Beyond the Syllabus: The Role of Social and Cultural Infrastructure in the Perceived Quality of an Educational Program

This study posits that the perceived quality of an educational program transcends the syllabus, depending critically on an institution’s social and cultural infrastructure. It reframes the “survey fatigue” as a symptom of students’ weak connection to the institution, arguing that a truly supportive environment is built through integrated, not merely aligned, institutional practices. Therefore, the key to unlocking better data and getting a higher perceived program quality is investing in the social and cultural infrastructure, fostering a true sense of community and belonging.