Students on a study break.

National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) assesses key aspects of first year and senior students’ undergraduate experience, including students’ engagement in educational practices that have been shown to be linked with learning and student success.  The NSSE was developed and is administered by the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research.

For the 2020 NSSE, 30% (n=1,220) of first-year and 22% (n=958) of senior Kent campus students responded to the survey from February through May 2020, with 95% of responses submitted before learning was moved remotely. Current and historical full NSSE survey reports are available here.

% Overall Experience as “Excellent” or “Good”

84%First-Year Students
84%Seniors

"This institution has incredible spaces for students to come together to either socialize or study. These environments make students comfortable and encourage them to be social and get work done when needed."
- (Full-time first-year, female, 2020)

“Kent State is a great school with a great campus and opportunity all over the place. That’s why I decided to come here.”
- (Full-time senior, male, 2020)

“I am impressed with the faculty here and they have made a very important and positive impact on my life, my studies, my experience completing my degree and hopefully toward the next chapter, career-wise...”
- (Part-time senior, female, 2020)

One aspect of the survey asks students about High Impact Practices (HIPs) that are undergraduate opportunities known for positive associations with student learning and retention. Kent State values these practices that can be considered life-changing:

  • Facilitate learning outside the classroom
  • Require meaningful interaction with faculty and peers
  • Provide frequent and substantive feedback
  • Demand considerable time and effort of the practice
  • Encourage collaboration with diverse others

The following depicts the percentage of Kent State students who responded as either already participated or plan to participate in the following HIPs:

First-Year Students

  • 43% Service Learning
  • 37% Learning Communities
  • 30% Research with Faculty

Seniors

  • 78% Internships or Field Experiences
  • 59% Senior Capstone Experience
  • 55% Service Learning
  • 32% Research with Faculty
  • 31% Learning Communities 
  • 30% Study Abroad

Testimonials

“I am very lucky to be going to an institution that offers many different degrees, has so many organizations - school and student led, and study abroad programs.”
- (Full-time first-year, female, 2020)

“Kent puts a major emphasis on programs to help students succeed whether it’s tutoring, studying abroad or finding a career through career services. This is great and has been super beneficial to me during my time at the school.”
- (Full-time senior, female, 2020)

“Kent State offers so many good opportunities to help students have a great experience and enjoy college while getting the best education.”
- (Part-time senior female, 2020)

Top 5 Highest Performing Items Relative to Regional NSSE Participants

First-Year Student Responses Vs. Great Lakes Public NSSE Institutions
Senior Student Responses Vs. Great Lakes Public NSSE Institutions

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