Alvernia University Shines in National Survey: What Students Are Saying!

Alvernia University has recently celebrated strong results from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). This survey highlights how much students appreciate their interactions with faculty and the overall learning environment.

With nearly 1,700 colleges involved, NSSE provides a clear picture of student experiences across the U.S. Alvernia’s participation marks the fifth time they’ve taken part in this important survey.

The NSSE collects feedback from first-year students and seniors in five key areas: student activities, coursework challenge, college environment evaluation, personal growth assessment, and demographics. Alvernia shines in areas like faculty-student interaction and collaborative learning, which are essential for fostering a supportive campus culture.

“These results show that our faculty, staff, and students are engaged in creating a campus that cares for one another,” said Dr. Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Alvernia’s President. She added that initiatives like the Career Closet and Clare’s Cupboard reflect the university’s commitment to community and care.

Recent statistics from Alvernia’s survey indicate a significant increase in student retention and persistence rates. This year, overall retention has risen by 2%, reaching its highest level since 2017. Third-year persistence is up 1% from last year, emphasizing a growing trend that benefits the university.

A noteworthy aspect of the survey is the considerable participation in high-impact practices, which offer students meaningful learning experiences. NSSE defines these practices as opportunities where students engage deeply with their education and their peers. Over 80% of seniors reported participating in at least two such practices.

Dr. Leamor Kahanov, the Senior Vice President and Provost, noted that these results reflect more than just academic learning; they highlight the university’s efforts to cultivate a caring environment. The feedback collected through the survey provides valuable insights that can lead to improvements in student life.

Abby Swatchick, the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of student voices in this process. “We know that students invest time into these surveys because they want their voices heard and the results to drive real action,” she said.

Moreover, while Alvernia’s positive survey findings are encouraging, they’re also a reminder of the continuous effort required to keep enhancing the student experience. This year, Alvernia was again recognized as a top-ranked national university by U.S. News & World Report, underscoring its reputation for academic excellence.

For more detailed insights on student engagement, check the full results on the NSSE website.

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