Join us on March 3rd at 1 pm CT for an overview of the redesigned survey. Learn what’s new, explore updated reporting features, and discover how timely data can support early student success and long-term planning.
Thank you for your interest in administering SENSE 2026! Registration is open through May 31, 2026.
Administered during the fall academic term, SENSE asks entering students to reflect on their earliest experiences with the college. Its original and enduring purpose is to help colleges discover why some entering students persist and succeed and others do not. The survey can be administered in the classroom on devices or online.
This page contains the most essential resources for making informed decisions regarding SENSE 2026 registration. You can also reach out to surveyops@cccse.org with questions.
Free Module: Holistic Advising
Colleges that participate in SENSE 2026 will receive a free 12-item module about holistic advising. This item set, developed in partnership with the Advising Success Network, explores students' experiences with holistic advising—a model of working with the “whole” student on academic, career, financial, social, and basic need issues in a non-therapeutic manner.
Special-Focus Items: Civic Learning
For SENSE 2026, all participating colleges will also receive five special-focus items about civic learning. The items will explore students’ gains in civic purpose, bridge building across difference, and problem-solving proficiency.
Updates for 2026
Survey Redesign
We’ve reimagined SENSE to better align with how colleges plan, coordinate, and respond to student needs today.
Reporting Changes
Colleges will have real-time access to all survey responses, allowing leaders and campus teams to monitor patterns as data are collected and respond while the term is underway.
Professional Development Opportunities
Through NISOD, CCCSE now offers professional development opportunities that help educators turn insight into action.