creating a culture of student affairs assessment katie busby, ph.d. jessica simmons office of...
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Creating a Culture of Student Affairs Assessment
Katie Busby, Ph.D.Jessica Simmons
Office of Student Affairs Assessment & Planning
University of Alabama
Outcomes Articulate nine strategies that can be
used to develop a culture of assessment within a division of student affairs
Apply strategies that will build a culture of assessment
Develop strategies that will build a culture of assessment and are unique to a campus
Culture of Student Affairs AssessmentA division of student affairs in where decisions are based on facts, research, and analysis and where services/programs/initiatives are planned and executed in ways that maximize positive student learning outcomes and program goals for stakeholders. A "culture of student affairs assessment" exists when SA professionals care to know about the results they produce and how these results relate to student learning. A culture of student affairs assessment is an integral part of the process of change and the creation of a student-centered environment.
Adapted from University of Georgiahttp://dataserv.libs.uga.edu/assessment/definitions/coa.html
Strategy 1
Develop a division-wide vision for assessment including mission and goals for assessment efforts
Vision could be that of an assessment unit, committee, or SSAO
Set assessment goals so that the work can stay at the forefront of the priority list
Examples of visions, missions, goals
Penn StateVision:We aspire to provide the highest quality data possible, collected through rigorous research methods, to improve the student experience by informing decisions regarding programs and services and demonstrating the contributions of Student Affairs to the mission of the University.
Mission:Student Affairs Research and Assessment (SARA) provides data about Penn State students, their experiences, and the campus environment, which inform the strategic planning and leadership initiatives of the Division of Student Affairs. Utilizing strong research practices, SARA examines the impact of policies, programs, services, and facilities on student satisfaction, learning outcomes, and student success.
Examples of visions, missions, goals
University of Alabama
Vision:To be an exemplary office of student affairs assessment that actively promotes assessment activities and contributes to the scholarship of assessment.
Mission:The Office of Student Affairs Assessment and Planning serves the Division of Student Affairs and The University of Alabama by providing information, resources, expertise, and leadership to advance student learning and program effectiveness.
Examples of visions, missions, goals
UNLV
To advance a divisional culture of evidence in which systematic assessment and evaluation are utilized to improve student outcomes, to communicate our accomplishments, and to hold ourselves accountable for achieving cluster, divisional, and institutional goals.
Strategy 2
Work within the existing structure of the division and university to create a strong assessment plan
University Assessment Council Division Assessment Committee Decentralized assessment activities Centralized assessment activities
Examples of different structures
The Division of Student Life and Diversity at IUPUI actively participates in the campus-wide Program Review and Assessment Committee (PRAC).
University of Florida formed the Student Affairs Assessment Committee (SAAC) to develop a proposal for a comprehensive student affairs assessment operation.
Strategy 3Establish relationships with individuals both within the division and across campus who are interested in or engaged in assessment work
Student Affairs Leadership Academic Affairs Institutional Research Faculty members with similar research
interests Stakeholders
Examples of good working relationships
At IUPUI a coffee klatch of “assessment friends” grew into a campus wide committee
Strategy 4
Disseminate assessment-related information across the division
E-Newsletter Executive summary of assessment
results shared with Leadership Team (and outside SA)
Use results properly
Examples of sharing results
Student Affairs Update - University of Florida
Press releases on office activities – West Virginia University Student Affairs Evaluation, Assessment, & Training
Campus presentations or mini-conference - University of Maryland Baltimore County
Annual Reports
Strategy 5
Develop assessment related professional development opportunities for student affairs professionals
Library Summer retreats Unit workshops ACPA’s ASK Standards
Examples of professional development activities
Book club Brown bag sessions Partner with higher ed program on
campus Assessment fellows
Strategy 6
Share assessment workload across the division
Involve interested staff Coordinate division-wide efforts Use existing data Answer similar questions across units Celebrate efforts
Examples of sharing the workload
Division-wide committees examine cross-cutting issues
Refine questions being asked by multiple offices – retention within the residence halls, retention within Greek Life
Strategy 7
Work with units to identify and involve an assessment champion
Determine interest level among staff Define expectations of champion
Responsibilities Skills
Offer training Establish communication structures
(periodic meetings, reports to Director of Assessment)
Strategy 8
Develop a web presence for assessment activities within the division
Reporting University reporting mechanism PDFs, access to reports online
Utilizing web to facilitate assessment projects
Assessment office or committee website
Examples of web presence
Student Affairs should be represented in university-wide online reporting mechanisms Georgia Tech, Alabama, IUPUI
Utilizing online survey and data management tools
Assessment websites within the division of student affairs
Strategy 9
Eliminate any assessment related anxiety
Educate, Provide Resources & Support (professional development), (library, web,
workshops…), (one-on-one consultations) Simplify the process
Communication & planning Meet them where they are
So how do I create that culture?
Identify the first steps that can be taken
Start with a small win Involve others Persevere
For more informationOffice of Student Affairs Assessment
University of AlabamaBox 870116
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487(205) 348-7939
Katie Busby, Director: [email protected] Simmons, Graduate Assistant: