Students Score TAMIU High on Engagement Survey

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students are scoring the University high on a survey tracking TAMIU’s level of academic challenge, learning with peers, experiences with faculty, and campus environment. 

Students scored TAMIU higher than peer institutions and national average responses on the 2013 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).

The NSSE Survey secures responses from First Year and Senior students, comparing them to a peer group in The Texas A&M University System, other Carnegie Class universities like TAMIU and a national comparison group. TAMIU has participated in NSSE surveys since 2003.

Among engagement indicators used to compare institutions are higher order learning, reflective and integrative learning, learning strategies, quantitative reasoning, collaborative learning, discussions with diverse others, student-faculty interaction, effective teaching practices, quality of interactions and supportive environment.

The NSSE 2013 survey for TAMIU reveals that:

Regarding TAMIU studying and academic work, 85% of first year students found “very much” or “quite a bit” of emphasis on both. The national comparison was 82%.

In keeping with the national response, 98% of First Year students said the extent of challenge in courses that prompts them to do their best work is moderate to high.  Seniors concurred.

First Year students felt that TAMIU placed substantial interest on academics. 75% of First Year students said they worked harder than they thought they would to meet faculty expectations on high impact practices such as learning communities and service learning.

By the time they were Seniors, 51% of TAMIU students had participated in community service.

78% of Seniors discussed career plans with TAMIU faculty and by their senior year, 36% had participated in an internship, practicum, field experience or clinical assignment.

94% of First Year students felt that TAMIU had a substantial commitment to their academic progress and 93% felt well supported by TAMIU regarding their social needs.

91% of First Year students reported their overall TAMIU experience “Excellent” or “Good” while 81% of TAMIU Seniors agreed.

Of First Year students, the percentage of students who would “definitely” or “probably” attend TAMIU was 84%.  Among Seniors, 73% concurred.

Verónica Martínez, TAMIU director of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, said the survey also reveals the struggle that students face with challenges for their time.

“More than 62% of Seniors indicated that they provide care for dependents (children/parents) and 59% of first-year students indicated the same dependent care time commitment,” Martinez explained.

Despite this, students surveyed still participated in co-curricular activities for more than five hours weekly.

“More than 70% of First Year students did so, while 45% of Seniors participated in co-curricular activities, which often correlate to enhanced, quality learning interactions,” Martínez noted.

She said the NSSE Survey is a critical part of TAMIU’s quality improvement program.

“As part of our institutional commitment to quality improvement, TAMIU regularly conducts satisfaction assessments of its students, full-time employees and evaluates academic experience, student opinions and more,” she said.

Mary Treviño, TAMIU, associate vice president for academic affairs, agreed, noting that the NSSE is one of several survey tools the University uses.

“We assess or survey on an annual or bi-annual basis and results are regularly reviewed to determine the need for adjustments or change.  These assessments are barometers, indicators of how we’re doing as experienced by our primary users:  students. We carefully review the findings and determine how we can change to reinforce our commitment to continuous improvement,” Treviño observed.

“We’re looking for data and for chances to measure, benchmark and improve our operations, programs -- all aspects of our service and its delivery…and we require a regular cycle of these assessments so that comparative and trending data is available,” Treviño continued.

The TAMIU NSSE Survey Snapshot findings are available online.

For more information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268 or click on tamiu.edu

University information is also available on TAMIU’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube sites.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu