904 1,344


If starting over, would you go to the same institution? * NSSE01 NSSE09 NSSE11
Definitely yes 42.9% 56.2% 56.8%
Probably yes 43.8% 34.4% 33.7%
Probably no 9.9% 6.9% 7.4%
Definitely no 3.4% 2.5% 2.1%
Total (N) 406 1,911 1,345
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