Total Survey Error (TSE) is a component of Total Survey Quality (TSQ) that supports the assessment of the extent to which a survey is "fit-for-purpose". While TSQ looks at a number of dimensions, such as relevance, credibility and accessibility, TSE is has a more operational focus on accuracy and minimising errors. Mitigating survey error involves finding a balance between a achieving a survey with minimal error and a survey that is affordable. It is also often the case that addressing one source of error can inadvertently increase another source of error. TSE provides a conceptual framework for evaluating the design of the University Experience Survey (UES) and offers a structured approach to making decisions about changing and enhancing the UES to support continuous improvement. The implications of TSE for institutional research will be discussed using the UES as a case study. A bibliography is included.