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Learning at CU-Boulder: Student Engagement

What is the learning environment like at CU-Boulder?

Results from CU-Boulder's administration of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) indicate that students on this campus are actively engaged in the learning environment. Nearly all seniors, and most freshmen, report that they ask questions in class, make class presentations, and work on group projects during class. Nearly all students report that they discuss grades or assignments with faculty. Most seniors indicate that they participate in such activities as internships and volunteer work, and over half report that they will complete or have already completed a senior thesis or similar culminating project.

Students believe that CU-Boulder contributes to their academic knowledge and skills. Most freshmen and seniors report that CU-Boulder enhances their critical thinking and analysis skills and contributes toward acquiring a broad general education. Moreover, most freshmen and seniors report that their coursework substantially emphasizes synthesizing and organizing ideas; applying theories or concepts to practical problems; and analyzing the basic elements of an idea, experience, or theory.

How do CU-Boulder's NSSE ratings compare with those of other public research universities?

In the 2009 NSSE administration, CU-Boulder freshmen and seniors provided ratings at or very near the average for AAU public universities on 14 summary scales assessing student experience, perceptions, and satisfaction. Moreover, CU-Boulder freshman averages on 10 of the scales increased from 2002 to 2006, and increased again from 2006 to 2009. CU-Boulder senior averages exhibited a similar upward trend on five of the scales. There are a few exceptions to these general patterns. For example,

• CU-Boulder students provided ratings noticeably below the AAU average on the measure of satisfaction with upper- and lower-division class size. This occurred in each of three "time windows" (2001-03, 2004-06, and 2007-09). However, these differences between CU-Boulder and AAU peer averages are not particularly meaningful in a practical sense.

• Both CU-Boulder freshmen and seniors provided 2009 ratings slightly above the AAU average on the measure of course availability. In 2006, the ratings of CU-Boulder freshmen were similarly slightly above the AAU average, whereas seniors' ratings were slightly below.

More information on CU-Boulder's NSSE results

What are some of the distinctive programs at CU-Boulder that are enhancing student learning?

The learning environment at CU-Boulder encompasses not only a wide variety of demanding courses of study but also special academic programs that complement and enhance students' academic interests and needs. These programs offer leadership training, research experience, opportunities for honors study, international experience, multicultural awareness, community involvement, social and academic support, and more.

Students participate in more than 180 CU-Boulder sponsored study abroad programs, 80 honors courses, undergraduate research, service learning courses which combine community service with instruction, and ten residential academic programs which provide undergraduates with shared learning and living experiences. The Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory and the Discovery Learning Center provide hands-on, real-world experience to engineering undergraduates. The Alliance for Technology, Learning, and Society (ATLAS) Center works with the full spectrum of campus disciplines to facilitate the creation and use of cutting-edge technology-enhanced teaching and learning approaches.

First-generation students and students from culturally diverse backgrounds may receive academic, personal, and financial support through one of the CU-Lead (leadership, excellence, achievement, and diversity) alliance programs housed in various colleges and departments. The overarching goals of these programs are to offer students a welcoming environment and a strong support network in order to help them excel in their chosen fields.

For more information on special academic opportunities for students at CU-Boulder see: Special Enrichment Opportunities.

This page can be accessed via USA Today's NSSE summary for CU-Boulder:  http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/nsse.htm

Last revision 12/31/09