Survey measures student involvement at university

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Wood_football1.jpg” caption=”Phil Wood, associate vice-president (student affairs) and dean of students. File photo.”]Learning that goes on outside the classroom is just as important as learning that goes on inside the classroom. That's why McMaster students are being asked to rate how engaged they are at university, both academically and extra-curricularly, by participating in the National Survey on Student Engagement (NSSE).

“It's the right tool to measure the quality of an institution and how well students are engaging in their university,” said Phil Wood, associate vice-president (student affairs) and dean of students. “It's really important for the next generation of McMaster students. The survey can help us plan new programs to improve their educational and co-curricular experience.”

The survey consists of about 100 questions and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Sample questions include, “How often have you asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions?” and “How often have you made a class presentation?” Students can answer these questions by choosing one of four responses: never, sometimes, often or very often.

NSSE will randomly select 5,000 McMaster students (2,500 first-year students and 2,500 students in their final year) to participate in the survey. They will receive an invitation via e-mail along with a letter from McMaster University President Peter George. Those who don't complete the survey will receive a follow-up letter from Wood.

Students who participate in the survey will not be identified by their answers. McMaster will receive averaged results, which will be reported in the fall. This will be McMaster's third time participating in the survey. All 17 Ontario universities particpated in 2006 and all are participating again this year.

For more information, please contact Wood at avpstudentaffairs@mcmaster.ca.