All undergraduate students are invited to participate in Vanderbilt’s annual Quality of Life Survey, conducted each year during winter break. The data gathered through the survey helps the university understand students’ experiences and needs.
For nearly 40 years, Vanderbilt has used the QLS to improve student life on campus. Most recently, survey data has helped university leaders:
- to understand the impact of the pandemic on students’ mental health and levels of engagement;
- to quantify food insecurity and shape financial aid packages and university meal plans to address this need;
- to monitor alcohol and drug use anonymously as required by statutory programs, and to tailor prevention and intervention strategies; and
- to understand experiences of discrimination and marginalization by members of different identity groups.
The feedback received through the QLS plays a significant role in shaping university practices and resources. Historically, about one-third of the undergraduate population participates in the QLS each year. Please consider taking the survey to ensure that your experience is represented.
How to take the QLS
All undergraduates will receive a personalized link to the survey via their Vanderbilt email address the week of Dec. 20. The QLS should require approximately 20-30 minutes to complete and can be taken on a smartphone. The survey is completely anonymous. A third party administers the QLS on behalf of Vanderbilt, and the data is returned to the university with no identifying information.
The survey will close on Jan. 21, and the findings will be reported to students during the spring semester. All undergraduates are encouraged to participate and help shape the student experience at Vanderbilt.