Summer Assessment Camp: Developing Assessment Leaders in Student Affairs
Martha Glass, Ph.D.Jaime Williams, M.A.Ed.
Introductions
• Who we are• Our roles• What is your role in assessment?
Session OutcomesSession participants will be able to:• Articulate the nature of assessment in the Division of Student
Affairs at Virginia Tech• Describe how the DSA Assessment Summer Camp has
progressed since its inception• Identify changes in assessment culture as a result of Camp
implementation• Take necessary steps to implement an assessment camp or
institute suitable for their own campus• Describe how a culture of assessment can be developed in
student affairs areas
Relevant Competencies
Building a Culture of Assessment at Virginia Tech
• How we started– Assessment as an “add-on”
• Our need for accountability• Our need for proficiency• Assessment Roundtable– Evolution
Building a Culture of Assessment at Virginia Tech
• Common quotes about assessment:– Blah– Blah– Blah
• Artistic expressions (from the first Assessment Summer Camp)
Building a Culture of Assessment at Virginia Tech
• BIG POST-IT PIC
Building a Culture of Assessment at Virginia Tech
• BIG POST-IT PIC
Building a Culture of Assessment at Virginia Tech
• BIG POST-IT PIC
What Works for Your Campus?
• Important Considerations:– Time of year– Who is already committed?– Fun, “campy” things– Length of camp experience– Food
DSA Assessment Camp: Mission, Goals, and Outcomes
The DSA Summer Assessment Camp provides an introduction, common language, networking, and capacity-building to achieve the Division
of Student Affairs’ and University’s commitment to establishing a culture of
continuous improvement.
DSA Assessment Camp: Mission, Goals, and Outcomes
Goals:• Increase assessment capacity within the
Division of Student Affairs• Develop confident assessment leaders• Create an awareness of University resources• Build a community of leaders who can foster a
culture of assessment
DSA Assessment Camp: Mission, Goals, and Outcomes
Camp Outcomes:• Understand the role of assessment in the Division of Student
Affairs• Articulate the assessment cycle• Become familiar with assessment terms• Write goals related to department/program mission• Write measureable and meaningful outcomes• Develop an assessment plan• Understand the basics of assessment design and selecting the
correct method• Identify campus assessment resources
The Evolution of Assessment Camp
Year 1• Two identical sessions offered• Focused on providing an overview of
assessment and common language• Attendees consisted of “front-line”
assessment professionals
The Evolution of Assessment Camp
Year 2• Department directors required to attend a
session• Department heads encouraged to send
assessment project "teams” • More time for on-site practice• Assessment “Spotlights”
The Evolution of Assessment Camp
Year 3• Assessment “teams” encouraged again• Split experience into “Advanced” and
“Beginner” camps
Positive Feedback from DSA Assessment Camp
• Blah• Blah• Blah
Example Activity: Outcomes Mad Libs
• I need to refine this some more and then I’ll insert instructions…..
Three Years Later….
• Number of campers over three years…• Survey data• More assessment partners in the Division, job
descriptions…• A more interactive Assessment Roundtable
What’s Next?
• Another year of Advanced and Beginner camps
• Target SP responsible parties for Camp II (I can’t remember what this note means….)