SHORTER COLLEGE Assessment Week Sponsored by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment & the Division of Academic Affairs

What is ASSESSMENT? A systematic process of continuous evaluation. _______ It’s nothing new! We all engage in some form of assessment!

WHAT & WHY do we assess at Shorter College? Technology Admissions Financial Aid Student Affairs Registrar Fiscal Affairs Faculty & Staff Academic Programs & Courses Spiritual Growth & Development Alumni Administrative Services Business Office To determine: If our students are learning; If we are providing a conducive environment for learning; and If and where improvement is needed. Institutional Effectiveness

How do we assess? 1. Collect data through both direct and indirect measures; Direct assessments: Techniques that require students to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a particular area (COMPASS TESTING; Post-Testing; Readiness Assessment Test) Indirect assessment Techniques ask students to reflect on all facets of their institution (Surveys: Student Satisfaction Surveys; Student/Faculty Evaluations, etc) 2. Evaluate the results; 3. Share the results; 4. Determine action for improvement and implementation; and 5. Implement proposed solutions

When do we Assess? Phase I: Entrance Assessment Phase II: In- Progress Assessment Phase III: Exit Assessment Phase IV: Post- Matriculation Assessment COMPASS TEST New-Entering Survey Post-Testing Student/Faculty Course Evaluations Student Satisfaction Survey Retention Rates Academic Curriculum and Program Review Assess our publications Faculty and Staff Evaluations Readiness Assessment Test Graduating Survey Graduation Rates Alumni Survey Employer Survey Job Placement Rates

ACADEMICS (Academic Affairs and Registrar) ACCOMPLISHMENTSGOALS Prepared the academic units for self-study with TRACS for acceptance. Enriched academic and instructional programs. Student/Faculty evaluations revealed student perceived, in general, the classes taught were effective. Registrar services during the Fall 2013 registration process were rated as “Very Helpful”. Establish an academic center of excellence. Incorporate technology in the classroom and the library. Form partnerships for strengthening the academic programs of Shorter College. Strengthen faculty development plan.

FISCAL AFFAIRS (Business Office and Daycare Service) ACCOMPLISHMENTSGOALS Increased the Daycare Center enrollment (from 19 to 38 children). Prepared a long range five-year Strategic Budget. Provided text books for students through a textbook company. Initiate plans to establish a campus book store. Increase the Daycare Center enrollment by twenty children at the end of the academic year.

STUDENT SERVICES (Financial Aid; Admissions; and Student Services) ACCOMPLISHMENTSGOALS Provided Title IV financial aid awards to eligible students. Prepared a comprehensive recruitment plan. Started and maintained SGA and Student Ambassadors. Increased student enrollment from fall 2012 to fall 2013 by over 400%. Created a “Student With Disabilities” process and hired a Disability Coordinator. During Fall 2013 enrollment, services were rated as “Very Helpful” (Admissions and Financial Aid). Student orientation services were rated as extremely helpful and students felt prepared for the upcoming academic year. Implement recruitment plan. Employ staff and activate counseling services. Provide adequate staff and volunteers for the Learning Resource Center Computer lab, Library and Developmental/Bridge Program. Sponsor activities which will help students develop social skills. Engage in college/site visits to local High Schools, participating in High School College Fairs and other Community Based College Fairs.

Institutional Advancement (Technology; Facilities, Safety; Alumni and Church Relations) ACCOMPLISHMENTSGOALS Hosted health fairs, job and career fairs, workshops, etc. on campus. The Shorter Reporter newsletter was developed in both print and electronic formats. Capital Campaign was launched to renovate the SS Morris Student Center Technology upgraded on campus (Wi- Fi; updated computer lab; and smart boards) Deployed CAMS Shorter College Police Department Complete the renovation and refurnishing of the SS Morris Student Center. Develop plans for on-campus residential facilities. Develop an advisory board for Shorter College Athletics programming.

Suggestions and Improvements - Student Body- Instructors should be more available during his/her office hours; Student Orientation to be consolidated to one day; Add more Academic Advisors and Financial Aid; and Counselors during the enrollment period. Q & A Session

What’s New? All Surveys will be made available online (check ): All Student and Faculty Evaluations (prior faculty evaluations will be sent vial ). Student Satisfaction Questionnaire Student Learning Outcomes Report (faculty) Suggestion Box for Comments (everyone) All publications are available online: Student Academic Catalog Student Handbook Assessment Day will occur every semester: Fall (September) Spring (February) Assessment Committee Volunteers (all are welcomed)

Leadership & Employee Survey Victories and Accomplishments: Quality of Instructional and Support Services The reliability of service to students has improved; Student needs are continuously identified; and Student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates have increased. Suggested Areas of improvement: Have a more active employee suggestion system; Have an organization-wide training and development process for all employees; and Create a participative and comfortable climate where openness and trust exist.

What’s New? All Surveys will be made available online (check ): All Student and Faculty Evaluations (prior faculty evaluations will be sent vial ). Student Satisfaction Questionnaire Student Learning Outcomes Suggestion Box for Comments All publications are available online: Student Academic Catalog Student Handbook Assessment Day will occur every semester: Fall (September) Spring (February) Assessment Committee Volunteers (all are welcomed)