Data Collection Methods

The MSL is administered online by the Center for Student Studies (CSS) a division of the Survey Sciences Group, LLC. CSS is an independent research organization with specific expertise in multi–campus studies. All data are collected using empirically proven standards for web–based survey research.

MSL’s online format allows students to share their experiences at any time or place that is convenient to them. They can respond to the MSL when they feel comfortable, secure, and unhurried. Respondents further enjoy the option of leaving the survey and resuming it from their last completed answer.

Students are invited to participate via personalized e–mails. Each correspondence outlines the study, addresses issues of confidentiality and consent, and supplies a link to the survey instrument. Students may receive up to four total contacts.

As the survey is administered, CSS provides comprehensive respondent support via e–mail or telephone to minimize the inconvenience to your students. This service also allows students to opt out of the survey by replying to any MSL correspondence and requesting to be removed from the dataset.

The data–collection period extends from January through the end of April, and each institution will select a three–week window that best fits their unique academic calendar. CSS will monitor the survey completion rates and work with you to encourage participation if the response is insufficient.

To increase response rate, you may host a sweepstakes–style drawing for students who complete the survey. Your institution will decide on the number, type, and value of prizes; and CSS will conduct the random drawing.

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Latest News

C. Charles Jackson Grant

8.4.2010 MSL has received a $25,000 grant from the C. Charles Jackson Foundation. The grant is designated to provide partial scholarships to support the involvement of institutions that need financial assistance to participate in the MSL 2010 study. To apply, complete the scholarship application by September 1, 2010

MSL 2011 Webinars

4.28.2010 MSL is conducting a series of free, informational webinars about the 2011 data collection. The MSL team will answer participants’ questions about implementing MSL on their campuses.

Measuring Quality Inventory

4.28.2010 MSL has been included in the Measuring Quality Inventory, an online inventory of resources designed to assist higher education faculty and staff in the challenging task of assessing academic and support programs as well as institutional effectiveness, more broadly.

Upcoming MSL Workshop

4.13.2010 Susan R. Komives is presenting a pre-conference workshop on leadership theory and research featuring the Social Change Model and MSL findings at the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services.

MSL Co-PI Honored by NASPA

3.11.2010 NASPA announced an award named in honor of MSL's Co-PI. The Susan R. Komives Student Leadership Researcher Award will be awarded annually by the Student Leadership Programs Knowledge Community.

MSL Receives NASPA Award

3.11.2010 MSL received the 2010 Spotlight of the Year Award from the NASPA Student Leadership Programs Knowledge Community at the 2010 annual conference in Chicago.

National MSL Benchmark Dataset

3.1.2010 Starting in the 2011 data collection, the MSL will provide a National MSL Benchmark Dataset to all participating schools as part of the MSL Standard service. The purpose of this dataset will be for use by Institutional Research and other data driven researchers at MSL participating schools to conduct their own school specific analyses, including a representative subset of the MSL National Benchmark Data.

MSL 2011 Enrollment Open

3.1.2010 MSL 2011 enrollment formally opens with new services and a significant early enrollment discount.

Student Leadership Research Award

1.28.2010 John P. Dugan is the first recipient of the "Student Leadership Research Award" presented by the NASPA Student Leadership Programs Knowledge Community.

ILA Board Appointment

10.13.2009 Susan R. Komives has recently been appointed to the Board of the International Leadership Association (ILA).

Example Custom Report

8.10.2009 An example of the complete MSL custom report is now available for download.

Informational Webinar

7.15.2009 Learn more about the MSL by watching our free informational webinar. The full webinar, PowerPoint® slides, and other materials are available for download. Read more »

Recent Publication

7.1.2009 NCLP partner Jossey-Bass has recently published a book on leadership by MSL PI Susan Komives and research team member Wendy Wagner. Leadership for a Better World: Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development is available to NCLP members at a 20% discount.

NASPA Certificate

4.6.2009 MSL PIs recognized by NASPA. Read more »

MSL 2011 Timeline

April 30, 2010

Early enrollment deadline

October, 2010

Final enrollment deadline

July - December, 2010

Schools prepare for data collection

January - April, 2011

Data collection

Summer, 2011

School reports distributed

View the full MSL Timeline »