Early Bird

NSSE survey responses support the Roadrunner Food Pantry

Encourage first-years and seniors to complete the National Survey of Student Engagement.

By Lindsey Coulter

February 20, 2019

This semester, Academic Affairs is gathering valuable student data while also supporting a critical student resource. In an effort to increase participation in the National Survey of Student Engagement, the office is donating $2 to the Roadrunner Food Pantry for every student survey completed — and has already raised more than $400.

Open to first-year and senior students, the NSSE is a key tool for helping improve the student experience. It measures not only the time and effort students dedicate to academic development but also how successfully they’re engaging with campus resources, activities and personal-development opportunities. The data gathered highlight areas of student-engagement success and opportunity, helping institutions develop high-impact practices and improved policy.

Eligible Metropolitan State University of Denver students received a survey link directly from the NSSE to their University email on Feb. 14, with weekly reminders through April 2. The 20-minute survey will remain open through mid-May.

“Results from this survey inform our entire campus’ accreditation and assessment efforts, as well as highlight the degree to which our students feel engaged on our campus,” said Kim Barron, director of Academic Effectiveness. “There are great possibilities, but we need high participation.”

In 2017, 12 percent of MSU Denver’s first-year students and 18 percent of seniors completed the NSSE. This year, Academic Affairs is incentivizing the process by donating $2 per completed survey to the Roadrunner Food Pantry. As hundreds of students rely on the pantry to supplement and support their nutritional needs throughout the year, a survey-driven boost could make a significant difference, and NSSE representatives support the idea.

“The national organization which oversees the NSSE was so intrigued that they plan to highlight MSU Denver’s incentive,” said Lou Moss, program manager, Office of Curriculum and Academic Effectiveness. “We have already agreed to participate in NSSE’s national conversation regarding innovative survey administration.”

“The Roadrunner Food Pantry is so thankful for this opportunity,” said Erica Quintana-Garcia, case management coordinator for the Roadrunner Food Pantry. “Every donation will go directly to purchasing more food and snack options for MSU Denver students.”

Faculty and staff can further support survey completion. Announcing the survey before or at the close of classes and chatting with your student workers about the survey benefits are simple, effective ways to make an impact on student engagement and student hunger.

For more details, email Moss or Barron, or visit the Academic Effectiveness website. Look for updates on donations generated on the sign outside the Roadrunner Food Pantry.