Possible benchmark ranges included academic challenge (11 to 44), active and collaborative learning (7 to 28) and student faculty interaction (6 to 24). Benchmark scores were calculated by summing items related to each construct. In this study these three benchmark scales were added to form a total possible engagement range of 24 to 96. However, since two NSSE benchmark scales were removed in this study, this total score range does not correspond with the total range reported by the NSSE. Validity of the NSSE was assessed by the NSSE design team through well- defined items (face validity), research of the literature (content validity), factor analysis (construct validity), and review of the collected data (concurrent validity) (Kuh, 2001). Reliability was assessed utilizing Spearman's rho correlations between yearly tests (Kuh, Hayek, Carini, Ouimet, Gonyea & Kennedy, 2001). The NSSE was used with permission. See Table 3-4 for a description of constructs and reliability of the NSSE. Table 3-4. Construct Reliability of National Survey of Student Engagement Construct No. of items Mean SD Spearman's rho tAcademic challenge 11 33.18 .77 tActive and collaborative learning 7 17.92 .76 tStudent-faculty interaction 6 12.64 .83 Enriching educational experiences 12 15.57 .89 Supportive campus environment 6 23.06 .85 Total NSSE 42 102.37 .83 Note. Source: (Kuh, Hayek, Carini, Ouimet, Gonyea & Kennedy, 2001). Values reported regarding the senior population of college students. t Signifies scale was used for this study. Signifies value was not reported. Data Collection Procedures The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Florida conducted a formal review of the research proposal for ethical soundness. The research proposal was approved and assigned the IRB protocol number 2006-U-0078.