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Surveys & Results

Survey research is one of the methods that the university uses to systematically examine contexts that affect teaching and learning. All research conducted in our office is IRB approved and follows strict guidelines to ensure ethical treatment of participants. Although we share survey results as broadly as possible, findings are never reported in such a way that might compromise student confidentiality.

Institutional Effectiveness conducts a number of internally and externally developed surveys related to student attitudes and perceptions. Below is a listing of each survey with a brief description and links to any available reports.

If you have any questions, please email Bethany Bodo or call 540-231-6003.

This locally-developed survey is administered annually to all graduating seniors. Student perceptions data are collected in the following categories: Courses within major, Faculty within major, Academic Advising, Opportunities within major, Technology within major, and Preparation within major. Data about knowledge, skills, and abilities provided by the university and satisfaction with student services is also collected, as well as demographic information, including major, minor, gender, and ethnicity.

Virginia Tech's Survey of Incoming Freshmen is a locally-developed survey that replaces the nationally administered CIRP survey used by the university for many years. The instrument asks for students' perceptions of their high school experiences and their beliefs about what they will experience at VT. In 2021 Institutional Effectiveness developed an interactive visualization that highlights important insights about the incoming freshmen class.

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) is designed to obtain information from colleges and universities nationwide about student participation in programs and activities that institutions provide for their learning and professional development. The survey asks students to rate their level of participation in activities that have been shown to relate to academic and personal development, along with the number of hours preparing for classes, working for pay, and providing care for dependents. Questions also focus on mental activities (memorization, synthesis, analysis) in which they engage as well as relationships with others and perceptions of their overall collegiate experience. If you have any questions about the NSSE at Virginia Tech, please email Bethany Bodo and  Nikki Connors.  

Previously Administered Surveys

We administered the CIRP Freshman Survey to all entering students during orientation or registration until 2012. The survey covered a wide range of student characteristics: parental income and education, ethnicity, and other demographic items; financial aid; secondary school achievement and activities; educational and career plans; and values, attitudes, beliefs, and self-concept.