Diana Sachmpazidi: Survey Instruments to Assess the Student Experience in Physics: A Data-Driven Approach to Improve Retention and Inclusion

Physics faculty are increasingly focused on enhancing specific facets of their undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular attention to improving student retention. Effective departmental change requires a strategic and deliberate approach that is grounded in evidence. Evidence-based decision-making plays a pivotal role in accurately diagnosing the underlying issues that impact student experience and persistence. However, there is a dearth of tools that can be used to provide empirical data of the student experience. In this presentation, I will introduce two survey instruments: the Aspects of the Student Experience Scale (ASES) and the Culture around Equity and Inclusion (CEI) survey. The ASES is specifically designed to evaluate physics graduate students' perceptions of departmental support structures, while the CEI assesses departmental members' perspectives on the culture surrounding equity and inclusion. I will discuss the motivation behind the development of these tools, the contexts in which they are best applied, and share key findings from their use across multiple physics programs nationwide. Finally, I will provide guidance on how to effectively interpret these data for both practical and research purposes, emphasizing their potential for fostering informed, actionable change.