DESSE provides colleges with student-reported information about the academic, social, and support experiences of students participating in dual enrollment. Results can help colleges understand where students are having positive experiences, where barriers or gaps may exist, and how experiences vary across student groups, high schools, course locations, delivery formats, and program arrangements.
Access, Preparation, and Getting Started
Colleges gain insight into how students learn about, access, and begin dual enrollment, including:
- How students first learn about dual enrollment opportunities
- What information and guidance students receive before enrolling
- Whether students understand course expectations and requirements
- How prepared students feel for college-level coursework
- Whether access and preparation differ among student groups or school partners
College-Level Teaching and Learning
Colleges learn how students experience college-level coursework and instruction, including:
- The level of academic challenge students encounter
- How frequently students participate in active and collaborative learning
- The amount of time and effort students devote to their coursework
- Whether instructors communicate clear expectations
- How students interact with instructors and classmates
- Whether students believe their courses are helping them build useful knowledge and skills
Advising, Planning, and Future Goals
DESSE provides information about how dual enrollment connects to students’ future plans, including:
- Whether students receive academic and career guidance
- Whether students understand how their courses apply toward a credential or degree
- How dual enrollment shapes students’ plans for college
- Whether students are exploring education and career options
- Whether students know what steps to take after high school
Support, Belonging, and Persistence
Colleges gain insight into conditions that may affect students’ ability to participate and succeed, including:
- Whether students know how to access academic assistance
- Whether students feel comfortable seeking help
- Whether students feel welcomed, respected, and included
- Whether students have supportive relationships with faculty, staff, or peers
- Whether students encounter scheduling, transportation, technology, financial, or other barriers
- Whether students experience stigma or feel that they do not belong
Differences in the Student Experience
DESSE results allow colleges to examine whether experiences differ based on factors such as:
- Student characteristics
- High school
- Course location
- Online, in-person, or hybrid delivery
- Courses taught at the high school or college
- Instructor type
- Program structure or partnership arrangement
Examining these differences can help colleges and school partners identify where students may need additional information, support, or opportunities.
Using DESSE Results
Colleges can use DESSE results to:
- Identify strengths and gaps in the dual enrollment experience
- Support discussions with faculty, staff, and school partners
- Examine differences among students and program models
- Inform program planning and continuous improvement
- Strengthen advising, academic support, and student communication
- Connect dual enrollment experiences to students’ longer-term education and career pathways
- Monitor changes in the student experience over time
