Beginning College Student Survey of Engagement

The Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE, pronounced “bessie”) measures entering first-year students’ pre-college academic and co-curricular experiences, as well as their interest in and expectations for participating in educationally purposeful activities during college. It is designed as a companion to the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).

To better understand the influence of the institution on student performance, it is important to measure and control for the educational engagement patterns students establish prior to enrolling. It is also important to understand the value students place on various aspects of student engagement common to the first year of college.

BCSSE data can aid the design of pre-college orientation programs, student service initiatives, and other programmatic efforts aimed at improving student learning during the first year of college. BCSSE results can be used to shape initiatives that align the first-year experience of students with recognized effective educational practices. 

Used in combination with NSSE or FSSE results, BCSSE data can help institutions assess the impact of student programs and services on the entire undergraduate experience and to learn more about their students