Assessment & Research

The Assessment Cycle

Assessment is an on-going process of systematic inquiry.  Here are some examples of how the assessment cycle works:

Needs Assessment – based on survey results or focus groups, needs assessments help determine what areas of deficiency exist; suggests new programs/services; identifies what old programs/services may now be obsolete.  This may occur annually or as needed.

Student Satisfaction – this feedback gives us an idea of how students perceived their experiences with existing programs/services.  This may occur as often as we wish (following each event/program; once per semester, etc.)

Learning Outcomes – we are now encouraging greater emphasis on finding out what students have learned – has participation in our programs/services changed their attitudes, knowledge, skills or behavior?  This may occur as often as we wish (following each event, for example).

Internal Review – self study to ascertain if our unit is staffed appropriately, has adequate resources and/or facility space, and meets criteria advanced by our professional organizations.  This activity might occur every five years or so; or when new initiatives or shifts in student population occur.

External Review – for those units that are accredited, or have review boards sponsored by the professional organization, the external review includes a site visit by outside experts to offer suggestions regarding our unit’s functions.  This might occur every five years (more or less, as specified by the various external accrediting agencies).

Planning – annual/periodic critical review of assessment results, resulting in a transformation of programs/services, staffing, activities, or facilities.