Mississippi State University will invite freshmen and seniors to participate in the National Survey of Student Engagement beginning Feb. 1.
Office of Institutional Effectiveness director Timothy Chamblee said the survey will consist of multiple-choice questions categorized into five key areas, including level of academic challenge, active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences and supportive campus environment.
Chamblee said the survey will allow the administration to look at students’ experiences and how that relates to education.
“There will be a wide variety of questions that can be condensed into those five areas,” Chamblee said.
Mitzy Johnson, associate director of Office of Institutional Effectiveness, said the survey does not just ask about academics.
“We want to know about the experiences of the students in numerous areas,” Johnson said.
Jerry Gilbert, associate vice president for academic affairs and associate provost, said the survey gives a sense of what students like.
“It shows what things we are doing to create a friendly environment are effective,” Gilbert said.
Chamblee said the results will be received in August and will be shared with deans and associate deans so improvements can be made.
The survey is given to freshmen and seniors to get impressions of students coming in and leaving, Chamblee said.
“We look at those entering freshmen in their second semester and get their impression of Mississippi State,” he said. “Then we look at them when they become seniors in their last semester and see if their impression changed.”
Gilbert said over the years, the results can be compared to see what changes students like and dislike.
The survey is web-based, and Chamblee said students will receive an e-mail inviting them to participate. At the end of the survey, there will be a space to leave any additional comments.
“The students will get an e-mail from Dr. Keenum asking them to participate in this very important survey. In the e-mail, they will have this web link to go and participate in the survey,” Chamblee said.
Johnson said follow-up emails will be sent by coaches and Student Association President Blake Jeter.
Around 600 schools will participate in the survey, Chamblee said. The schools will consist of both public and private institutions and also small and large schools, thus gathering data and feedback from a wide range of institutions.
Chamblee said the survey will not only allow MSU to improve, but it will help prospective students decide on a school. It can also be used for the voluntary system of accountability.
The voluntary system of accountability is a system in place, which allows institutions to compile information according to certain criteria, Chamblee said.
“It gives prospective students and their parents a place where they can go and easily compare schools,” he said.
Chamblee said the survey will consist of general questions about participation in activities and work. It will also ask questions regarding general skills, which may be acquired while at college.
“It’s looking at those things you would need to be successful regardless of what your major is,” Chamblee said.
Johnson said she hopes a large number of students will participate so MSU can continue to improve over the years.