ISSE Survey: What is it and how can it make a difference?

By Marian O’Donnell

ISSE stands for the Irish Survey of Student Engagement and is a National Survey that asks students about their experiences of higher education. It is designed to inform developments within institutions while also providing a national set of data – “National Survey, Local Impact”

Whether you are concentrating on getting all A’s this semester or working on your social life, this February you’ll also have the opportunity to help the University understand how it can improve the student experience for everyone. Making sure that students have a voice in the direction that their University takes is so important to how third level institutions run. It’s important to complete these surveys so that the student voice can be heard – students engagement is key in order to make UL , and other institutes, as student orientated as possible!

On Monday February 3^rd, a short online survey will be offered to first year undergraduates, final year undergraduates and postgraduate students pursuing taught programmes. ISSE conducts its survey in thirty participating higher education Institutes, including UL. Almost 60,000 students have participated since the national pilot survey in 2013.

The survey seeks to collect information on student engagement in order to provide a more valuable and informed insight into students’ experiences. The survey collects information on how students engage with their learning environments. Students’ engagement with college life is important in enabling them to develop key capabilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, writing skills, team work and communication skills. The results of the survey are intended to inform UL how it can best accommodate student engagement and success.

Taking the time to complete this online survey is of great help to the University as it offers invaluable insights directly from you, the student.

Another thing to consider is that for every student who completes the online survey, 1 euro will be provided to the student financial aid fund! So by helping the University, you’re helping other Students!