National Survey of Student Engagement
What is the NSSE Survey?
The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) asks first- and fourth-year undergraduate students about their learning experiences, academic challenges, interactions with faculty, and the overall support they receive at their university. By focusing on students at the beginning and near the end of their degree, NSSE helps universities understand how students experience their education and identify areas of improvement. NSSE is a mandatory U15 Data Exchange benchmarking survey that enables UBC to compare its results with other Canadian research universities in the U15 Canada Group.
UBC participates in NSSE on a fixed three-year cycle since 2008.
In 2026, NSSE will run from February 23-March 30.
Starting April 1, the response rates will be updated weekly.
National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
All participants were entered into a prize draw for a $100 gift card, with a choice of vendors. A total of 25 student participants were randomly selected to receive a prize, including 10 from the Okanagan campus and 15 from the Vancouver campus:
Okanagan
Arshiya, Science, Nursing
Gurleen, Science, Psychology
Josh, Management
Lexi, Arts, Psychology
Liliana, Applied Science, Engineering
Madison, Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Mark, Arts, Creative Writing
Natasha, Science, Nursing
Noah, Science
Sara, Science, Psychology
Vancouver
Abolaji, Science, Biology
Andaya, Applied Science, Engineering
Ariv, Science
Callie, Education, Kinesiology
Cameron, Education, Kinesiology
Euna, Commerce
Gino, Science, Integrated Science
Kiana, Science, Computer Science and Psychology
Kim, Applied Science
M, Arts
Matthew, Science, Computer Science
Miete, Arts
Rohan, Commerce
Sophie, Commerce
Tabitha, Science
Why NSSE Matters at UBC?
NSSE is not “just another survey.” It’s one of the main ways students’ voices turn into real change — from new services and programs and improved support to better learning environments and university-wide planning.
At UBC, NSSE 2026 will help:
- Inform the UBC refreshed Strategic Plan (2025–2028) including other plans like the Student Strategic Plan, StEAR Framework, Faculty Plan, and more.
- Identify areas where students feel supported and where they don’t.
- Give faculties and campus units real information to guide improvements.
The more students participate, the clearer the picture becomes — giving UBC insights to make decisions that reflect actual student needs.
How Has NSSE Improved Student Experience at UBC Already?
NSSE results have helped UBC strengthen the student experience in three key areas: Learning Environment & Academic Support, Mental Health & Wellbeing, and Experiential & Applied Learning. The examples below illustrate how student feedback from NSSE has translated into concrete improvements on our campuses.
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Learning Environment & Academic Support
NSSE results showed that students wanted a more supportive and connected academic experience. As a result, UBC created services and initiatives like:
- Collegia spaces to help students find community.
- Improved access to learning resources including subject matter tutoring, writing supports and supplemental learning through services such as the Student Learning Hub on the Okanagan campus.
- UBC Life and UBCO Life student newsletters aimed at improved communication to students about programs, events and services happening on campuses.
- A peer-mentor cohort program in Arts for commuter students.
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Mental Health & Wellbeing
NSSE results highlighted that students wanted stronger support systems and easier access to help. This information reinforced the need for:
- Better connections between academic support and wellbeing services.
- More visible and accessible counselling options.
- Faculty training on student wellbeing and available mental health supports.
- Picnic Wellness Hub on the Okanagan campus
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Experiential & Applied Learning
NSSE results tell us how many students take part in hands-on learning like research, co-ops, Go Global, community programs, and capstone projects.
Where UBC saw gaps in participation, NSSE has helped drive:
- Improved pathways to participation in experiential education opportunities on the Okanagan campus to help students find experiential learning opportunities more easily.
- Expansion of undergraduate research experiences at UBCO.
- Increased focus on Work Study, Work Learn, co-ops, and other applied learning options.
Contact
The PAIR team administers several institutional surveys across UBC’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. For questions about NSSE, please contact the PAIR survey office: survey.office@ubc.ca