A new study released by the National Survey of Student Engagement closely examines the student college experience at schools across the nation, including the University.
The survey discovered several trends, including a lack in student-professor relationships outside of the classroom.
"Sixty-two percent of first-year students and 47 percent of seniors never worked with faculty members on activities other than coursework," the NSSE press release stated.
Indiana University's Center for Survey, who conducted the study, also found that experiences with diversity heighten student engagement and overall satisfaction with college.
Additionally, the study saw that women majoring in science, engineering and math study more and have more interaction with faculty members than students in other majors.
The survey, which some University students completed, asks students about their classes, amount of work,time dedicated to classes and books they use.
"I think it's a good way to get student views about their academic experiences, academic life," said Ned Moomaw, executive director of the Office of Institutional Assessment and Studies.
For the past three years, NSSE, which was formed to analyze teaching and learning in schools across the country, has asked students about their social and academic experiences at various schools.
The 2002 report from NSSE was taken online by students from 613 four-year colleges. A total of 135,000 first years and fourth years nationwide participated in the survey.
"Prospective students and their parents can better determine a school's quality and fit by asking the kinds of questions NSSE asks," Indiana University Prof. George D. Kuh said in a press release.
The surveys allow for potential students to compare colleges on a national level, University Spokeswoman Louise Dudley said. At the same time, it sheds light on the areas that the colleges need to improve upon, she said.
The University last participated in the survey in 2000.
"It is not necessary to do it every year," Moomaw said.
NSSE has helped improve the University by demonstrating the lack in student faculty relations, which contributed to planning of the South Lawn project.
"It is useful so we can see if there is an area we need to work on, like student faculty relations," she said."The South Lawn project creates spaces to make it easier for students and faculty to interact."
The South Lawn project is a University initiative to renovate and rebuild the buildings surrounding the Lawn over the next several years.
Officials who conducted the survey could not be reached for comment.
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