Washington State University is gearing up for its next round of student feedback through the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), targeting first-year students and seniors to weigh in on their academic and extracurricular experiences. Starting March 3, students will receive a direct email from President Schulz, leading the charge to ensure a broad spectrum of voices are heard, with the campaign unfolding through emails scheduled for March 3, 20, and 26, and then again in April on the 1st and 7th, as detailed in a report by WSU News. They can also dive into the survey via the myWSU portal or through Canvas, wrapping up in May with early birds completing it by April 19 snagging a chance at campus gift card prizes.
WSU's vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement, William B. Davis, is spearheading this endeavor and emphasizes the critical role faculty and staff play in promoting the survey, urging them to make students aware of the survey's significance for future cohorts and the institution alike, students on every campus will catch reminders flying their way, be it flyers, digital signage, newsletters, or social media prompting them to chime in. In a recent statement obtained by WSU News, Davis expressed, "We hope every first-year and senior student takes this brief survey because their responses inform us about their needs and help us consider solutions to issues that are identified." The high-impact activities like internships and service-learning that shape student engagement and successful journeys towards graduation are a prime focus of these surveys.
Housed at Indiana University's School of Education for over two decades, the NSSE provides a revealing snapshot of student engagement nationwide, and this year, WSU is looking to peer deeper into the student psyche with modules homing in on first-year and senior students' mental health and well-being, along with their experiences regarding inclusiveness and engagement with diversity for a consecutive third survey. The results, set to drop in late summer, will not only reflect WSU’s landscape but also draw comparisons with peer institutions to fine-tune future strategies.
WSU has consistently mined NSSE data since 2008 to enrich its offerings, like bolstering support for undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities, as per WSU's track record, the 2025 NSSE committee, an assembly of volunteers from faculty, staff, and tech experts, have spent months gearing up for this rollout, refining the survey to capture the essence of student life post-pandemic and highlight the evolution within the campus and its diverse body of scholars. "As the WSU study body diversifies, the experience of students in these areas is critical to understand," Davis told WSU News, signaling a commitment to not just gauge but truly comprehend the myriad hues of the student journey.
