CCSSE: Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is CCSSE?
CCSSE is the Community College Survey of Student Engagement. The project is sponsored by
the Center for Community College Student Engagement, which is a part the Community College
Leadership Program at The University of Texas at Austin. CCSSE is a survey developed to
study community and technical college student experiences. The survey is designed to help us
learn what your views are on the quality of the educational programs and services you receive.
Identifying what students do in and out of the classroom, knowing students’ goals, and
understanding external responsibilities can help the college create an environment that can
enhance learning, development, and success. More can be learned about CCSSE by visiting
www.ccsse.org.
Does faculty have the opportunity to provide student engagement feedback?
Yes, CCSSE has a companion survey created for faculty responses called the Community College Faculty
Survey of Student Engagement (CCFSSE). Your college will be inviting faculty to participate in February
2015. Please see the CCFSSE: Frequently Asked Questions for more details.
Sampling
Why did I get asked to participate?
Your college is participating in CCSSE to assist in institutional improvement efforts. Your class was
randomly selected by CCSSE for participation. Survey results will enable your college to view student
experiences and attitudes regarding student engagement. Your institution plans to use these data to
help identify areas of strength as well as areas for improvement at your college.
How were the classes identified for the random sampling?
Your college submits a Course Master Data File (CMDF) to CCSSE at the beginning of the spring
semester. All classes with the following exclusions were submitted: Non-credit, dual-credit, distance
education, lowest level ESL, labs, individual instruction and independent study, self-paced with no
regular meeting time/location.
What is CCSSE’s sampling methodology?
CCSSE utilizes a stratified random sampling methodology whereby the sampling unit is
classes, which are comprised of students. The stratification variable is class start time,
which ensures that the sample is representative of morning, afternoon, and evening
classes.
Survey Administration
When is the survey administered?
The survey is administered during the spring term within a March-April time period.
How is the CCSSE administered?
The CCSSE survey is administered as a pencil-and-paper survey in randomly selected classes drawn from
the courses included in the course master data file (CMDF). Selected faculty will receive communication
prior to the administration period. Survey packets with all necessary materials and instructions will be
inter-campus mailed to you for the in-class survey administration prior to this period.
How long does it take to complete the survey?
Historically, the survey has taken the students approximately 35-45 minutes to complete.
However, it is possible that the survey may take an entire class period—additional time
will likely be needed in developmental/remedial and ESL courses.
Is it possible to administer the CCSSE online?
No. Although the Center for Community College Student Engagement is very interested in online
administration of CCSSE, pilot testing of this option resulted in extremely low response rates and, thus, a
data set not representative of colleges' student populations. Response rates with in-class survey
administration have proven to be much higher.
An instructor had multiple classes chosen. Can we omit one of his or her classes from the sample?
No. Classes were not intentionally sampled more than once, he or she just happens to be
associated with more than one group of students that was randomly sampled. No adjustments to the
random sample may be made.
An instructor had a class chosen, but would like to administer CCSSE in one of their other classes. Can
they switch classes?
No, once CCSSE has determined the classes in the random sample, no adjustments to the sample may be
made.
What are the CCSSE Custom Questions?
The custom questions are a set of 20 items that were added to the survey. CCSSE added 5 questions
based upon interest among CCSSE colleges and the research community; MCC added the remaining 15
questions to measure MCC Learning Outcomes.
Reporting
How will CCSSE results be reported to the college and what data will be included?
By July 31, 2015 CCSSE results will be released electronically to the college. CCSSE reports will include
item means and frequency distributions, as well as benchmarks for student responses. In addition,
participating colleges will receive a separate raw data file containing student responses; only nonidentifying information is included in this file. A summary of CCSSE findings will also be included in the
Key Findings. Key Findings will be available through the CCSSE online reporting system and multiple print
copies will be mailed to the college Chancellor following the online release of results.
Are CCSSE data publicly reported?
Yes. Those data—including benchmarks, means, and frequencies—are available in the College
Profiles section of the CCSSE website. Because these data are public, the Center asks that the
information be used responsibly. A policy statement on the responsible uses of Center survey data is
available online for review.
For information regarding your college’s participation in this survey, please contact MCC’s
CCSSE Campus Coordinator: melissa.giese@mcckc.edu