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AUSSE AUSSE AUSSE
2 January 2010
The Australian Survey of Student Engagement (AUSSE) is a survey undertaken annually by university students enrolled in Australia and New Zealand. Managed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) it is closely linked to the North American National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Participating in the AUSSE provides us with an opportunity to benchmark, what our students think of their experiences at USC, with what is occurring at other Australian universities and internationally. AUSSE was conducted for the first time in 2007 when 25 universities took part. This year 35 were involved so it is becoming a truly representative insight into the sector.
Specifically, the AUSSE provides a measure of student involvement in activities that are known to be correlated with high-quality student outcomes. These include experiences and activities related to study; campus experiences not directly related to study; interactions with staff and other students; future study intentions; and perceptions of the values and quality of the institution. By monitoring where we stand relative to other institutions, the University is able to identify areas for improvement as well as consolidate facets of the USC experience that are superior to what is happening elsewhere.
From a sample of 1,207 first year and 793 later year students, 561 USC students completed this year’s survey. The response rate of 28 percent was well above the national average. This in itself indicates an engaged student body which is willing to provide feedback on its university experiences. The high response rate also favors reliable results.
Areas where USC performed above the national average included those related to relationships with staff, what USC refers to as human scale. Students rated access to teaching and non-teaching staff highly, as well as the quality of the advice and services provided. Students also commented positively on opportunities to improve their presentation skills, writing and oral communication.
An area where USC scored below the national averages was clustered around cross-cultural experiences. This could be expected given USC currently has a relatively low proportion of international students. However, the number of international students has grown strongly in recent years, as has the range of countries involved, so these ratings should change in the future. Transport difficulties, opportunities for extracurricular activities, and access to foreign languages and art/cultural activities were also areas where USC’s ratings were lower than the national average.
One aspect of the AUSSE that was particularly pleasing was the improvement in scores over 2007 results for all the key engagement indicators such as: Work Integrated Learning (WIL); supportive learning environment; academic challenge; student and staff interactions; and active learning. Overall, the University scored very well on all the indicators directly related to the learning experience. We didn’t score as highly on some of the peripheral activities and opportunities that are associated with the university experience. It’s something we’re aware of and as is the case with all the surveys and data sets that advise us on student outcomes at USC, staff of the University will be using the AUSSE to monitor change and help plan for the future.
Professor Greg Hill is Acting Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of the Sunshine Coast.