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MAP-Works student surveys now available

February 8, 2013

MAP-Works logoAll freshman and new transfer students are encouraged to participate in the final MAP-Works survey for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The survey is available now through Monday, Feb. 25, and is accessible through students’ NIU e-mail accounts or by visiting the Office of Student Academic Success website.

For students looking to maintain or improve their first semester grades, MAP-Works might help.

Data indicates that students who participate in MAP-Works have performed better than students who do not utilize the program. During the 2012 fall semester, MAP-Works users on average earned more credit hours than their peers who did not take the survey.

How does it work? MAP-Works students complete a series of personal surveys that are designed to provide students, as well as faculty and staff, feedback on the student’s transition – both academically and socially – to the university.

The information then is given to students in reports that highlight their strengths and possible challenges, as well as campus resources that can help. Participating faculty and staff are given the information to provide the appropriate support for each student.

Photo of a slice of pizza being servedIn addition to being connected to additional services and receiving an individualized report on their strengths and struggles, there are other incentives for participating students:

  • Every student will get a free NIU pen and notebook.
  • The first two residence hall floors with 100 percent completion will receive an Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt Party.
  • The next three residence hall floors with 100 percent completion will receive pizza parties.
  • Five random students will be selected to receive an NIU sweatshirt from the bookstore.
  • Students will be eligible for a $1,500 scholarships being offered by EBI, the parent company of MAP-Works. Students must visit the OSAS website and complete the scholarship application.
  • Community advisers will also be rewarded for their efforts in getting students to participate. The advisers from the first five floors with 100 percent completion will receive an NIU sweatshirt from the bookstore.

Students are highly encouraged to participate in MAP-Works. Results from these surveys not only connect students to important resources, but also assists the university in tailoring initiatives and programs to better fit the needs of students.

Almost 65 percent of new freshmen and nearly 40 percent of new transfer students have already participated in at least one MAP-Works survey in 2013.

For more information, contact Randi Napientek at (815) 753-0713 or randi@niu.edu.