“Assessment is any effort to gather, analyze, and interpret evidence which describes institutional, divisional, or agency effectiveness.”Upcraft & Schuh, p18
As part of its mission to advance the existing culture of assessment, the Office of Assessment and Strategic Initiatives helps departments across the Division of Student Life collect and analyze data to enhance knowledge, guide practice, and inform decision-making.
OASI provides training and resources to help departments successfully navigate the following:
- Preparation of the Division Annual Report, including the regular updating and maintenance of Key Performance Indicators for each department,
- Identification of student learning and program goals that align with the Division Tactical and University Strategic plans,
- Organization of activity codes
- Assessment and evaluation of program effectiveness, including survey administration using Anthology (formerly Campus Labs) Baseline
- Preparation and facilitation of program reviews
Quote from Upcraft, M.L., & Schuh, J.H. (1996). Assessment in student affairs. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
OASI Annual Assessment Cycle
OASI has in place a yearly assessment cycle. The following timeline details the activities in our yearly rotation:
Summer Deadlines
June 30 – Annual Reporting
- Assessment Plans (X3)
- Executive Summary
- Annual Data Form
- Spring KPIs (Link shared via e-mail)
- This reporting cycle will not include tactical plan forms.
July 1-30 Annual Planning Meetings
July 30th – Next’s year’s plans:
- Updated copy of department strategic plan
- List of department student learning and program outcomes
- Assessment Plans (3) Phase 1 only
- List of Surveys
Other:
July 15 – Summer Activity Code uploads due to Student Activity Roster System
August 16th – Summer KPIs due to dslassessment
Fall Deadlines
November 15 – Fall Activity Code uploads due to Student Activity Roster System
January 4 – Fall KPIs due to dslassessment
Spring Deadlines
April 15 – Spring Activity Code uploads due to Student Activity Roster System
June 30 – Spring KPIs due to dslassessment