The survey was conducted by Educational Benchmarking, Inc., which offers colleges and universities an outside assessment of their programs in a variety of areas. Southwestern participates in EBI surveys as part of its overall assessment program.

Southwestern received comparisons among three groups – schools in its Carnegie Classification (other small, residential colleges), among all survey participants, and among a small group of peer institutions of its choosing.

When students were asked to what degree they are satisfied with their on-campus housing experience during the most recent year, Southwestern ranked 1st among both schools in its Carnegie Classification and among its selected group of peer institutions. It ranked 21st out of all 269 participating institutions.

When students were asked to what degree they are satisfied with their overall academic experience, Southwestern ranked 2nd among both schools in its Carnegie Classification and among its selected group of peer institutions. It ranked 5th out of all 269 participating institutions

Dean of Students Mike Leese said he was particularly pleased that Southwestern ranked first in its comparison group on all questions in the survey related to learning outcomes. “This demonstrates how seriously the Residence Life staff takes its responsibility with the living/learning experience at Southwestern, rather than just furnishing a place for students to live,” Leese said.

Learning outcomes that students were asked about included enhancing students ability to meet other people, living cooperatively, resolving conflicts, improving interpersonal relationships, studying more effectively, managing their time more effectively, solving their own problems, understanding the consequences of alcohol use and abuse, understanding the consequences of drug use and abuse, respecting other races/ethnicities, and improving communication skills.