Course Description
Program evaluation and outcomes assessment techniques appropriate for use by college student affairs divisions, which includes review of student affairs literature on evaluation and outcomes measurement, scrutiny of issues associated with assessment of out-of-class learning, published instruments, and qualitative and quantitative designs for outcomes assessment and program evaluation.
Athena Title
SA ASSMT & EVAL
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Pre or Corequisite
(ECHD 7400 and ECHD 7420 and ERSH 4200/6200) or ECHD 7940
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Critique and construct non-theory based surveys/assessments Write measurable program objectives that facilitate outcome assessment Understand the rudiments of developing theory-based instruments Select and evaluate instruments using basic psychometric criteria Identify key assessments and assessment-related resources used in student affairs Conduct a focus group Write assessment/evaluation reports, read and critique reports Identify and address common challenges of assessment/evaluation and understand the essentials of managing assessment work groups.
Topical Outline
1. The context for assessment in student affairs divisions A. Accountability imposed from outside the institution B. Quality assurance C. Affordability D. Strategic planning E. Politics 2. Components of assessment in student affairs A. Identify the purpose B. Select best (better) designs C. Select instruments or qualitative methodology C. Data gathering plan E. Data analysis strategies F. Reporting the results 3. Program evaluation methods for student affairs A. Understanding and using CAS standards for evaluating units B. Benchmarking programs and services using NACUBO data C. Formative and summative approaches D. Assessing student needs E. Assessing student satisfaction F. Assessing campus environments G. Assessing student cultures H. Assessing student outcomes I. Program evaluation models 4. Assessment and evaluation challenges A. Building rapport and defusing perceived threats B. Communicating findings in meaningful and useful forms C. Dealing with institutional politics and fear of bad public image D. Embedding assessment and evaluation into on-going programs E. Training staff F. Maintaining high ethical standards G. Using the results for program improvement
Syllabus
Public CV