Student Engagement Higher at Westminster than National Average 
 

November 5, 2007 

National Survey of Student Engagement Finds Westminster Students Feel More Involved Than Most 

Findings from a national survey released today show that taking part in certain activities during college boosts students’ performance in many areas common to all academic activities and valued by perspective employers such as critical thinking, solving real-world problems and working effectively with others. According to the National Survey of Student Engagement’s 2007 Annual Report, students at Westminster College are more successful in developing these skills than most.

More than 250 schools participated in the survey which focused on first-year and senior undergraduates. The survey rated five benchmarks of effective educational practice, including: level of academic challenge; active and collaborative learning; student-faculty interaction; enriching educational experiences and supportive campus environments. In each of these categories, Westminster ranked at or above each of its comparison groups, which included: all NSSE participants; the Associated New American Colleges (ANAC) which consists of schools which, like Westminster, focus on student learning; and other Masters Institutions.

According to NSSE, the goal of the initiative is to provide prospective students, parents, counselors and others with information about aspects of collegiate quality not available through most accessible venues. For example, college rankings are based primarily on measures of resources and reputation that research studies indicate are not related to the desired student learning and personal development outcomes.

“We are encouraged by the current NSSE results,” said Dr. Paul Presson, Westminster Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Assessment. “They provide evidence that our efforts to improve student learning are effective. Together with other measures of student learning like the Faculty Survey of Student Engagement and the Collegiate Learning Assesment, they provide us with the information we need to ensure continued improvement.”

Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college distinguished by its unique approach to learning. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster prepares students for success with its emphasis on active learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. These are further enriched by the opportunities presented by Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake. For more information visit www.westminstercollege.edu.