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Tuesday, November 12, 2002#
Contact: Karrie Heartlein
pr@knox.edu
309-341-7337
GALESBURG -- Findings from a national survey released today show that Knox College is a national leader in providing valuable co-curricular activities and opportunities to complement students' formal classroom experience. The 2002 report from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) surveyed 135,000 first-year and senior students at 613 four-year colleges and universities about their level of involvement in their educations.
Knox scored above the national norms on four of five key areas linked to success after college: (1) level of academic challenge; (2) student-faculty interaction; (3) enriching educational experiences; and (4) supportive campus environment. According to the survey, Knox particularly excelled on the third benchmark, providing enriching educational experiences. Knox scored 75 points out of a possible 100 for first year students, and 62 points for seniors-nineteen points better than the national norm for first year students and 16 points above the national norm for seniors.
Knox also surpassed the average scores for its liberal arts counterpart institutions on those same four benchmarks. Knox scored at the national benchmark on the fifth measure, active and collaborative learning.
Measures that factor into the benchmark include the availability of internships and cooperative experiences, independent study, technological integration, and a campus environment that embraces diversity.
"This survey provides the empirical evidence of what we have always believed about a Knox education, that the best learning extends beyond the classroom," said Lawrence B. Breitborde, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. "Knox students are motivated to take advantage of the many opportunities we offer locally and around the world-from an internship with the Downtown Council to an Honors project in Malawi."
Knox students participate in internships at more than 55 local businesses and organizations. In a typical year, nearly half of the senior class completes either Honors or independent study projects.
Also a part of the enriched educational experience benchmark were questions about campus diversity-including diversity of opinion, religion, ethnicity, and personal values. The score also indicates that Knox encourages serious and respectful conversations among students of varied backgrounds. "Respect for and engagement with people who hold differing opinions, values, and life experiences is at the center of a Knox education," Breitborde added. "It is one of the reasons Knox students are so successful in entering the global workforce."
The NSSE benchmark scores will be used at Knox to refine the recently revised educational program, which already includes an experiential learning component.
Founded in 1837, Knox is a national liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, with students from 48 states and 40 nations. Knox's "Old Main" is a National Historic Landmark and the only building remaining from the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates.
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