Publication Date

Spring 4-27-2021

Document Type

Action research project: Open access

Degree Name

MA Higher Education Leadership

Department

Leadership Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the University of San Diego’s department of Student Activities and Involvement (SAI) could strengthen its assessment practices and execute consistent data-driven decision making. The following question guided my research: How can I promote a culture of assessment so that SAI’s programs and advising are directly informed by a more thorough data collection process that elevates students’ voices? Building on the work of assessment scholars, this study serves as a model for assessing student affairs assessment. By critically evaluating SAI’s existing assessment culture, administering assessments to understand departmental needs, and offering training in best practices for assessment, I enhanced collaboration between SAI’s student affairs professionals and produced recommendations to promote ongoing improvement. Ultimately, this study led to the creation of new assessment tools, training, and resources to sustain an equity-minded culture of assessment that elevates students’ voices and responds to students’ needs.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a CC BY License.

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