Departure Survey FAQs

To develop this resource, the Departure Survey workgroup, retention and data specialists in the Office of Undergraduate Education and student success leaders from across campus consulted with numerous constituent groups throughout the spring 2024 semester. 

Groups consulted during development included undergraduate students, the Executive Committee on Student Retention, the Retention Operations Group, the Campus Student Success Group, MSU’s Neighborhood Student Success Center, University Advising leadership, Undergraduate Assistant/Associate Deans & Directors of Undergraduate Affairs (UGAAD), the Center for Integrative Studies Directors, Dean’s Council, and multiple Student Life & Engagement audiences including senior leadership, DEIB, and student development and leadership.

As an institution, we are committed to continuing to evolve and improve how we support students and their success. While the Departure Survey is not a requirement for students, the survey provides valuable information that will directly inform policy, procedures, and practices on our campus. Students will not be negatively impacted if they do not complete the Departure Survey – in fact, students who have departed prior to completing the survey are welcome to complete the survey at their leisure.

Yes! Students can view a preview of the survey here before formally submitting their responses. It should take students no more than 10 minutes to complete. 

Students leave Michigan State University for a variety of reasons and this is their opportunity to share their experience directly with leadership at the institution. Further, this is a way for the student to formally share with the institution their desire for leaving. 

We also invite students who are taking a temporary leave to fill out the survey. For these students, completing the survey makes it possible for the institution to remain in contact with them while they are away, send them critical reminders about important dates (e.g., readmission deadlines, enrollment), and to ensure that their reintegration to campus is smooth.

Data from the Departure Survey will be used to improve Michigan State University both top-down and bottom-up. The data will be deidentified and broader issues will be shared with executive leadership to advocate for policies and initiatives that we should prioritize so that our students can be successful at the institution. Further, that same information will be shared with student-facing units, such as advising, so that practices and unit policies can be reviewed at the direct student support level. Colleges will also receive a report each semester summarizing what students in their college shared on the survey.

Should you have additional questions about the Departure Survey or how to engage with students about it, reach out to Justin St. Charles, strategic retention manager, Office of Undergraduate Education.