Creating a Culture of Assessment In Student Affairs: An Assessment Certificate Program Presented by Dr. Gwen Fears and Kathy Jicinsky 2016 Student Affairs Assessment and Research Conference June 24, 2016

Introductions and Session Overview Presenter introductions and experience working with assessment Session overview Session learning outcomes Context for assessment-related professional development at Miami University Major components of the Assessment Certificate Program Lessons learned & future directions Individual reflection and application Small group sharing

Session Learning Outcomes Participants will: Understand the components and outcomes of Miami University’s Division of Student Affairs Assessment Certificate Program. Gain resources about Miami University’s Division of Student Affairs Assessment Certificate Program (i.e. reading lists, session outlines and outcomes, conference schedules, etc.). Articulate 1-2 assessment-related strategies, ideas, or topics to infuse into professional development.

Building a Culture of Assessment: A Historical Perspective Common sentiments of assessment Structural changes within Division of Student Affairs Committee partnerships Multi-pronged approach Negoiating balance of breath & depth of impact

Overview of Assessment Certificate Program (ACP) Benchmarking DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago University of Southern California Stony Brook University Similar program at Miami but on a different topic Proposal Process Support and buy-in – divisional and institutional Funding

Overview of Assessment Certificate Program (ACP) Recruitment Cohort of 8-12 participants Various functional areas, staff levels, and ranges of experiences with assessment Application process Divisional buy-in and support Required supervisor support for participation Value add of Divisional leadership support Natural partnerships to create and sustain the program

Overview of Assessment Certificate Program (ACP) Learning outcomes: Participants will build assessment-related capacity and confidence. Participants will articulate the value and impact of assessment in their professional work. Participants will demonstrate making data informed decisions. Mutually beneficial program Individual Department Division

Overview of Assessment Certificate Program (ACP) Program components: Attendance at assessment-related workshops Active participation in brownbag lunch sessions with invited speakers Participation in an assessment-related book reading & discussion series Collaborate with participants to analyze and report on a larger data set Membership on a subcommittee of the Divisional Assessment Committee Completion of a culminating/final assessment project that will positively impact their work, role, and/or department Submission of a conference program proposal about the final project Presentation of final project at the Student Affairs Assessment Conference (in January or August)

Lessons Learned, Next Steps, & Sustainability Flexibility is key Continual modifications and tweaks Networking and connections across the program Online learning community Bringing multiple voices to the table but ensuring time for processing and context Value in diverse perspectives Pulse of the Division Sustainability of the program Expansion beyond Student Affairs

Individual Reflection What ideas have been presented that are worth exploring on your campus? Are there other ideas you have or things you have seen work other places? Is this something you could implement on your campus? Who are the partnerships and people you could involve in the planning and program implementation? Are there natural partnerships that you could explore and fuel part of the content? How do you leverage others’ expertise?

Small Group Conversations & Sharing What are next steps you can take in the next month? What are 1-2 strategies, ideas, or topics you could infuse into professional development opportunities at your institution?

Thank you for your attendance and participation! Questions? Thank you for your attendance and participation!