Renewing Commitment to Outcomes Assessment: Practical Means to Attaining University-wide Participation Dr. Beth Wuest, Director Academic Assessment and Development Ms. Lisa Garza, Director University Planning and Assessment December 10, 2007

Presentation Goals Reinforce understanding of the value of outcomes assessment Understand key elements necessary to implement a comprehensive outcomes assessment program Identify strategies for effective outcomes development and assessment Attain insight for establishing buy-in among various groups on campus Gather tools for developing common reporting styles

Value of Outcomes Assessment A means for continuous improvement of academic programs and educational support initiatives A venue for collaborative feedback among stakeholders Demonstrates accountability to external constituents Compliance with accreditation requirements SACS Core Requirement 3.3.1

Obstacles along the Way Skepticism by faculty and staff of the value of outcomes assessment Wariness of another time-consuming process with little actual pay-off Fear of potential repercussions for not meeting proposed outcomes Perceived lack of commitment by the leadership

Key Elements Leadership Commitment Centralized Support for Assessment A Culture of Continuous Improvement Linkage to Strategic Planning, Program Review, and Other Major University Initiatives Strategies for Outcomes Assessment Developing Outcomes and Assessment Methods Analyzing and Utilizing Assessment Results

Strategies for Implementation Build a common understanding of how outcomes assessment can and will be used Combine academic and administrative areas – We’re all in this together! Include all levels All academic programs – Bachelor through Doctorate All administrative levels – Department through Division Show exec summary – highlight info on method & response bias. Rates by dept of major. Main findings.

Insights for Gaining Commitment Begin with plenty of conversations and collaborations Develop common goals and outcomes Use a straightforward, simple, system-wide, and strategic approach Build on assessment methods already in place Provide new ideas and basic techniques for a program to consider

Tools for Outcomes Assessment Group Orientation Workshops and Training Sessions Handouts and Templates Individual Meetings and Consultations A Common Reporting System E-mail Reminders

Step-by-Step Process First Semester -- 1 Letter from the Provost Introduction to VPs & Deans 3 Series of handouts explaining process and providing support materials 4 Common reporting form 5 Meetings with College and Administrative Councils

Step-by-Step Process Second Semester -- 6 Series of workshops and training sessions on developing outcomes and methods 7 E-mail reminders 8 Individual consultation Initial submission of outcomes and assessment methods 10 Follow-up and feedback

Step-by-Step Process Third Semester -- 11 Reminder letters on results and action plans Workshops on embedding assessment in routine activities Workshops on data collection, results reporting, and action planning 14 Department consultation 15 Conduct assessment activities

Step-by-Step Process Fourth Semester -- 16 Analysis of assessment results 17 Submission of results and action plans Revision of outcomes and methods for subsequent academic year Implementation of changes to program/initiatives Assessment cycle repeated with attention to program improvement

Common Reporting System Electronic submission and retention of data Centralized repository for the university Ability to generate reports by program Accessibility for SACS Reaffirmation

Conclusion Communicate, communicate, communicate Build in flexibility Demonstrate use of data Reinforce the value of assessment Always provide and allow for feedback Maintain a culture of continuous improvement

Questions and Comments

Contacts Academic Development and Assessment Beth Wuest, Director Academic Development and Assessment 150 J.C. Kellam Texas State University-San Marcos San Marcos, TX 78666 512.245.2112 wuest@txstate.edu Lisa Garza, Director University Planning and Assessment 1080 J.C. Kellam 512.245.2780 LisaGarza@txstate.edu