International Assessment & Retention Conference June 9, 2007

Removing Chance from the Equation:Using Assessment to Connect

Programming and Students

Carl Ervin

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

www.siu.edu/~studdev/

Provide background of our programs

Explore inexpensive ways to meet institutional assessment needs

Understand how assessment can be a tool in program development and justification

Relate assessment results to enhance programs, seek budget allocations and public relations

Ways to encourage collaboration with areas outside of student affairs

Removing Chance from the Equation: Using Assessment to Connect Programming and Students

Program Objectives

SIUC: Overview of Facts: 2006-07• Carnegie Foundation classification: doctoral research university- extensive

• Eight colleges, graduate school, two professional schools (medicine and law)

• 16,294 undergraduate enrollment; 4709 graduate and professional

◊ 69.3% White; 14.9% Black; 0.5 % Native American; 3.1% Latino; 2% Asian; 5.48% International 4.6 % Other

◊ 1,607 fulltime faculty; executive/managerial 259;842 professional staff; 2,029 support staff

Why Assessment? Institutional needs and

priorities change Understand student

satisfaction Measure student learning

outcomes Provide information to

external audiences: prospective students, parents, alums, donors, legislatures, grant-funding organizations

Tight budgets: helps with decisions on programs

Accountability a major factor in higher education

Helps Student Affairs staff be dynamic and develop programs to meet students needs

Measure internal and external demand for programs

Study cost, efficiency, process and outcomes

Helps compare programs and services with peer institutions

Diversity Programs

Diversity

Philosophy

MPS believes that it is the

differences that make each

of us unique. MPS

promotes inclusion and

cultural awareness through

education, exhibition and

exploration.

AssessmentInstruments

Focus groups (qualitative data)

Surveys (quantitative data)

Student Voice (e-surveys)

End-of-month Planning Committee meetings

Sample Survey Results

In the 2005-06 academic year, 70% of the respondents said “Yes”, I have learned

about a different culture.

In the 2006-07 academic year, 96% of the students answered “yes” to the question

“Did the program enhance your understanding of the featured culture?”

Makes me think twice before I judge

Greek diversity day was an awesome experience; we came together for community service, a debate about diversity and worked to achieve a common goal

MPS programs help me overcome stereotypes

My involvement in cultural programs has helped me value my culture and not feel alienated from campus

Participating in diversity programs has inspired me to seek an understanding before judging, aided in self-reflection, and influenced me to seek knowledge wherever I may travel in life

Student testimonials about MPS programs

Volunteerism and Service-Learning

Service Philosophy

To prepare students for responsible and ethical citizenship. Help students understand that civic responsibility and active service are deeply connected. Students get a chance to change tomorrow by making a positive difference today.

Assessment Instruments

Focus Groups (qualitative data)

Surveys (quantitative data)

Student Voice (E-surveys)

AmeriCorps surveys

Event Evaluations

Assessment Results

During the 2005-06 academic year, 88% of students involved in Saluki Volunteer Corps either strongly

agreed or agreed with the statement “Participation in service has helped me achieve my academic goals”. By contrast, 79% of students not involved in the program were either neutral or disagreed with the statement.

During the 2006-07 academic year, 75% of students Involved in Saluki Volunteer Corps either strongly

agreed or agreed with the statement “Participation in service has helped me achieve my academic goals”. In contrast, 72% of students not involved in the program were neutral to the above statement.

Volunteering at the Abundant Health Clinic influenced my decision to study medicine

Involvement is the main reason I stayed at SIUC

Community service helps character development and is so rewarding

Volunteering reflects my values and makes me strive to be a better person

Involvement has strengthened my academic progress through leading by example

Service has heightened my awareness of social issues and elevated my sense of civic responsibility

Student testimonials about Service

New Student Programs

NSP

Philosophy

To assist new students and their families as they transition to campus life. To prepare students for vast educational opportunities and integrate them into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of

SIUC.

Assessment Instruments

Focus Groups (qualitative data)

Family/Student Program Evaluation (quantitative data)

Individual Interviews

Training Sessions Feedback

Assessment Results

During the 2005-06 academic year, 70% of surveyed students that participated in Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration rated the elements of the program (Information

fair, academic meeting, involvement panel, campus tour, etc.) as “Very Beneficial”

The 2006-07 academic year assessment is still in process; on-going. The last program will be held on August 18

SOAR PROGRAM EVALUATION GOES HERE

What a great first impression SOAR made for us!

Initially I was scared, but after attending SOAR I felt prepared and ready to go

SOAR was not only a good opportunity to become familiar with campus and what was expected of me, but it also was a chance to begin building new friendships

This was a wonderful program. I appreciate the opportunity for my parents to learn more about SIUC

Very personal, considering the University’s size – nice personal touch! As an out-of-state visitor, this program is very helpful

Everyone was very helpful throughout the entire process

Student testimonials about NSP

Major Program Examples

Iron Chef

Crocodile Tears

Dr. MLK Jr. Recognition Week

Noche de Gala

Day of Service

Make A Difference Day

National Youth Service Day

Week of Welcome

Saluki Family Weekend

Student Orientation, Advisement, &

Registration

Student Life Advisor Leadership Program

Conclusion / Lessons Learned Technology (web, E-flyers, online profiles, and

listserv) help market programs with limited money

Collaboration and co-sponsorships are key

Engaging students and discovering their needs versus their wants

Connect assessment data with student retention!

Share assessment results with internal and external constituencies

Recognize/reward engaged students- retention tool!

Conclusion/Lessons Learned (continued)

Focus on few programs but strive for quality through well researched objectives

Challenge and guide students to high expectations

Strive to recruit a diverse and large body of students

Utilize talents of Graduate staff and interns

Assessment important for leverage and budget justifications

Celebrate goals and milestones achieved

Recommended Readings

Maki, P. (2004). Assessing for learning: Building a sustainable commitment across the institution. Sterling, VA: Stylus and AAHE

Palomba, Catherine A., and Banta, Trudy W. (eds). (2001). Assessing Student Competence in Accredited Disciplines: Pioneering Approaches in Assessment in Higher Education: Sterling, VA: Stylus

Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving College: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition (2nd ed). Chicago: The University of Chicago Press

Astin, A.W. and Sax, L.J. (1998). How Undergraduates Are Affected by Service Participation. Journal of College Student Development. V.39: p.251-263.

Recommended Readings (continued)

Kuh, G.D (1993). In Their Own Words: What Students Learn Outside the Classroom. American Educational Research Journal. Vol.30: p.277-304.

Coburn, K.L. and Treeger, M.L. (2004). Letting Go: A Parents Guide to Understanding the College Years (4th ed.) New York: HarperCollins Publishers

Lundin, S.C., Banta, Paul, H., & Christensen, J. W. (2000). Fish!. New York: Hyperion

Please complete the survey so we can improve our program

Thank you for coming, enjoy the conference and when you depart,

have a safe trip home!

Carl Ervin cwervin@siu.edu

Mythili Rundblad rundblad@siu.edu

Cordy Love cordy@siu.edu

Presentation Organizers