According to the 2025 National Survey of Student Engagement, 85 percent of first-year students and 84 percent of seniors at Washington State University feel their experience is “excellent” or “good.” This positive feedback is a crucial part of WSU’s strategy to enhance student life.
The National Survey has been a resource for WSU since 2000, helping the university understand various aspects of student life. Topics include:
- Participation in impactful activities, like service learning
- Support systems available
- Sense of belonging
- Interactions with faculty
- Learning methods
Interestingly, WSU has a higher percentage of first-generation students compared to similar institutions. It also attracts more students who come in with transfer and dual credits. Notably, WSU leads other land-grant universities in how many courses incorporate service learning, an important factor for fostering student engagement and retention.
While most students report satisfaction, the survey highlights areas for improvement, especially in supporting students with non-academic responsibilities. Addressing these needs is part of WSU’s ongoing effort to boost overall student success.
This fall, WSU will collaborate with the National Institute for Student Success (NISS). Founded by Georgia State University, NISS aims to identify and overcome challenges to student completion. They will collect and analyze data to develop actionable strategies tailored for WSU.
The initiative will be overseen by key figures at the university, including:
- Bill Davis, Vice Provost for Academic Engagement and Student Achievement
- Lisa Guerrero, Vice Provost for Access and Opportunity
- Stephanie Kane, Assistant Vice Provost for Institutional Research
- Romando Nash, Vice Provost for Student Affairs
- Saichi Oba, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management
- Kristina Peterson-Wilson, Vice Provost for Academic Administration and Chief of Staff
“We are committed to enhancing student retention,” said Provost Chris Riley-Tillman. The data from NSSE and insights from NISS will guide this mission. Regular updates will be shared, culminating in a presentation of the implementation plan in spring 2026.
With the focus on understanding and improving student experiences, WSU is taking a proactive approach to meet the needs of its diverse student body. This aligns with a larger trend in higher education, where universities are increasingly recognizing the vital role that holistic support plays in student success. Engagement in activities outside of the classroom, for example, has been linked to better academic performance and retention rates.
The commitment to student success is not just a WSU goal but reflects broader trends in education. Research from the Educause shows that many institutions are leveraging data to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments. This approach can transform student engagement and satisfaction in meaningful ways.
