Prominent Surveys and Tests Conducted by CAIS  

The Center for Assessment and Instructional Support is involved in conducting and analyzing a variety of different surveys and tests designed to provide assessment for different subgroups within the university learning environment and community.  The following list serves as an outline of the most prominent surveys and tests utilized by the Center.  

Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP 1997-2005) Student Information Survey. A survey designed to assess the demographic characteristics, past experiences, current opinions, as well as the aspirations of university freshmen.  The CIRP survey has been conducted on campus in the fall semester every year since 1997.  This survey provides helpful information to the faculty and administration in their attempts to design and deliver education.

General Education Survey (1998-current date).  A survey consisting of locally developed questions used to measure pre- and post-general education progress.  The general education progress in direct concern of Missouri State University is the portion of curriculum that addresses the knowledge, skills, habits, and dispositions of educated persons.  Results of this survey enable Missouri State University faculty and administration to incorporate more efficient ways of developing people capable of making thoughtful choices that lead to creative and productive lives and to responsible participation in society.

Academic Profile Exam(1992-2005). A survey that tests the general academic knowledge and skills acquired throughout a student's enrollment.  The test consists of core curriculum material used to assess the outcome of a university's general education program.  The results of this survey are used by faculty and administration to improve the quality of instruction and learning within the university program.

Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress (MAPP 2006-current date).  A test is designed to assess general education outcomes in order to improve the quality of instruction and learning. The MAPP test focuses on academic skills rather than knowledge developed through general education courses, and provides valuable benchmarking and trend analysis used to document program effectiveness for accreditation, strategic planning, and performance-based funding.

Higher Education Research Institute (HERI 1993-2006) College Student Survey.  A survey initiated in 1993 giving universities the capacity to conduct follow-up studies of their students.  The survey is intended to extract a variety of information from graduating students including issues such as: overall satisfaction with the university experience, student involvement, cognitive and affective development, technological uses, as well as future goals and aspirations.

Higher Education Research Institute (HERI 1999, 2002, 2005) Faculty Survey.  A survey that is conducted every three years in order to assess the quality and needs of university faculty members.  The survey extracts information regarding a variety of different faculty issues including teaching practices, research activities, interaction with students and colleagues, perceptions of institutional climate, as well as job satisfaction.

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE 2007).  A survey designed to obtain, on an annual basis, information from scores of colleges and universities nationwide about student participation in programs and activities that institutions provide for their learning and personal development. The results will provide an estimate of how undergraduates spend their time and what they gain from attending college. Survey items on The National Survey of Student Engagement represent empirically confirmed "good practices" in undergraduate education. That is, they reflect behaviors by students and institutions that are associated with desired outcomes of college .

The Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE 2007).  A survey designed to measure faculty expectations of student engagement in educational practices that are empirically linked with high levels of learning and development.  The survey also collects information about how faculty members spend their time related to professoral activities and the kinds of learning experiences their institution emphasizes. 

Graduate Student Survey (1995-current date).  A locally developed survey distributed to exiting graduate students that is designed to gauge their views of the Graduate College, their degree program, and their individual development.  The results of this survey are used to assist faculty and administration in tailoring graduate programs to better serve student needs.  

Missouri State University Employer Survey (1993-current date).  A locally developed survey designed to evaluate the general links between higher education and external employers who hire college graduates.  More specifically, the survey is used to determine if Missouri State University is being responsible to the educational needs related to employment for both their students and external constituencies.  This survey also enables the university to assess the quality of the Missouri State University Career Planning and Placement Office and Office of Cooperative Education.  This survey is further used as a performance indicator to determine the progress of Missouri State University in meeting goals outlined in past, current, and future long-range plans for college and departmental assessments.