Assessing Administrative and Educational support units A Workshop in Assessment of Student Learning

Why assess AES units? While we typically think of assessment in colleges and universities as primarily happening within academic departments, assessment of administrative and educational support units is essential. While grading functions as a form of regular assessment within academic programs, and data on metrics like graduation rates are regularly collected, many AES units have no similar intrinsic assessment mechanisms. Assessing AES units can improve student outcomes, enhance a college’s reputation, promote more efficient use of resources, and improve working conditions for staff.

A Question of Goals One of the challenges inherent to assessing AES units lies in identifying specific and measurable goals and outcomes to assess. Typically, academic programs have clear goals and outcomes embedded in their curriculum, making choosing goals to assess easier. To define goals for AES assessment, it’s important to define three levels: mission statement, goals, and outcomes.

The Mission Statement Mission statements are broad definition of the purpose and values of a given administrative unit. The mission statement should fit into the overall goals of Brooklyn College, such as those defined in the Strategic Plan. In addition to the obvious purpose of stating the functions of a given administrative unit, a mission statement should reflect how the unit contributes to the education of students at the institution.

Goals Goals are broad descriptions of big picture, long-range intended outcomes of an administrative unit. While goals need not be specifically measurable themselves, they should be easily developed into separate distinguishable outcomes. Goals function as the starting point for the development and refinement of measurable outcomes.

Outcomes Outcomes for administrative units have been defined as “statements that describe the desired quality (timeliness, accuracy, responsiveness, etc.) of key functions and services within the administrative unit.” Administrative outcomes define exactly what the services of a given unit should accomplish. Outcomes must be specific and measurable, so that assessment practices can be undertaken to achieve them.

Example: A Tutoring Center Goal: “Provide high-quality and accessible tutoring for all students regardless of major.” Outcomes: Tutors are knowledgeable in their defined content area Tutoring is accessible to students Tutoring is available in student’s desired discipline Student find technology workshops helpful

Potential Tools for AES Assessment Participant (customer) surveys Employee surveys Employee focus groups Time use diaries Expert observations Forms and Procedures review Attendance at events Change in participation over time