SEI model - Higher education categorization
Introduction
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the categorized topics within the model, offering clear insights to guide users through its structure. By outlining the included areas, users can efficiently identify relevant information and navigate the framework to explore insights that enhance their understanding of the student experience.
This category encompasses all administrative, financial, and operational processes critical to student success and institutional efficiency. It includes services related to enrollment, financial aid, student advising, career planning, IT support, housing, dining, library resources, wellness, and campus fitness.
- Financial Aid
- Procedures (Course Registration, Quality, Stressfulness, Time)
- Student Services
- Advisory Services
- Career Planning Services
- Housing & Dorming
- Food & Dining
- Library & Study Spaces
- Wellness & Fitness Facilities
- IT Services
This category captures all aspects related to course delivery, instructional quality, teaching styles, assessment methods, and overall effectiveness of teaching practices. It emphasizes faculty performance, teaching methodologies, instructional materials, communication, and practical learning components.
- Teaching Delivery & Methods
- Lectures & Presentations
- Class Discussions & Interactions
- Instructional Materials (Notes, Slides, Syllabus)
- Communication & Clarity
- Engagement & Interest
- Assessment & Evaluation
- Assignments, Exams, Finals, Grading, Papers, Projects
- Practical Learning Experiences
- Internships, Labs, Tutorials/Workshops
- Group Work & Discussions
- Exchange Programs
- Remote & Online Learning
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Online Resources & Virtual Interactions
This category refers to the content, organization, and overall quality of course materials provided to students. It highlights the relevance, diversity, depth, availability, convenience, complexity, and instructiveness of course content, readings, textbooks, and other provided resources.
- Course Content (Depth, Diversity, Quality)
- Course Material Format & Availability
- Textbooks & Readings
- Workload Management
- Projects & Assignments Structure
This category addresses the physical and digital infrastructure and environmental conditions that facilitate effective learning. It includes classrooms, technology resources, multimedia tools, comfort and convenience of study spaces, timetabling, and other campus-related logistics.
- Classroom & Study Spaces
- Technology & Multimedia Resources
- Learning Atmosphere & Stress Levels
- Comfort, Convenience, and Safety
- Timetabling
This category focuses on the measurable and perceived outcomes of the educational experience in higher education. It covers acquired skills, knowledge depth, career readiness, and other competencies developed through courses and extracurricular activities.
- Knowledge Acquisition & Depth
- Skills Development
- Career Preparedness & Relevance
This category encapsulates student engagement beyond academics, including participation in clubs, societies, athletics, entertainment, events, and other campus activities. It addresses social life, physical campus environment, diversity of offerings, and overall satisfaction with extracurricular opportunities.
- Clubs & Societies
- Events & Entertainment
- Athletics & Sports Activities
- Social & Physical Environment
This category relates to the institution's and instructors' effectiveness in setting clear expectations, managing communication, and utilizing student feedback. It includes structuredness, responsiveness, clarity of instructions, stressfulness, and helpfulness of interactions at all levels.
- Institutional & Instructor Communication
- Feedback Mechanisms & Surveys
- Expectations (Clarity, Difficulty, Quality)
This category pertains to broader institutional factors impacting student satisfaction and sense of belonging. It includes aspects such as fairness, environmental/social/governance (ESG) factors, institutional availability, culture, and general helpfulness/support from administration and staff.
- Institutional Availability & Support
- Institutional Fairness & ESG Culture
- General Institutional Satisfaction
This category encompasses all transportation-related services and infrastructure provided by the institution, including commuting, parking, public transit access, convenience, safety, cost, and overall travel experience.
- Commuting & Public Transportation
- Campus Parking Facilities
- Transportation Safety & Convenience
This category specifically addresses student wellness, mental health support, wellbeing programs, and overall balance between study, life, and personal health. It highlights institutional initiatives aimed at fostering healthy lifestyles, reducing stress, and enhancing student mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Mental Health & Wellness Programs
- Study-Life Balance
- Health and Wellness Support
This category addresses interpersonal aspects of higher education, including interactions with faculty, advisors, staff, guest speakers, teaching assistants, and fellow students. It covers agreeableness, approachability, professionalism, helpfulness, enthusiasm, and quality of relationships.
- Faculty & Instructor Quality
- Advisors & Counseling Staff
- Teaching Assistants & Tutors
- Administrative & General Staff
- Guest Speakers & Experts
- Peer & Student Interactions