Benchmarking

Benchmarking

Through benchmarking, we are able to compare key metrics collected through various assessment modes to the same key metrics tracked at our peer institutions. Benchmarking helps us to improve the quality of our services, aid us in decision-making, develop strategic plans, formulate policies, and justify services within the Division of Student Affairs.

Our staff partners with the following organizations to collect information on students’ experiences ranging from college health, substance use, student engagement, and college union experiences.

National College Health Assessment

The American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) is a nationally recognized research survey that can assist you in collecting precise data about your students’ health habits, behaviors, and perceptions. Results are used to determine areas of need, with a focus on student health, safety, and support.

Indiana College Substance Use Survey

The Indiana College Substance Use Survey has been serving Indiana institutions of higher education since 2009. Funded by the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction, the survey collects data on the prevalence of substance use and other risk behaviors among Indiana college students. Results are used to determine program effectiveness in alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs prevention, and reported in the Biennial Review Report for federal compliance (EDGAR Part 86).

National Survey on Student Engagement

The National Survey on Student Engagement (NSSE) is a large survey designed to collect nationally representative data about the extent to which students are participating in educationally purposeful activities, both inside and outside the classroom. IUPUI participates in the NSSE every three years along with every campus in the Indiana University system.

Association of College Unions International (ACUI)/Benchworks College Union Assessment.

Student unions occupy a unique position on college campuses -- we call ours the IUPUI Campus Center. They are often designed to be a central hub for campus activities, services, and student life in general. While they aim to maintain a campus-wide sense of community, they must also meet the needs of a diverse array of students. As students change, college unions must strive to keep pace with evolving tastes and needs. As such, data highlighting not only how and why students are using college unions, but also the perceptions of their experience are vital to improving college unions. The Association of College Unions International (ACUI)/Benchworks College Union/Student Center Assessment collects feedback from more than 16,000 students from 35 colleges and universities in the United States. This research explores the college union experience, including information about who uses college union facilities and for what, satisfaction with various aspects of college unions, and concepts that relate to overall measures of college union effectiveness.

Campus Center and Student Experiences implements the ACUI/Benchworks assessment every other year. Benchworks assessments provide insight into satisfaction across the student experience from orientation to graduation.

Students walking throughout the Campus Center.

Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I)

ACUHO-I strives to be an advocate for the campus housing profession and the individuals who work in it. Through several avenues, the association informs members of the issues that they need to understand and respond to.

National Parent and Family Program Survey

The purpose of the Survey of College & University Parent/Family Programs is to collect information on changes and developments in services over time. In 2003, the University of Minnesota Parent Program conducted its first survey of parent and family programs to understand and track the development of parent and family relations in higher education. Parent and family programs were a relatively new focus in higher education at the time, with most services having been introduced within the previous decade and growing interest in the topic demonstrated by numerous program sessions at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, American College Personnel Association, and National Orientation Directors Association conferences. The survey is now a combined effort of the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Parent and Family Programs and AHEPPP: Family Engagement in Higher Education -- the professional organization formed in 2008 for higher education professionals who work with parents.