Evaluation
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Introduction
Introduction
Student affairs research and assessment practices continue to become more critical in understanding the work of professionals on college campuses around the globe. The explosion of research in the past 15 years provides the profession with a strong foundation to look at the impact of college on students. In this section,
Key Elements to Effective Evaluation
Key Elements to Effective Evaluation
Maki (2004) developed a systematic assessment cycle to illustrate the critical elements of practical assessment. The assessment cycle is an iterative process and provides a template that helps design assessment projects. This assessment process applies to all student affairs areas. Such an assessment is helpful for an individual program or for developing an institution-wide assessment plan.
Start with the Mission and Goals
Develop a Purpose and Goals for the Assessment
Gather Evidence: Articulate Assessment Methods
Interpret Evidence and Implement Change
Begin Again
Evaluation Types
Evaluation Types
Utilization Assessment
Utilization Assessment
This assessment, perhaps the least complex type, involves collecting data on the number and types of students who use specific services (Upcraft & Schuh, 1996). Although it is challenging to connect participation and other outcomes, such as learning and retention, it can be helpful as a place to begin the assessment.
Needs Assessment
Needs Assessment
Needs assessment, as the name suggests, is gathering data to determine the needs of a specific population (Schuh, 2009). The development of a needs assessment often is done before a program or intervention. However, it also can be conducted to improve a program or make a decision to cut a program.
Program Assessment
Program Assessment
Program assessment focuses on the effectiveness of a specific program (Fitzpatrick & others, 2010). Student affairs divisions develop and implement programs ranging in size and scope from a one-time time management program for students to a year-long training program for new staff members.
Student Learning Assessment
Student Learning Assessment
Student learning assessment seeks understanding what students learned from participating in particular program or experience. A student learning assessment focuses on what students have learned.
Satisfaction Assessment
Satisfaction Assessment
Satisfaction assessment measures serve an essential function in the work of student affairs professionals as they gauge students’ perspectives on their experience.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics are the essential functions of the department and division that lead to the fulfillment of the division’s mission. The KPIs represent the everyday management processes for the department.
Campus Environment and Culture Assessment
Campus Environment and Culture Assessment
Campus environment assessments seek to “evaluate how the various elements and conditions of the college campus milieu affect student learning and growth” (Upcraft & Schuh, 1996, p. 167). Strange and Banning (2001) identified four aspects of the campus environment: physical, human aggregate, organizational, and constructed as mentioned in the Campus Culture section of this module.
References
References
Ludeman, R. B., Osfield, K. J., Hidalgo, E. I., Oste, D., & Wang, H. S. (2009). Student affairs and services in higher education: Global foundations, issues and best practices. International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS) p. 22.
Mitchell, B. C., & King, W. J. (2018). How to run a college: A practical guide for trustees, faculty, administrators, and policymakers. JHU Press.
Sedlacek, W. E. (1987). Evaluating Student Support Services. New Directions for Institutional Research, 14(4), 49-57. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ir.37019875607?casa_token=GIh6C_bi_HsAAAAA:Gk-y7Ro3GgqFtDIeU-tDELxVZYuaxpu1Fm_Sowj-A_V61AgIgGs0c724G7ngsEHNS3TDfTH2R_-EcZFVcA)
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