History of NSSE Participation

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) requires public institutions and colleges in Tennessee to engage in ongoing efforts to improve the quality of undergraduate programs offered to students attending their institutions. As part of the evaluation process, THEC assesses students’ perceptions as first-year students and seniors utilizing the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). THEC’s Quality Assurance Funding (QAF) process incentivizes institutions by offering the opportunity to earn an additional 5.45 percent over its operating budget. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has routinely participated in the QAF process and NSSE. For the fiscal year 2023-24, THEC recommended an additional $6.8 million for operation expenses for the University.