Marshall University will extend its first invitation of the semester for students to take the National Survey of Student Engagement.
This is the third year Marshall has participated in the survey, said Mary Beth Reynolds, director of academic assessment.
“The main reason Marshall is participating is because we want to listen to our students,” Reynolds said. “We want our students to tell us how they’re engaging in the university.”
The survey is strictly for freshmen and seniors, Reynolds said. The survey helps determine how seniors have progressed since their freshman years.
The survey results can provide prospective students with insights into how they might learn and develop at their universities, according to the survey’s Web site.
The survey questions are categorized into five bench mark areas, including level of academic challenge, active and collaborative learning, student and faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences and a supportive campus environment, Reynolds said.
Last year, the results showed strengths in several benchmark areas.
When compared to similar institutions, Marshall’s seniors and freshmen scored significantly higher or at the same level in all the benchmark areas excluding active and collaborative learning, according to last year’s survey results.
Beginning in the fall, freshmen will take First Year Seminar, which is replacing UNI 101, and will enhance active and collaborative learning. Reynolds said.
Frances Hensley, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, said she hopes the outcome of this year’s survey continues to show improvement for Marshall students.
“My biggest hope is that we maintain those areas that we know we have real strengths,” Hensley said.
“If students don’t take the survey, then we have no idea what they think,” Reynolds said. “Students need to take the survey so we can hear their voices ,and we are listening to those voices. We’re using the information to make positive changes at the university.”
Students will receive the first invitation to take the survey Tuesday, Reynolds said. The students will receive three invitations in February, one in March and one in April.
Students who participate in the survey have several chances to win prizes, Reynolds said. Five drawings will take place, each occurring one week after the survey invitations.
Twenty-two students will win a $30 gift certificate to the Marshall Bookstore and a $20 gift certificate to Marquee Cinemas.
Laura Hatfield can be contacted at hatfield120@marshall.edu.
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