The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) collects information from first-year and senior students at four-year colleges and universities about the time and energy they devote to educationally purposeful activities. Marian University has participated in NSSE every other year since 2015. Below is a summary of key NSSE findings. If you would like to discuss the institution's NSSE efforts further, please contact Tony Ribera.
High-Impact Practices. Undergraduate programs continue to emphasize high-impact practices. The percentage of senior respondents at Marian participating in two or more high-impact practices has increased from 2015 to 2019. In 2015, 75% of senior respondents participated in two or more high-impact practices. In 2019, this percentage rose to 92%.
Undergraduate Research. NSSE findings showed that among senior respondents, Marian has significantly higher student participation in research with faculty compared to national and regional competitors. In the NSSE 2019 administration, about half of Marian senior respondents (48%) participated in research with faculty which was significantly higher than Indiana private institutions (34%) and competitors (29%). Additionally, the percentage of senior respondents participating in research with faculty has increased from 2015 to 2019. In 2015, 36% of senior respondents participated in research with faculty. In 2019, this percentage rose to 48%.
Internships. Among senior respondents, Marian has significantly higher student participation in internships compared to national and regional competitors. The percentage of senior respondents participating in internships has increased from 2015 to 2019. In 2015, 66% of senior respondents participated in an internship/field experience. In 2019, this percentage rose to 82%. In 2019, the percentage of senior respondents participating in an internship/field experience was significantly higher than Indiana private institutions (67%) and competitors (62%). Marian was featured in NSSE’s Annual Results 2019 for our efforts with internships.
Culminating Senior Experience. Students complete a capstone experience as part of our general education program. All students are required to complete a senior seminar in their department. A common theme drives the learning outcomes of the senior seminar. Data from the 2019 NSSE showed that 70% of senior respondents participated in a culminating senior experience which was significantly higher than our competitors (53%).
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Quantitative data from NSSE suggested our students engage with diverse peers often. Specifically, our students engaged with peers from different cultural, religious, and political backgrounds. However, student comments suggested these interactions may be challenging and students may require more support from faculty and staff. Since the NSSE 2019 administration, several changes have occurred at Marian related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Marian established a Learning Experience Framework created by faculty and staff that encourages an integrated, impactful, and inclusive curriculum and co-curriculum. Faculty and staff are encouraged to and provided resources to help them ensure students feel valued and that diverse perspectives are respected. The Center for Teaching and Learning also developed a professional development certificate focused on creating inclusive experiences. Faculty and staff participated in workshops focused on implicit bias and inclusive pedagogy. Inclusive teaching is also emphasized in the annual program-level assessment planning and reporting process. All programs are asked to describe how they are fostering inclusive learning environments. Marian was featured in Lessons from the Field - Dispatch #2 for our efforts with diversity, equity, and inclusion.