gradSERU Survey 2021

Graduate students, let us know about your graduate student experience

Every student has a voice. gradSERU survey. Graduate Student Experience in the Research University. Take the gradSERU survey today & make your voice heard.

On March 16, all MSU enrolled doctoral students and master’s students received an email asking them to participate in the MSU Graduate Student Experience in the Research University (gradSERU) survey.

The survey is being administered by the University of Minnesota, which is currently the survey home for the Center for Studies in Higher Education SERU consortium. Student responses are deidentified by the University of Minnesota and the Graduate School receives the deidentified data for our use; this maintains the confidentiality of their responses.

This is an important benchmarking survey: it allows us to compare programs not only internally but also across many AAU and international institutions that offer similar programs. It is designed specifically for research institutions, and it looks at the whole student experience, including coursework, mentoring, professional development and wellness.

The survey will take about 20 minutes and can be completed in more than one sitting. Students may take the survey on their computer or mobile device. Participation is voluntary and they are free to choose not to answer any question or withdraw from the survey at any time. The survey is long, and deliberately so, as it recognizes the complexity of the graduate student experience.

How will this data be used?

Student responses will be used to develop programs, policies, and services to address their needs now and in the future. The Graduate School takes the feedback seriously so that we can learn what issues need more focused attention and resources.

The Graduate School is now incorporating the previous results of gradSERU in its graduate program strategic assessment reviews. The results are also used to improve student professional development and support programs offered through the Graduate School and other units on campus.

Take the Survey: Graduate students, please see your March 16 email. It contains an individualized link to the survey.

Questions about the survey can be sent to the research leads for this effort at MSU:

Professor Judith Stoddart, Senior Associate Dean of the Graduate School

Professor Kristen Renn, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies for Student Success Research