15 Minutes is all it takes to make a Difference at UMBC

Academic Transition Programs, within the Division of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, is currently administering the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE). This survey collects information about first-year students’ (both incoming freshmen and transfers) engagement in high school/their former institution as well as their anticipated participation in activities and programs that UMBC offers for their learning and personal development. The results provide an estimate of how undergraduates anticipate spending their time during their first year on campus and beyond. This is the partner survey of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), which students will be asked to complete in the spring. Completion of both surveys will give our campus a robust view of first-year students’ perceptions at the onset of their college careers through the end of their first year.

We need your help to spread the word about BCSSE! Please encourage all first-year students to take the survey. Those who complete the survey during the administration window, which runs until Wednesday, September 10, 2025, are eligible for a raffle to win $25 in Retriever Dollars!

To participate, students must access the individual link sent to their UMBC email accounts. The email subject should be “UMBC: Please Participate In Our New Student Survey! Win $25 Retriever Dollars.”

Contact Laila Shishineh with any questions at lailams@umbc.edu!