Student Assessment, Research, and Evaluation Office

Historically, UMass Amherst has been committed to assessing all aspects of undergraduate student life. In 1972, Project Pulse was established in the Division of Student Affairs to systematically gather data from students through the use of a Gallup-type scientific telephone polling operation. One year later, the Student Affairs Research and Evaluation Office (SAREO) was formally established to administer Project Pulse and to coordinate and support Division-wide research activities.

In 1990, SAREO changed its name to SARIS (Student Affairs Research, Information, and Systems) with the added responsibility of coordinating the Division's computerized information systems, including the management of the division-wide local area network linking all student affairs offices.

In 2002, the research function was transferred out of student affairs into the School of Education's Center for Education Policy. SAREO was reborn under the guise of the Student Assessment, Research, and Evaluation Office. While the name has changed throughout the years, the high quality research conducted by the office has remained the same. In 1999, NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, the leading voice for Student Affaris administration, policy, and practice, recognized Project Pulse as an Exemplary Program. Such programs are honored as being "models for other institutions striving to provide innovative and effective educational services to students."

NASPA Gambling Task Force Survey

Recommended Readings on Project Pulse Studies Pertaining to Diversity

Recommended Readings on the Methodology and Administration of Project Pulse