The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) Institute recently released its Documenting Effective Educational Practice (DEEP) report, which analyzes Macalester’s educational policies.

A team from the NSSE Institute visited Macalester in October 2002 and in March 2003. They talked with students, staff and faculty and observed classes and other aspects of campus life.

The report includes a lengthy qualitative evaluation of the various aspects of student life at Macalester. The positive sentiment in the “Final Thoughts” section is reflected in many sections throughout the report. It is divided into five assessment categories: level of academic challenge, active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, supportive campus environment and enriching educational experiences.

These categories are divided into 27 specific subcategories such as Non-Academic Interaction, Advising and Student Center.

The academic challenge section of the report focused on what the DEEP team calls “the high expectations for student performance” at Macalester. The report cites extensive reading assignments and campus facilities as contributions to the high expectations.

Macalester also received high marks in the student-faculty interaction category. The report points to mutual respect between students and faculty and satisfactory availability of faculty members outside of class time.

“Part of what makes this so exciting is that it’s a change from a few years ago, when students were unsure about their relationship with the faculty,” Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Laurie Hamre said.

The campus environment was praised for its aesthetic beauty and functionality for students. The team also commended Macalester’s faculty members for their support of students and the college’s academic mission.

Macalester also received high marks in the enriching educational experiences category. Student body diversity, the availability of on-campus technology, the number of student organizations, the Campus Center and certain aspects of students’ social lives were highlighted.

“Such experiences make learning deeper, more meaningful and ultimately more useful because what students know becomes a part of who they are,” the DEEP team wrote.

Macalester’s urban setting also impressed the DEEP team. However, the report questioned how effectively the community employs the college’s resources.

Macalester recently remedied one of the report’s other criticisms, the lack of a game room in the Campus Center.

The full DEEP Report can be found online at http://www.macalester.edu/deanofstudents/deep_final.pdf.