DESSE captures the experiences of high school students taking college courses for both high school and college credit. The survey examines how students access and begin dual enrollment, experience college-level teaching and learning, interact with instructors and other students, use academic and student supports, and connect their coursework to future education and career plans.
The survey also examines students’ sense of belonging, barriers that may affect their participation or success, and differences in the dual enrollment experience across student groups and program arrangements.
Explore DESSE’s Areas of Focus
Survey instruments available:
DESSE Special-Focus Modules
Each administration includes up to two 12-item modules. All colleges participating in DESSE 2027 will receive the Advancing the Student Experience: The Next Frontiers module (coming soon).
Colleges may also develop a custom module for institution-specific priorities (additional fee). Please review the DESSE survey to avoid overlap in items. Please visit the Options and Rates section of the website for more information.
Survey Development
DESSE was developed in collaboration with an advisory committee of dual enrollment, community college, K–12, student success, and research experts. Advisory committee members provided guidance on the survey’s content, language, administration, and relevance to colleges and their school partners.
Survey Development Advisory Committee
The following advisory panel of experts provided guidance on the development and refinement of DESSE:
Dr. Marcia Ballinger, President, Lorain County Community College
Dr. Shari Camhi, Superintendent, Baldwin Union Free School District
Dr. Naomi Castro, Senior Director, Career Ladders Project
John Fink, Senior Research Associate, Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University
Angela Guadian-Mendez, Director of Student Completion, Alamo Colleges District
Dr. Larisa Harper, Provost, Zane State College
Dr. Melinda Karp, Founder & Principal, Phase Two Advisory
Dr. Amanda Sterk, Former Director of Dual Enrollment, Florida Southwestern State College
Dr. Jason Taylor, Associate Professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, University of Utah
Amy Williams, Executive Director, National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships
