Students feel ESU’s commitment to partnerships helps connect education and careers

In a recently-released survey, Emporia State University surfaces as an institution that enables close partnerships and communication between students and faculty.

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), administered to freshmen and seniors last spring, compares responses from Emporia State students with their peers at colleges and universities in Kansas and across the nation.

“What the NSSE survey says to us as an institution is that we are providing our students the academics, support services and activities that enable them to be successful,” said Dr. Michael R. Lane, ESU president. “I think it’s highlighting what we at ESU see as our hallmark—the close partnership between faculty and students,” Lane said.

ESU’s close-knit structure is borne out in this year’s survey findings. Freshmen and seniors at Emporia State reported a higher quality of relationships with their peers on campus. And in larger numbers than average, seniors said they had more favorable impressions of their relationships with faculty members.

Emporia State students said faculty members were interested in the students’ futures. Notably, freshmen indicated in larger numbers that they were already communicating with faculty members about their career plans.

NSSE results indicate that taking part in activities during college boosts students’ performance in many areas, such as thinking critically, solving real world problems, and working effectively with others. ESU students concurred, saying the university’s academic support system and student activity opportunities help them succeed, both in the classroom and out.

This is the fourth NSSE survey in which ESU has participated. The university’s investment in the survey is paying off in an objective assessment of its programs to encourage student engagement, both academically and socially, said Dr. Jim Williams, vice president for student affairs.

“What this survey says to me is that Emporia State is the institution for the student who wants to explore careers, wants to partner with faculty, and wants the opportunity to engage in education without getting lost in the crowd,” Williams said.

 

Last Updated February 4, 2008>