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 Assessment A 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 Georgia

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 State Vision: 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 3 Establish 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 information Office of Student Affairs Assessment University of Alabama Box Tuscaloosa, AL (205) Katie Busby, Director: Jessica Simmons, Graduate Assistant: