The Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) and Ellen B. Rudolph, Surdna Foundation program director for Thriving Cultures, recently received the Institutional Research Initiative Award from the Arts Schools Network at its annual conference in Washington, D.C. Based at the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research, SNAAP is an annual online survey, data management and institutional improvement system designed to enhance the impact of arts-school education.

A national survey released today shows that a variety of colleges and universities have shown steady improvement in the quality of undergraduate education, as measured by students' exposure to and involvement in effective educational practices. The 2009 report from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), Assessment for Improvement: Tracking Student Engagement Over Time, details results from a 2009 survey of 360,000 students attending 617 U.S. colleges and universities.

Contrary to what many observers think, findings from a national study released today (Oct. 26) show that gathering information about what undergraduates learn during their studies is commonplace in most U.S. colleges and universities. However, the results are not always used and reported in ways that could improve student accomplishment and inform the public about institutional performance.

The National Consortium for Continuous Improvement in Higher Education (NCCI) has recognized the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) with an Honorable Mention in its 2009 Leveraging Excellence Awards.

Findings from the 2008 Law School Survey of Student Engagement show that using laptop computers for certain activities during law school classes is linked to higher levels of student engagement and other positive outcomes. The report is based on information from more than 29,000 law students at 85 law schools.

The Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) was launched today (May 1) to examine the impact of arts training. It will provide a first-ever in-depth look at the factors that help or hinder the careers of graduates of arts high schools, arts colleges and conservatories, and arts schools and departments within universities, whether the alumni work as artists or pursue other paths. The Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research will administer the annual survey in cooperation with the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University.

Findings released today (Nov. 13) from the 2006 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) conducted by Indiana University, indicate that student engagement helps all learners, but students who arrive at college less prepared academically than their more prepared counterparts—or are from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds—tend to benefit even more.

The predominance of women in undergraduate education may mistakenly lead people to think that there is no longer any need for women's colleges or concerns regarding equality. However, a study by the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research (IUCPR) shows that students at women's colleges are better served in their educational pursuits than their peers at coeducational institutions.

George Kuh, Chancellor's Professor of Higher Education at Indiana University Bloomington, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College Personnel Association. The award honors a member who has a recognized level of scholarly productivity and leadership sustained over two decades or more. It also recognizes other long-term involvement and service to the field of student affairs. Kuh is only the fifth person to receive the award, which was bestowed during the association's annual meeting in Indianapolis on March 20.

Findings from a national survey released today by the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research show that the first two years of law school are more demanding compared with the final year.

Almost half of all college seniors took at least one course from another postsecondary institution prior to enrolling at their current institution, according to findings from Indiana University's annual National Survey of Student Engagement, released today.

This "swirl pattern" -- taking classes from multiple institutions on the way to the baccalaureate -- is a concern to higher education experts, said NSSE Director George Kuh, because transfer students participate less in activities that enrich their learning, such as doing community service or volunteer work and working with a faculty member on a research project.

Three-fourths of all law students report that their institution emphasizes to a considerable degree the ethical practice of law, according to the first Law School Survey of Student Engagement, which was conducted by Indiana University researchers. The national survey also found, however, that part-time students are less engaged in instructive educational experiences, such as internships, law journal, moot court and student organizations.

According to findings released today (Nov. 15) from the 2004 National Survey of Student Engagement conducted by Indiana University, college students who are more engaged in civic activities gain more in terms of ethical development and contributing to the welfare of their community. The findings also point to some improvements in the student experience over the past five years.