This is the fourth in a series of briefings on the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE). As previously reported, CCSSE, through the use of five benchmarks of effective educational practice, measures the level of student engagement in the learning process. The five benchmarks are: active and collaborative learning, student effort, academic challenge, student-faculty interaction, and support for learners.

As you recall, the CCSSE survey was administered directly to PVCC students during Spring 2005 [N = 954], asked questions about institutional practices and student behaviors that are highly correlated with student learning and retention, using a sampling methodology that is consistent across all participating colleges. More than 92,000 community college students from 152 community and technical colleges in 30 states responded to the 2004 CCSSE survey.

In this issue we would like to introduce you to the new Paradise Valley Community College CCSSE resource website.

www.pv.maricopa.edu/ccsse

The Paradise Valley Community College CCSSE resource website gives an overview of the objectives of the CCSSE survey, goes into detail about the five benchmarks of effective educational practice including the frequency and percentage of responses specific to PVCC, provides some useful tools in the Toolbox for the action planning process, and gives answers to some frequently asked questions. All the data gathered from the PVCC administration of CCSSE can be downloaded, as well.

CCSSE was administered in the context of our strategic focus to increase student success through engagement and to address the strategic issue of becoming a more learning centered college. The CCSSE findings will also assist the college in furthering our assessment and program review initiatives.

For more information please visit the CCSSE web site at www.ccsse.org