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Personal Attention to Students
This section—addressing issues of learning—indicates the importance
of the personal attention to students available in independent colleges
and universities. The new data sources utilized by CIC, the Comparative
Alumni Survey, and the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), provide
compelling evidence that independent colleges outperform public universities
in providing an educational environment that promotes effective learning
and fosters personal development. Both surveys have been designed to measure
factors identified by educational researchers as demonstrably influencing
student learning and development. NSSE, for example, summarizes these
factors as academic challenge, active and collaborative learning, student-faculty
interaction, enriching educational experiences, and supportive campus
environment.
- Faculty-Student Interaction
Students tend to interact much more closely with professors
on independent college campuses than at public universities. Independent
college faculty-student ratios are higher, with far more classes taught
by professors (and fewer by graduate assistants) than at public universities.
Professors talk regularly with students outside the classroom, are interested
in them personally as well as professionally, and take the time to challenge
and mentor them.
- Engaging Classroom
Experiences
The classroom experience tends to be more active, engaging,
and rigorous at independent colleges than at public universities, with
more small discussion-oriented classes, more writing assignments and
presentations, and more discussions including a consideration of different
values and ethics and the perspectives of women and minorities.
- Learning Outside the Classroom
Independent college students are more likely than their counterparts
at public institutions to participate in internships, study abroad,
and research projects with faculty members.
- Participation in Campus
Activities
Independent college students are more likely than their counterparts
at public institutions to engage in campus organizations and extracurricular
activities.
- Development of Faith and Values
At independent colleges, there are opportunities to develop
values.
- Supportive Campus Community
Independent college communities are more supportive and involving
than those of public universities, and enable students to find a balanced
life and to make friends from different backgrounds.
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