National Survey of Student Engagement Benchmarks available for Saint Xavier

Chicago– Saint Xavier University has either met or exceeded national benchmarks in nearly every category of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).

In a partnership with USA Today, the National Survey of Student Engagement this morning released its benchmark findings of 255 of the 610 schools that participated nationally in its annual study. The benchmarks measure student opinions of academic challenge, student-faculty interaction, active collaborative learning, supportive campus environment, and enriching educational experiences.

Saint Xavier University is one of only three Chicago schools to have made its findings available to the public. Saint Xavier is also one of only 32 schools across the country to have participated in the survey since its inception in 2000.

“We are proud to share our 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement benchmarks,” said Saint Xavier President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. “They show Saint Xavier students feel actively engaged in challenging academic activities with guidance from accessible faculty and professional staff and a supportive campus environment that helps them attain personal and professional goals.”

To view Saint Xavier University’s NSSE results, please visit the following Web site: http://www.sxu.edu/learning/.

NSSE is an important point of reference for all SXU planning and assessment. Benchmark reports from 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 a sweeping new General Education Program, scheduled for full implementation in fall 2009.

“The relatively strong benchmarks for 2007 represent some of the fruits of these efforts,” said Saint Xavier University Vice President for Research, Planning and Assessment Kathleen Carlson. “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.”

To arrange for an interview with Vice President Carlson, please contact Director of Media Relations Joe Moore at (773) 298-3937.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Joe Moore
773-298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu