USM National Survey of Student Engagement

USM encourages students to complete survey to improve undergraduate experience

Makayla Morello, News Editor • March 12, 2026

Gorham aerial view

Published: March 9, 2026

The University of Southern Maine is inviting students to participate in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) this spring.

The survey, which targets first-year students and graduating seniors. It aims to gather feedback about students’ academic experiences, campus involvement, and the programs that support their learning and personal development. The results help the university evaluate how students spend their time in college and identify areas where the undergraduate experience can be improved.

Eligible students can access the survey through an email invitation or by clicking the NSSE icon on the MyCampus launch pad. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete, and student responses will help guide future policies and practices at USM.

Volume 57 Issue 13

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About the Contributor

Makayla Morello, Editor-in-Chief

Makayla Morello is the Editor-in-Chief of The Free Press for the 2026–2027 academic year. A junior at the University of Southern Maine, Morello brings experience in communication and campus advocacy to the role, along with a strong passion for public-interest journalism. Originally from Westbrook, Maine, she has reported on topics ranging from local civic and community issues to higher education and emerging technology, always striving to approach stories with nuance and curiosity.

As Editor-in-Chief, Morello is committed to creating a newspaper that connects and reflects the diverse voices of the USM community. She hopes to expand student involvement in campus media, strengthen investigative reporting, and continue The Free Press’s mission of student-driven journalism that fosters meaningful dialogue both on and off campus.

Morello’s path into journalism began during her second year of college, when she joined The Free Press as a Staff Writer before advancing to News Editor. After discovering a passion for reporting and storytelling, she transitioned from studying Elementary Education to pursuing Media Studies. Outside of journalism, she holds a black belt in karate and enjoys tennis, reading, spending time in nature, and being with family and friends. She received a 2026 Maine Press Association Scholarship and USM’s Promise Scholar Emerging Student Leader Award.