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National Survey of Student Engagement: CU-Boulder 2000

Summary of Significant Gender Differences

Across all colleges. All analyses were conducted with class level and college (Arts & Sciences, Engineering, etc.) as factors.

Several gender differences emerge in the NSSE data. Across all participants, men are more likely to have analyzed quantitative problems and to have spent time relaxing and socializing. It is important to note that the "quantitative" gender gap is present even when we take into account men's greater presence in engineering and other quantitatively-oriented majors.

Women are more likely to have performed community service (76% of women vs. 56% of men) and contributed to community welfare, and to feel that they have been challenged to do their best. In addition, 42% of women, compared with only 29% of men, plan to (or did) study abroad. The one negative experience women are more likely to report is that they must run around campus for needed approvals and information. With the exception of this item, women's responses reflect a very positive experience characterized by seeking out opportunities for personal learning and growth.

Thus, although women appear to take advantage of some of the broadening opportunities that the university offers, men's benefits appear to be more narrow and less related to personal growth.

NSSE 2000 Table of Contents

Last revision 04/26/02

jo - l:\ir\survey\nsse\00\report\gender_effects.doc last updated 6/08/01