College Students Benefit From Involvement, Survey Says

Source:  The National Survey of Student Engagement website at www.iub.edu/~nsse

 Getting involved on campus and in the community benefits students in many ways.  Findings from the recent National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) show that college students who are more engaged in civic activities also gain more during college in terms of ethical development and contributing to the welfare of their community.  Plus, it can help their grades and their sense of belonging on campus.

“…the more time and energy students devote to desired activities, the more likely they are to develop the habits of the mind that are key to success after college,” says George Kuh, the NSSE director and Indiana U. Bloomington professor of higher education.   “…engagement is linked to grades and graduation, outcomes that everyone agrees are important.”

This survey supports what campus professionals have known for a long time: when students get involved, they tend to do better academically, feel more connected to campus and have a healthier social support system.  So, when your student tells you that they would like to join the school newspaper staff, participate in a club outing, tutor kids in an after school program or play on one of Thomas College’s several intramural teams, consider supporting them.  Involvement doesn’t take away from academics; it enhances the overall experience.  It’s important for students to find their place on campus and involvement is the key!