Please complete the 2023 student engagement survey

Dear colleagues and students

I am pleased to announce our participation in the 2023 South African Survey of Student Engagement (SASSE) and the Lecturer Survey of Student Engagement (LSSE). These two national surveys gather feedback from undergraduate students and staff across South African universities, and the results provide each institution with invaluable institutional and comparative data. 

The feedback we get from you will give us insight into the quality of teaching and learning at the University of Cape Town (UCT), allow us to identify areas of improvement, and help ensure that our educational practices are aligned with the needs of students and staff. 

Both surveys should be completed by Tuesday, 31 October 2023.

Students survey 

The SASSE survey asks students about involvement in different types of teaching and learning practices, co-curricular activities, experience of campus culture and life, the quality of interaction with other people on campus, and how supported and engaged students feel within the UCT environment. The survey concludes with the question “What one change would most improve the educational experience at this institution?” 

SASSE is for all undergraduate students. 

• Complete the South African Survey of Student Engagement 2023.

As a token of appreciation to students for taking the time to complete the survey, those who participate will be entered into a lucky draw for a small number of prizes.

Staff survey

LSSE, complementary to SASSE, captures staff perspectives on undergraduate student engagement in relation to different types of teaching practices, graduate outcomes, the quality of student interactions, and workload and allocation of time from teaching to research. 

LSSE is for all staff involved in teaching at undergraduate level. 

• Compete the Lecturer Survey of Student Engagement 2023.

The links for both surveys will also be made available via Vula and Amathuba. 

Why your participation matters

1. Data-driven insights: insights from these surveys allow us to improve, and foster an enabling academic environment.
2. Shaping tomorrow's UCT: feedback received will play a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum, programmes, and services offered by the university, making them more in sync with the needs of the university.
3. Community engagement: At the heart of UCT lies a vibrant community. Your participation and insights solidify the essence of this community, ensuring that every voice is valued.

Your feedback, insights and experiences will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and respect. 

Information session 

If you’d like to know more about the SASSE and LSSE surveys, and the opportunities for using the survey reports and data, the Centre for Higher Education Development team will host an online information session on Wednesday, 27 September 2023 from 13:00 to 14:00. 

• Sign up for the information session.

If you have questions about the surveys and are not able to attend the information session, please contact the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching Helpdesk. 

I encourage all staff and students to participate in these surveys. Your input will be invaluable in our continuous journey of refining and elevating the UCT experience. 

Sincerely

Emer Prof Linda Ronnie
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements