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NSSE Benchmarks
Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement
The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) is an important point of reference for all University planning and assessment. Benchmark reports from the early years prompted faculty leaders and administrators to launch a number of initiatives to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning at the University. These include enhancement of the writing activities across the curriculum, expanded opportunities for student-faculty interactions on research projects, and eventually to a sweeping new General Education Program, scheduled for full implementation in fall 2009. The new program draws upon best practices for student engagement and student learning. The relatively strong Benchmarks 2007 represent some of the fruits of these efforts. The University will continue to work with NSSE Benchmarks in the coming years as it strives to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning in a culture of continuous improvement.
Benchmarks 2007
A brief summary of the 5 NSSE Benchmarks follow. You may also view the specific survey items related to each benchmark.
Academic Challenge
The hallmark of academic quality is academic challenge. To what extent are students engaging in sound learning activities and academic work that builds higher order thinking and reasoning skills? According to the 2007 NSSE findings, Saint Xavier University students are engaged in quality academic work, and that their levels of engagement are as high or higher than at most other large Master’s universities in the country. View the survey items on academic challenge.
Student-Faculty Interaction
High quality collegiate learning stems from high levels of interaction between faculty and students. Students need access to dedicated and caring faculty who give prompt feedback and who are available for consultations outside of class. The 2007 NSSE Benchmarks indicate that Saint Xavier University students have good levels of interaction with faculty especially in the first year of college when there is greater need for guidance and mentoring. The overall student-faculty ratio at Saint Xavier University is less than 16 to 1. View the survey items on student-faculty interaction.
Active Collaborative Learning
A growing body of research documents that students tend to learn more when they are active participants in academic work and when they work with fellow classmates on projects and assignments. The 2007 NSSE Benchmarks indicate that Saint Xavier University students are actively and collaboratively engaged in learning, at levels on par or higher than at other large Master’s universities in the country. Smaller class sizes help to sustain active collaborative learning activities. In fall 2006, 42% of the undergraduate sections at Saint Xavier University had fewer than 20 students. View the survey items on active collaborative learning.
Supportive Campus Environment
College students perform better and are more satisfied with their education at institutions committed to their success. The NSSE Benchmark for Supportive Campus Environment reveals that Saint Xavier University students have relatively high ratings of campus support. Saint Xavier University offers its student a wide array of services that include career and personal counseling, an alumni career mentoring network, and a nationally recognized programs for tutoring and learning assistance. View the survey items on supportive campus environment.
Enriching Educational Experiences
The strategic plans for Saint Xavier University envision significant growth among residents and residence facilities at the Chicago Campus that will help to expand student participation in a large array of existing clubs, organizations, and other co-curricular activities. A new General Education Program will provide more opportunities for community-based learning, foreign language study, and capstone experiences. Taken together, these efforts will bring higher levels of engagement in this aspect of college life. View the survey items on enriching educational experiences.
