College to Participate in CCSSE and CCFSSE in Spring 2013

What constitutes quality in the community college experience? Research shows for many groups of students, the more actively engaged they are, the more likely they are to learn, to persist with their studies, and to attain their academic goals. Student engagement, therefore, is a valuable measure for assessing quality of colleges’ educational practices and identifying ways one can help more students succeed—COM-FSM is joining in this effort.

In spring 2013, students in randomly selected classes at all campuses will have the opportunity to share their views by participating in the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE). Survey items focus on how students spend their time, the nature and quality of interactions with faculty members and peers, and what students have gained from their classes and other aspects of the college experience. Results from the survey will be used to inform ongoing improvement efforts at COM-FSM.  The college will also be able compare its results with other community colleges across the Pacific and US. 

In addition, faculty members will be asked to complete a similar survey, called the Community College Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (CCFSSE). This survey elicits information from faculty about their teaching practices, ways they spend time both in and out of class, and perceptions regarding students’ educational experiences. Results from CCFSSE will allow the college to review like-items on both surveys, engage faculty in discussions about results and solicit their suggestions for improving education practices.

General information about CCSSE and CCFSSE is available at www.ccsse.org. You may also contact the Intuitional Research and Planning Office at rschplanning@comfsm.fm for more information.