Using BCSSE and NSSE to understand first-year student expectations

Abstract

Using data from Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE) and National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), this session focused on the relationship between entering first-year students' expectations and their actual experiences near the end of the academic year. We discussed how the expectations gap relates to the quality of academic experiences and persistence for first-year students. Discussion included how institutions can use BCSSE and NSSE data to understand the expectations and academic experiences of their first-year students.