Surveys

The Office of Assessment and Institutional Research manages several campus climate and departmental surveys that collect data from the cadets, faculty, and staff about their experiences and perspectives with the academic and non-academic programs and services offered at the Institute. The table below offers details about each survey.

Survey Description Population Frequency Next Survey

Matriculation

This survey includes items related to the matriculation process and its activities and events prior to the start of the fall semester.

Parent/Guardians

Annually

Fall 2023

Cadet Services

This survey addresses all facets of VMI’s educational experience. This initiative is a core element of the Institute’s overall system for evaluating VMI’s educational and operational effectiveness. The focus of this survey alternates each year between academic and non-academic services. 

All Cadets

Annually

Fall 2023 (Non-Academic)

Rat Challenge

This survey is used to assess the Rat Challenge program, which offers leadership opportunities for upper-class cadets (Rat Challenge Cadre), while involving Rats (first-year students) in vigorous outdoor experiential program.

Rat Challenge Participants (Freshman) & Cadre

Annually

Fall 2023

Employee

Employees are asked to rate various components of their experience as an employee of VMI.

VMI Faculty & Staff

Annually

Spring 2024

First Class Cadet Survey (FCCS)

This survey provides graduating cadets with the opportunity to share their perspectives about various aspects of the VMI environment and experience.

First Class (Senior) Cadets

Annually

Spring 2024

Community Attitudes and Experiences Survey (CAES)

This survey focuses on the campus climate, specifically associated with experiences of sexual harassment and assault as well as perceptions of the Institute.

All Cadets

Every other year

Spring 2024

Summer Session I & II Surveys

Cadets and faculty evaluate various components of their summer session experiences.

All Undergraduates who attend session I or II

Annually

Summer 2024

Summer Transition Program (STP) Survey

This survey assesses the activities that make up the Summer Transition Program (STP). The STP was designed to provide an opportunity for cadets to acclimate to VMI and get an academic head start by taking a course from the core curriculum. 

All STP Participants

Annually

Summer 2024

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)

This survey collects information from four categories: 1) participation in educational activities; 2) the challenging nature of the coursework; 3) perceptions of the college environment; and 4) estimates of educational and personal growth since starting college.

First (Senior) and Fourth (Freshman) Class Cadets

Every 3 years

Spring 2026

 


Questions? If you have any questions or would like to meet to discuss your assessment practices, please contact MAJ Daniel Marshall at marshalldr@vmi.edu.

 

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