Module 1: Opportunities for Growth

Since you are here to learn more about assessment, you at least value its role in improving programs and services for students! It can be challenging to engage in assessment work if colleagues feel unprepared, or if they feel unsure how to get started, or anxious about how assessment findings will be used. Many obstacles can be addressed early on by engaging in conversations about staff needs and concerns.  Staff may not feel they have the competencies to conduct assessment. This can be countered by offering staff on-going training. Furthermore, using the information in this module and throughout this course, you might demystify the assessment process and encourage staff to see the simplicity behind assessment practices. Most staff members will be excited to know how their practices are impacting students, and assessment is the perfect way to get staff this information.

 

They can also be encouraged to participate in national organization such as NASPA and ACPA, and their accompanying conferences. In addition, assessment needs to matter. This includes having assessment supported and reinforced at all levels of administration. While assessment is not often written into student affairs’ job descriptions, it could be.  If assessment were an expectation, then setting annual goals targeted to assessment skill development would be a worthwhile endeavor. More importantly, assessment progress and successes need to be recognized and celebrated. It is important to honor good works, and to recognize emerging practices too.

At the end of the day, the results and improvements to programs that can result from the assessment you completed will speak for itself.

Activity

  1. Please review The Profound Influence of an Assessment Leader Links to an external site. video [02:14] 
  2. Ask yourself: What qualities of a leader do I possess and which ones do I want to strengthen?