Memo from Vice Chancellor Barnett
October 10, 2007
To increase our knowledge about the student experience, UAF chose to participate in the National Survey of Student Engagement in the spring 2007. The survey was administered to 1,258 freshmen and 1,125 seniors with 211 and 325 responses, respectively. The results of the survey are still being evaluated, but I am confident the results will offer insight into how to refine our student success measures.
The NSSE is constructed, administered and analyzed according to scientific standards within the field of higher education. The survey is increasingly used by institutions of higher education in North America--from small, private liberal arts colleges to large, research-focused public universities. With this initial survey, we are proud to join this community of colleges and universities that are seeking to improve the lives of their students.
We plan to gather members from the student body, the faculty and staff to review the results of the survey and provide UAF's administration with prioritized recommendations for action.
We have posted the summary and benchmark sections online at the SES website at www.uaf.edu/ses/NSSE_overview/. Community members who are not familiar with statistical and survey methodologies are invited to send questions and comments via e-mail to fyses@uaf.edu or call 907-474-7317 to set up an appointment.
Thank you for your interest in this data and we look forward to engaging you in our concerted efforts to serve our students and our community in the most effective manner possible.
Sincerely,
Tim Barnett
Vice Chancellor for Student and Enrollment Services
