Survey Data

James Madison University collects data on student attitudes, values, perceptions, behaviors, knowledge, and skills through university-wide and program-specific surveys and assessments. This information allows faculty and staff to continuously improve teaching, learning, and services at JMU. The systems that manage this data include Qualtrics, QuestionPro, BeInvolved, Canvas, etc.

University-wide and Program-specific surveys and assessments

  • Institutional Effectiveness Data
    • Benchmarking surveys (National Student Survey of Engagement, ACHA-NCHA), Career Outcomes Survey, Campus Climate Survey, Satisfaction & Needs Assessments, Event & Service Attendance

  • Specific point-in-time (first-year, senior, etc.) data collections
    • Incoming Student and Orientation Surveys, Senior/Exit Surveys

  • Student Success/Wellbeing Data
    • Well-being Check-in surveys, ISSAQ survey

  • Learning & Developmental Outcome Assessments
    • Assessment Day (A-Day), Academic Program Reviews, Co-curricular Learning Outcomes (pre-post program surveys), Student Affairs Qualitative Data

JMU uses university assessment and survey data for the following purposes: 

  • Communication, Outreach & Support
    • Using information from academic records to coordinate resources (such as advising, tutoring, and career guidance) enhances student success and well-being.
    • Providing students with information on services and events that pertain to them

  • Analytics & Reporting
    • Tracking academic performance, identifying trends, and providing actionable reports to drive strategic planning, optimize resource allocation, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
    • Reporting to senior leadership, BOV, etc.

  • Assessment & Curricular Improvement
    • Evaluating course performance and identifying areas for improvement to enhance educational practices and student performance.

  • Internal & External Marketing
    • Use of outcomes data to market to prospective students
    • Satisfaction/perceptions data for marketing to current students
  • Directly (provided by students) 
    • Surveys
    • Focus Group Participation
    • Responding to Check-In Texts
    • Event Check-Ins via Apps, QR codes, or JAC swipes
    • Performance Observation

  • From others (provided by faculty, staff, and JMU offices)
    • Supplemental Knowledge Rate Source (Career Outcomes)
    • When checking into events via staff members without app or swipe support

  • System-generated
    • Website clicks

  • Systems:
    • BeInvolved, VolunteerNow, Handshake, Qualtrics, QuestionPro, Canvas, MS Forms, Cascade, and other internal data systems (MyMadison, StarRez, etc.)
  • Information on data sharing is presented on the cover page of each survey or assessment. 
    • JMU does not sell student information to external parties. We do report data to required state and federal higher ed regulatory agencies.
  • Ways University assessment and survey data may be shared:
    • JMU student support services (individual outreach)
    • Government entities for reporting
      • S. Federal Government (NCES), State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV), U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs (VA)
    • Regulatory organizations
      • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
    • Institutional Reporting (Aggregated results only)
      • JMU Board of Visitors, Senior Leadership at JMU (President, VPs), Academic/Professional Conferences, Marketing/Promotional Materials, Publicly Reported
    • Third-party survey/benchmarking providers
    • Academic research (only after IRB approval)

Personal information may also be shared when required by law, or as permitted by law to protect the safety, property, or rights of the university, its community members and guests.  

Policy and Compliance
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For more information, please contact pair@jmu.edu.

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Planning, Analytics & Institutional Research
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80 Bluestone Drive
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807