The BYU Idaho Self-Study Overall Characteristics 200 page maximum 200 page maximum Abundant use of graphical displays Abundant use of graphical displays Thoroughly proofread Thoroughly proofread A comprehensive index A comprehensive index Uniform voice Uniform voice Liberal references to external documents Liberal references to external documents

Document Layout Style guide Style guide 2 columns 2 columns Serif font Serif font White space White space Section numbering Section numbering (Make it easy for readers to access and use the document) The BYU Idaho Self-Study

Organizational Structure Mapped to standards at highest level Mapped to standards at highest level Organization Organization Description (methods, evidence) Description (methods, evidence) Analysis & Appraisal Analysis & Appraisal »Conclusions (strengths, weaknesses) »Actions (solutions, plans) The BYU Idaho Self-Study

Instructions to Working Groups 1. Keep things simple 2.Back up what you say 3.Think structure, process, and outcome 4.Find meaningful comparisons 5.Seek multiple perspectives 6.Be improvement minded 7.No surprises 8.Follow the content guidelines The BYU Idaho Self-Study

SELF STUDY Unit Self Studies Studies & Reports Exhibits & Docs The BYU Idaho Self-Study

PROCESS & INPUT DESCRIPTIONS ANECDOTES & WAR STORIES REPUTATION FEELING & IMPRESSIONS

1. Follow an overall structure such as: Description (20%) Description (20%) Analysis and appraisal (50%) Analysis and appraisal (50%) Action (30%) Action (30%) The BYU Idaho Self-Study

2. Foster analysis and action through use of templates and specific guidelines. Sample unit self-study template Central aims (1 page) Central aims (1 page) Description of unit (1-2 pages) Description of unit (1-2 pages) Significant changes (1-2 pages) Significant changes (1-2 pages) Analysis and appraisal (8-10 pages) Analysis and appraisal (8-10 pages) The BYU Idaho Self-Study

3.Pose questions that require analysis and conclusions rather than description. Ask for evidence. Sample questions To what extent is your unit meeting accreditation standards? To what extent is your unit meeting accreditation standards? To what extent is your unit accomplishing its stated central aims? To what extent is your unit accomplishing its stated central aims? What is the quality of your students and their achievement? What is the quality of your students and their achievement? What do you consider to be the major strengths and weaknesses of your department? What do you consider to be the major strengths and weaknesses of your department? The BYU Idaho Self-Study

4. Find meaningful comparisons. Evaluation usually implies comparison with something. Do your best to tie your data to some comparative anchor such as (a) purposes and desired outcomes, (b) past performance levels, (c) established benchmarks/standards, (d) how well other departments in this or other peer institutions are doing, or (e) standardized tests. The BYU Idaho Self-Study

5. As for specific actions taken to address weaknesses and describe the improvement (or not) that resulted. 6. Tell your story by weaving all of these data, pieces of evidence, conclusions, and actions into a coherent statement that clearly shows who you are. The BYU Idaho Self-Study

Standard 3.B.1 Standard 3.B.1 “The institution systematically identifies the characteristics of its student population and students’ learning and special needs. The institution makes provision for meeting those identified needs, emphasizing students’ achievement of their educational goals.” -- Handbook, p. 51 The BYU Idaho Self-Study

The original submission During the annual Stewardship Review process, departments assess their ability to meet the needs of students as well as achieve their departmental mission and objectives, through the use of several assessment techniques. Most of these assessment tools take the form of student surveys, student focus groups, and individual student interviews. The purpose of this exercise is to identify the needs of students and ways in which the department can change to better meet those needs. The appropriate data is shared with respective university departments. Based on departmental and institutional data, changes are made in the departmental objectives, policies, procedures, and processes and documented through the annual Stewardship Review process. The BYU Idaho Self-Study

The rewrite: How what we do leads to action and improvement We continually monitor changing demographics and this has led to new initiatives for our: We continually monitor changing demographics and this has led to new initiatives for our: Summer students (enhanced summer programs) Summer students (enhanced summer programs) Upper division students (changed curfew) Upper division students (changed curfew) Married students (new housing) Married students (new housing) We conduct annual stewardship reviews to help us act on the assessment of student satisfaction. We conduct annual stewardship reviews to help us act on the assessment of student satisfaction. Available computers in library Available computers in library Enhancement of advising Enhancement of advising The BYU Idaho Self-Study

Data Collection “Mountains of data that never get digested or used to improve programs represent a monumental waste of faculty/staff energy and good will.” Task Force on Assessment, Willamette U. Task Force on Assessment, Willamette U.

Data analysis/synthesis 3. Establish benchmarks What are your criteria for success?

Good Luck & God Bless The BYU Idaho Self-Study