Office of Institutional Research (IR) Policy on Access to Self-Reported Survey Data
The Office of Institutional Research is committed to ensuring the responsible use of self-reported survey data collected from the campus community. Access to raw data is limited to education officials, faculty, and staff with the appropriate expertise to accurately interpret and analyze the information. For related guidance, please refer to the IR Policy on Evaluative and Research Use of FERPA-Protected Data.
Summary-level results are typically available to all faculty and staff with active credentials. Access to more detailed data is intentionally limited to individuals who can provide appropriate methodological context, communicate limitations, and ensure accurate interpretation of the findings. This approach also addresses common concerns related to self-reported data, including inherent biases, risks of misinterpretation, and the importance of protecting respondent confidentiality.
Individuals granted access must follow all data-governance requirements, maintain the confidentiality of raw data, and submit proposed publications for Institutional Review Board review when applicable. This policy aims to uphold academic freedom while ensuring sound research practices and safeguarding the privacy of our community members. Requests for exceptions must be submitted in writing to the Office of Institutional Research.
IR also offers a review service for data exhibits derived from self-reported survey data to ensure statistical accuracy. Please submit a service request to use this support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently Administered Surveys
Santa Clara uses these data for assessment, program review, and to measure student development and quality control. Santa Clara values your opinion and appreciates your help by completing these surveys.
Please submit suggestions for questions on local instruments by sending an email to surveys@scu.edu.
What is the First Destination Survey (FDS)?
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The FDS captures information on how new college graduates fare in their careers within six months of graduation. The annual initiative provides clear, concise, and consistent data on the outcomes associated with a Santa Clara University college education. More information is available at: https://www.scu.edu/institutional-research/administered-surveys/first-destination-fds/first-destination-survey-fds-user-guide-and-faq/ |
What is the SCU Graduating Senior Survey?
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A local longitudinal survey designed to measure and assess graduating seniors’ experiences at SCU, including but not limited to: involvement in co-curricular activities, mental health, compassion, sustainability, social entrepreneurship, ethical decision-making, vocation, and Jesuit values. More information is available at: https://www.scu.edu/institutional-research/administered-surveys/scu-graduating-senior-survey/ What is the SCU New Student Survey?
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Discontinued Administered Surveys
What is the HERI Freshman Survey (CIRP)?
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This survey has been discontinued and replaced with the SCU New Student Survey as of Fall 2024. Collects information that allows for a snapshot of what incoming students are like before they experience college. Many of the items on the CIRP Freshman Survey are pre-test questions that are then post-tested on CIRP follow-up surveys. Administered biennially to all incoming first-time Santa Clara students. More information is available at: https://heri.ucla.edu/cirp-freshman-survey/ Comparison groups change over time due to participation and data availability. |
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What is the HERI College Senior Survey (CSS)?
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This survey has been discontinued and replaced with the SCU Graduating Senior Survey as of Spring 2023. A national, longitudinal survey designed to measure and assess graduating students' college experience, including satisfaction with the college experience; student involvement; cognitive and affective development; student values, attitudes, and goals; degree aspirations and career plans. Administered biennially to all Santa Clara graduating seniors. More information is available at: https://heri.ucla.edu/college-senior-survey/ Comparison groups change over time due to participation and data availability. |
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What is the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)?
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The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) was specifically designed to assess the extent to which students are engaged in empirically derived good educational practices and what they gain from their college experience. Santa Clara uses the results from this survey for program review, faculty development, and to improve the delivery of services. Additional questions and answers about the survey instrument can be found at: http://www.nsse.iub.edu/html/about.cfm |
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