The University of Texas at Tyler College Portrait

UT Tyler is committed to serving our students in a cost-effective manner that still prioritizes student needs and interests both in and outside of the classrooms.  NSSE provides important information that we use to enhance existing experiences and to adopt new opportunities for future students.  NSSE results were used in our Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) proposal for reaffirmation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) – Council on Colleges.  Our trend NSSE data showed that UT Tyler students experienced less study abroad and meeting with students of different backgrounds significantly less than our peer institutions and nationally.  Our QEP was approved in 2010 and we are in the initial year of launching a new comprehensive study abroad program with freshman and sophomore student learning communities, Global Awareness Through Education (GATE).

Institutions participating in the VSA program measure student involvement on campus using one of four national surveys. Results from the one survey are reported for a common set of questions selected as part of VSA. Following are the selected results from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The questions have been grouped together in categories that are known to contribute to student learning and development. The results reported below are based on the responses of seniors who participated in the survey.

Group Learning Experiences

• 94% percent of seniors worked with classmates on assignments outside of class.
• 59% of seniors tutored or taught other students
• 18% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week participating in co-curricular activities such as student organizations and intramural sports

Active Learning Experiences

• 83% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week preparing for class
• 12% of seniors worked on a research project with a faculty member
• 42% of seniors participated in an internship, practicum, or field experience
• 47% of seniors participated in community service or volunteer work
• 4% of seniors participated in study abroad
• 93% of seniors made at least one class presentation last year

Institutional Commitment to Student Learning and Success

• 96% of seniors believe this institution provides support for student success
• 74% of seniors rated the quality of academic advising at this institution as good or excellent
• 62% of seniors reported that this institution provided help in coping with work, family and other non-academic responsibilities
• 97% of seniors reported working harder than they thought they could to meet an instructor's standards or expectations

Student Interaction with Campus Faculty and Staff

• 61% of seniors believed that the campus staff were helpful, considerate, or flexible
• 81% of seniors believed that faculty are available, helpful, or sympathetic
• 98% of seniors reported that faculty members provided prompt feedback on their academic performance
• 75% of seniors discussed readings or ideas with faculty members outside of class

Experiences with Diverse Groups of People and Ideas

• 64% of seniors reported that they often tried to understand someone else's point of view
• 84% of seniors reported their experience at this institution contributed to their understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds
• 59% of seniors often had serious conversations with students of a different race or ethnicity

Student Satisfaction

• 80% of seniors would attend this institution if they started over again
• 84% of seniors rated their entire educational experience as good or excellent
• 85% of seniors reported that other students were friendly or supportive

Evaluation of Experiences

Survey Administration Process

Survey Information